Why I volunteered
The funny thing is, I've lived like a Scout all my life - I just hadn't realised it. Whether it's been running acting workshops for youngsters, taking on adventurous outdoor challenges or going on family backpacking expeditions around the world, I've been a Scout in all but name.
That's why, when I became volunteer Chief Scout in 2004, it suddenly all fell into place - I already live this lifestyle - I'm actually in a really good position to tell people that it is a very fulfilling one. Scouting has just recorded its biggest annual increase for 22 years with a whopping 15,000 additional members - girls, boys and adults and I like think this revival is to do with a realisation of what 21st Scouting is really about.
Volunteering is not about giving up something, it’s about enjoying yourself and having a sense of making a difference. Gone are the days of the put-upon Scout Leader in a dimly lit hall. Today, our Leaders get to do as much as the young people themselves, from canoeing and climbing to archery and obviously camping!
An increasing number are also very young, balancing volunteering with hectic work and social life. (Our Young Leaders’ Scheme for 14-18 year olds has also been a roaring success and really supported our growth – while giving the young people a huge amount of confidence and life skills.)
Last year, to help celebrate 100 years of Scouting adventure, I joined Hampshire Scouts on their Everest attempt. I filmed a documentary showing what it is like to be a volunteer mentoring young people on an international adventure. It was tough filming and trekking at the same time and I lost a stone in weight.
The highlight for me was reaching 19,000ft at which point I could only shuffle 22 steps and then rest for five minutes to due lack of oxygen - but our intrepid Scouts went on to summit Everest on 21 May, 2007. We want more people to experience the outdoors. That’s why, earlier this year we launched our KidsOutdoors campaign – aimed at inspiring a million new outdoor adventures.
Scouting is more relevant now than ever. In an age when parents are wary about letting their children out on their own, and young people are staying indoors spending hours gaming or online, Scouting offers a real alternative. Whether they're trying kayaking, finding out about Fair Trade, understanding environmental issues, gaining First Aid qualifications, they develop independence from the word go.
Our members are active, motivated and are not afraid to think differently. They get involved in many current issues, providing activities for those with special needs as well as taking part in major international projects. In India, Scouts and Guides have been working together in health screening projects to screen more than one million children for leprosy. In Africa, Scouts have taken responsibility for the peer education programme on HIV and AIDS.
Scouting can only happen when there are enough volunteer leaders to support it. Children are the future, and there is a unique joy in helping them discover talents they never knew they had. I believed that when I was working on Blue Peter and I believe it now.
The great outdoors is where Scouting lives and breathes and I encourage you all to get involved in KidsOutdoors at www.kidsoutdoors.com or join Scouting at www.scouts.org.uk/join Remember, it’s not just the young people that have fun.
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