Alistair Cameron
Scout Group Earlston Scout Group
Role – Chair
Were you a former Scout?
No previous Scouting experience. I joined as a parent volunteer in September 2021.
More about your role:
As Group Chair, my primary role is to ensure that our fantastic section Leaders have access to all the resources and support they need to deliver an exciting program of events for our young people in all sections. With no previous experience in scouting,
I took on the role with some trepidation, however, I have been able to draw on some great support from our Group Scout Leader and District Commissioner to settle in, as well as accessing the training materials available on Compass.
Why did you start volunteering with Scouts/Group?
My son is autistic and started Scouting within Beavers to improve his social skills and interaction with other groups. He had a fantastic time. The Section Leaders and parent volunteers went out of their way to make him feel included and valued within the Scouting community. As he moved up into Cubs, I started to attend weekly sessions as a parent volunteer in order to provide him with additional support, and an extra pair of hands to the Leaders where required.
What is the best thing you’ve done while volunteering with Scouts/Group?
The Exec Team has worked hard over the past few months to get our minibus back on the road after a period of Covid “hibernation”, and has been supported by a number of local businesses to whom we are very grateful for the support.
We have also reached out to build closer links with our Community Council, as well as launching an inclusiveness initiative to ensure that the cost of living crisis does not cause any of our members to have to drop out of sessions or activities. As an Exec Committee, we should be guided by our Leaders and provide an enabling environment that allows them to develop a high-quality programme in conjunction with their young people. We take pride in delivering this.
Have you learned anything new as a volunteer?
How to tie a knot for one thing! With no previous Scouting experience, it’s been fantastic to be part of the Cubs pack as a parent volunteer as well as my role on the Executive Committee. It really gives you an awareness of the hard work done by the Leaders in all sections, and redoubles my commitment to ensuring that we do all the necessary fundraising and infrastructure work needed to ensure they have everything they need to deliver a quality programme.
How do you think volunteering helps in your life?
I work a busy day job with a fair degree of responsibility. Volunteering with Scouts is a great release, and gives me a great sense of pride to be doing something to support the various Scouting sections that have a meaningful impact on my local community.
What would you say to anyone who is thinking of volunteering with Scouts/Group?
Just do It.
It’s #GoodForYou. Volunteering’s not just about giving back, it improves your wellbeing, gives you skills for the future, and helps you make new friends
South East Scotland Scouts
71 Bonaly Road
Edinburgh
EH13 0PB
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