Meet the Volunteer: Caroline Danks

Were you involved with Scouting as a child?
I was never involved in Scouting as a child, nor had I been in Guiding, but I love the opportunities that it provides for our youngsters and the challenges they meet.  I also love the fact that it is also an inclusive group, allowing children from all dynamics of life to join.  It doesn’t matter if you are not sporty, if you’re not academic, or if you’re not outgoing – everyone is catered for. 

What’s it like being a Beaver Leader?
As a Beaver Leader, I work with the rest of the team (along with our other Colony that runs on a Tuesday), to run a termly plan that works towards various badges.  Although I’ve been doing it for 6 and a half years, we always manage to come up with new and innovative ideas to keep us interested, as well as the children!  We also plan camps, community events, visits and/or District events.  Some people are put off by the commitment, but if you work together as a team, and share tasks, it really isn’t that onerous.  As a team, I plan perhaps 2 sessions a term, and can contribute or help others.  

How have you benefited from being involved in Scouts?
I achieved my Wood Badge in 2019 and found that as you continue through the week-to-week sessions, you achieve many of the learning points as part of this.  Along with the various online courses you can do, it gives you an excellent grounding in not just Scouting, but also many transferrable skills such as planning and budgeting. 

I have also been able to use my own work skills and was asked to be on the Appointments Committee for the District.  I hold interviews for newly appointed Leaders throughout the whole of East Lothian and this is done on a rota basis.  It is great to meet the wider community and to be able to welcome and encourage new Leaders.   

What is it about Scouts that you like?
My son is now a Scout, but I decided to stay with Beavers.  I love the sense of wonder that you get with any snippet of information you can give them, and the excitement of making a machine out of toilet roll tubes!  I feel very supported in my role and am lucky to have a great team around me.  I feel part of our team, but also a wider team in the Scout Group, and I love nothing more than a camp where you get to interact with not just the leaders, but to watch how many of “your” Beavers have progressed into Cubs, Scouts and even Explorers.  I’ve also made friends for life! 

What would you say to someone considering volunteering with Scouts?
If you are unsure about becoming a volunteer in Scouting, come with an open mind.  Don’t worry about the training, don’t worry about dealing with children, don’t worry about not having the right skills – just give it a go!  There is so much knowledge and support out there, that you are never on your own.  The reward of hearing laughter, seeing smiles and seeing them develop confidence and new skills far outweighs any restricting concerns that you might have.  There are many ways to get involved, and we always listen to what you feel you can commit to. Good luck!