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David Bentley

Scout Group  114th Braid Scout Group (Fairmilehead)
Role – Beaver Team Leader

David Bentley

Any former Scouting experience? I started my adult volunteering in 2010 at Fairmilehead when my eldest son started in Beavers. I have stayed with the Beaver Scouts since but occasionally help out in the other sections including Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Explorers. 

Any previous experience in Scouting? I was a Cub Scout back in the 1980s. A fair amount has changed since then though!

A bit about my role:
As a section leader, there’s a bit more to it than just showing up with the young folk. You need to co-ordinate resources, manage the programme and communicate with the parents. But it’s no great hardship and other adult volunteers are great at sharing the workload. And most of the workload is fun anyway – at least it’s different from your day job.  

Why did you start volunteering with Scouts?
There was a waiting list at our local Scout Group and I sensed they could do with a hand. Besides, I enjoyed myself at Cubs when I was younger and it was about time to put something back in!

What is the best thing you’ve done while volunteering with Scouts?
Camps are always a hoot. Especially the multi-section ones where there are loads of activities going on such as zip-lining, campfires and tug o war. For many Beavers it’s also their first night away without their parents so there’s a lot of excitement.

Have you learned anything new as a volunteer?
Some practical skills such as first aid and better camp craft. We also get to see new places and meet people from other walks of life such as firefighters, police officers and even astronomers!

How do you think volunteering helps in your life?
Well, you get to hone in your soft skills such as time management and giving instructions whilst keeping attention. But it’s also great to immerse yourself in something completely different for short periods and forget about work for awhile. It’s quite a social vocation and you get to learn a lot about your local community.

What would you say to anyone who is thinking of volunteering with Scouts?
Go for it. The great thing about volunteering is you can do as little or as much as you like. The time commitment is flexible according to the role. You will learn something different but most importantly its actually quite fun

Adult 

Volunteers

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