Ask Beryl: Why is volunteering with Scouts #GoodForYou?

Volunteering’s not just about giving back – it goes both ways. It improves your wellbeing, gives you skills for the future, and helps you make new friends (and memories).

Volunteers make a huge difference to young people's lives – giving them skills for life, while learning a whole lot about themselves along the way.

But don’t just take our word for it – take theirs.

Here’s what Beryl Moss, who’s been volunteering with Scouts for 40 years, has to say.

When and why did you start volunteering with Scouts?

I’d completed Brownies, Guides and Rangers in Suffolk, then I went on to complete all my Guider Training and ran my own Guide Company.

When I moved to Chelmsford in Essex in 1979, my next door neighbour was in Scouts. The local group needed a Cub Scout Leader, and that was it – I’ve never looked back. I’ve run Cub Packs ever since the 1980s.

What skills have you learned and passed onto others?

The skills I’ve learned are phenomenal. I’m not sure where to start, but I’ll list my favourites: handicrafts, pyrography wood burning, knitting toys, card making, stone painting, camping skills, bushcraft, fire lighting, and everything else outdoors.

I’ve learned how to be independent but at the same time, worked in groups with people of all ages. I’ve also learned a lot of practical and paperwork skills from doing my training.

I’m able to pass my skills onto young people all ages, including those who don’t speak English, and I’ve supported children with additional needs in my Cub Packs.

How's volunteering at Scouts helped you in your personal life?

Without a doubt, my skills and knowledge from volunteering made me become more employable. I’ve even used my Scouts skills at my job, since I worked on farms.

I’ve experienced mental health issues, which wasn’t easy, but the support I had from my friends and parents at Scouts helped me. While I struggled to do many things, I always managed to join Scouts activities and run my Cub Pack. My doctor supported me to be in Scouts and I was even able to join our Gang Show on stage. This helped build my confidence, especially since it was far beyond what I thought I could do at the time.

As well as making lifelong friends, I’ve attended three World Jamborees. I’ve been chosen to go to South Korea in 2023, which is an extreme privilege, and something I never expected to do. Volunteering’s given me the opportunity to fly and travel, and my Scouts skills have gone worldwide! At the international Jamborees, I always learn from young people’s experiences and I teach them skills to take away – like rifle shooting and bushcraft.

I’ve worked with the Jewish Scout community on Faiths and Beliefs, and I’ve learned new and different things about my religion. I’ve passed on my knowledge of religion through activities like crafts, and I’ve formed excellent bonds from this experience. I’m still in touch with my friends online from around the world, and I like spreading joy to others, especially if someone’s having a difficult day miles away.

Is there anything that could’ve made your volunteering experience better?

Truly, no. You can’t expect to have something if you don’t give back to others, so follow the Scouts training journey, put yourself forward, and have a blast volunteering! You’re always welcome to give as much or as little of your time, and I never have time to be bored.

Make sure you keep hold of your old friends – they’re gold – and meet wonderful new people as well. Also, no matter what you’re doing, make sure you laugh your way through and make light of the difficulties – that’s what I’ve learned.