Ask Simone: Why is volunteering with Scouts #GoodForYou?
In this series, we speak to some of our volunteers and ask them ‘Why is volunteering #GoodForYou?’ Here's what Simone Roberts had to say.
Whatever you have to offer, you'll be welcomed with open arms to the world's biggest family!
What's your role in Scouts?
At Scouts, I have the opportunity to take on lots of different roles.
At the moment, I'm a Group Scout Leader, which means I support the leaders in a group to offer Scouts to young people.
I'm also a Young Leader Manager, so I support learning and development for our volunteers aged 14-18.
Best of all, I'm a County Trainer, so I get to develop our newest volunteers and refresh the first aid training for everyone.
My group is 3rd Hatfield Air Scouts, Mid Herts.
3rd Hatfield is the John Cunningham group. He was a test pilot who worked as an engineering candidate for the De Havilland company.
They made aircraft right here in Hatfield, including the famous mosquito which we wear on our uniform. We no longer have an airport, but we keep the spirit alive in the Air Scouts.
When and why did you start volunteering for Scouts?
I was in Scouts and the Air Cadets as a young person.
I was 18 when I first started volunteering for Scouts, and I wanted to give back after all the experiences I had as a young person.
What's the best thing about volunteering at Scouts?
The very best part of Scouts is the other members!
We meet a wide range of people, from young people to adults, and learn from them and their experiences.
Teaching and sharing learning is a passion of mine, and at Scouts, I can do this in different ways by supporting young people and training adults.
Volunteering is flexible – some roles are regular, but for others I can help out when I'm needed, so I give my time whenever I can.
Scouts gives me lots of opportunities in one uniform!
What skills have you learned or passed on to others?
Thanks to Scouts, I've learned a wide range of skills and I'm always surprised by all the things I know or can do.
I can do adventurous activities, but I can also run a successful Scout camp by managing budgets, writing programmes, and planning catering.
I love teaching and learning back-to-basics skills, like fire lighting. As a bonus, they always include marshmallows and the odd campfire song!
How has Scouts helped you in your personal life?
Being a Scout leader gives me confidence, excellent communication skills, and versatility.
I've learned to be a leader and not just a manager, which has opened doors for me in my professional career.
I've suffered with challenges to my own mental health, especially during the pandemic, but we kept Scouting throughout, meeting online, and continuing to innovate the program.
Having this routine supported me as much as it supported the young people.
We say Scouts is #GoodForYou, and I really believe it has played a key role in my own recovery.
What are some of your highlights?
I have so many highlights from my Scouting experience, like the opportunities I've had to travel, but it's the small things that stick in my mind the most.
When a young person who faces barriers reaches the top of the climbing wall, or finds their voice after struggling to communicate, or the adult leader with little confidence runs their first successful Scout evening – they're the things that really matter, and make a difference.
What’s your favourite activity in Scouts?
As Air Scouts, STEM (science, technology, engineering, and maths) activities are a big part of our programme.
We also look for opportunities to fly and take part in air activities, which have been the highlight of my Scouts experience so far.
Seeing young people take control of an aircraft or gliders, and hearing them speak over the radio, is amazing.
As leaders, we often get a chance to sneak a ride, and I never turn down a flight!
What other goals would you like to achieve at Scouts in the future?
Scouts continues to evolve, and I'm excited to be a part of it.
The movement wants to hear from its members, and I've luckily been able to share my views about the future of Scouts.
I'd also like to share more of my knowledge about how to support young people and adults with additional learning needs and disabilities.
Is there anything that could've improved your volunteering experience?
More volunteers! We always need fresh ideas to keep Scouts moving forward, and these come with the newest members of the movement.
What would you say to people who are sceptical about volunteering at Scouts/about Scouts in general?
Scouts is for everyone, and you can give as much or as little as you want.
It’s not just about those who run the evenings, we need treasurers, trainers, fundraisers, and occasional helpers.
Whatever you have to offer, you'll be welcomed with open arms to the world's biggest family!