An Introduction from our new GLV

It’s great to be able to introduce myself as the new GLV for Studley Scouts. I’m very conscious that I’m stepping into the shoes of one of the best, but hopefully we can all work together as volunteers and parents to keep Studley Scout Group as strong and active as it’s been for as long as I’ve known it.

Scouting for me started with Cubs: I was very active with the 13th Leigh Cub Scouts, back in the days when we still wore caps and sock garters! We had a cracking blue and white necker, though! I still have great memories of some of the scrapes we got into on expedition hikes in the Pennines and I’m pretty certain we’ve come a long way in assessing risk since then!

As an adult volunteer, my journey began over 8 years ago, when Karen Marshall bundled us into the scout hut kitchen at Tanworth-in-Arden. My eldest had just started Beavers, but if nobody was able to take on the role of Beaver Leader, the section would have to close. Sometimes you have to step up to keep a good thing going and I enjoyed a good 5 years at Tanworth, seeing both my boys through Beavers and into Cubs. They have both stuck with Scouting, one now in Explorers and the other here in our Dragon Scout Troop.

My move to Studley Scouts and the Dragon Troop over 3 years ago was beneficial as it fitted in with my work commitments, but I have to say I have never looked back. We’ve seen some absolutely cracking scouts pass through our troop and go on to Explorers, plus we have delivered some great activities and badge opportunities for our young people. Long may these continue!

Stepping up to the GLV role was unexpected for me, but the same principle applies as when I first became a Beaver Leader: sometimes you have to step up to keep a good thing going. Most scouting volunteers will tell you that they see the most amazing things in the young people they work with; also that some of the simplest activities turn out to mean so much and make a huge difference. In turn, I think it’s important to be able to support those volunteers so that they feel they can undertake these activities confidently. I always felt that Karen was there for me, so if I can offer that back to scouting colleagues, and in turn to our young people, then it makes it all worth it.

Scouting has made a real difference to my life and my kids have really benefited from the movement. We’ve done so much together through scouting that we’d never have thought of otherwise.

Maybe you’d like to share the experience – remember that we never say no to taking on new adult volunteers and there’s surely a role for everyone who wants to help out. Give it a go, share the adventure with your kids and see how it changes your life!