So, what does Scouting mean to me? I think the short answer would be quite simply: everything. It sounds ridiculous but I'm certain that Scouting is literally in my DNA, so many of my family are involved in it and I grew up entirely surrounded by it, I had no chance of escape, it was predetermined for me! My parents are Beaver Scout Leaders and so my twin brother and I were often dragged along to the meetings in our little car seats to be watched over by 38th's founder Ernie whilst they led the meeting. Here's proof:
When I was growing up Scouting was a second family to me. It was a place to make friends, have fun and experience things I'd never have done otherwise. For example, the centenary camp at Bowley, where tonnes of Scouters camped and there were shows and all sorts happening, it was incredible. World Scout Jamborees are also something indescribable that Scouting does, where Scouts from all over the world meet in a different country every 4 years. My brother was lucky enough to go to one in Sweden, and this year some of the young members from the 38th are actually going to Japan. It's crazy, it really is. Scouting has let me experience so many things like gliding, real rock climbing, camps, amazing activity camps in France, meeting Bear Grylls, taking part in a show and even going to Disneyland Paris! I am incredibly lucky to have been born into a family that introduced me to this amazing organisation and I am even luckier to have the pleasure of being a leader within it.
Me and my brother as Beavers with the current Chief Scout
Now I'm 'grown up', Scouting has a completely different meaning to me. Yes, it is all about fun, friends and experience, but now it's primarily focused on making young people feel the same passion and enthusiasm that I do about Scouting. If, by my role in Scouting, I can make a difference in any child's life then that is more than enough of a reason to continue with it, in my eyes. I have witnessed all sorts of children pass through Scouting, people who have troubled home lives, people who don't live with their family, people who have illnesses and daily struggles, or just 'ordinary' people. Some of the young people that attend a weekly meeting with us need that break from the stuff going on at home, to just be young and have fun with no worries. If we can provide someone with a little bit of happiness then that is what it's all about.
Words cannot describe the proud feeling you experience when you get to watch someone grow through Scouting. For example, someone who may have originally caused trouble or been angry and aggressive a lot of the time who is now funny, pleasant and actually enjoyable to have around is such a rewarding thing to witness. To give people that opportunity to change themselves, to overcome fears, to learn morals and to be proud of who they are and what they do is amazing and I am incredibly thankful for that privilege. Scouting has been deemed 'geeky' and 'boring' and 'boyish' by the small minded people in society, yet if you give it a chance and really experience the things it offers, you'll understand that it is the complete opposite. I wish when people at school picked on me for being a Scout I turned around and told them that they were wrong. I should have been as proud to be part of it then as I am now and I hope that the young people I see on a weekly basis are proud to be part of Scouting too.
As I said before, to be part of Scouting is like being part of a huge family. It can be difficult, trying and incredibly exhausting. I will admit, there have been times where I've wondered 'why do I do this?' and wanted to give it up. What most people don't realise is my work for Scouting, alongside thousands of others, is entirely voluntary. I don't get paid for the hours I spend a week running meetings, preparing activities or planning events. I do it because I want to make a difference to people's lives. In relation to it being like a family, you form bonds with people you work with and I am sure that anyone who has been part of the 38th can vouch for that, and agree that when sadly members pass away or leave that we are all affected by it.
The fact that I, as a 20 year old Leader, am part of the future of Scouting is an honour. I take it seriously and I want to be one of the many people that ensure Scouting remains such a widely loved and appreciated movement. I have no doubt that it will be part of my life forever, in one way or another, and I embrace that idea with all of my being. Out of everything I have done in my life so far, I can safely say that this is the one thing I am truly proud of. I know for certain that I will never regret my time spent on Scouting and I hope this might help some people understand just why I am so dedicated to it.
Love,
Emma x
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