Scouting

The phrase “it changed my life” is banded around so often that we all take it for granted. However, in this instance I can honestly say Scouting really has changed my life…

Before I offered to help out at our local Scout group where my son was in Cubs, I was a work-from-home dad that didn’t really have many outside interests – not social interests anyway! I have a keen interest in bushcraft, painting (but not playing) Warhammer, and model railways – none of which really lends themselves to social pursuits!

Anyway, since joining Scouts in 2022 I’m out nearly every weekend meeting new people, doing new things and helping young people step outside of their comfort zone and give new things a try. Honestly, it’s probably one of the best things I have ever done. As a side bonus, I’ve also found other leaders that have a keen interest in bushcraft, warhammer and modelling!

I initially started in Scouts as a Group Occasional Helper within my son’s Cub pack – that’s just the title you get as a parent that helps out every now and again. However I found myself going every week, and after a camp where a Cub just wanted to go home but I managed to talk him around, I wanted more than to be just a helper.

In 2023 I signed up, got my uniform and wood beads, and here I am now in 2026 as a Team Leader to our local Explorer Scout Unit and a member of the leadership team taking 36 Lincolnshire Scouts to the World Scout Jamboree in 2027. I still help out at my old Group, but I have definitely found my calling with the older Scouts.