As Scouts, we want our young people and adult volunteers to be just like the places we serve - full of amazing, interesting and diverse people from all corners of our community. It doesn't happen overnight and takes effort to find and connect with those people who may not see Scouts as being where they fit in.
So many Scout volunteers work hard, often behind the scenes, to make Scouting more welcoming to more people. For one new volunteer, this effort has paid off.
Meet Isaac, who starts this new term as a new volunteer as part of the Beaver Leader team at 1st Denmead Scouts, near to Waterlooville. Like so many new volunteers, Isaac enjoys volunteering, has prepared for the role and the 6-8 year old Beavers see him as a fun leader.
What our young people don't notice, but others might, is that Isaac has Down Syndrome.
While he may have been born with an extra chromosome, Isaac knows what he likes and since the age of six, the skills for life that the Scouts brings has been a part of his life.
Tracy is the Lead Volunteer at 1st Denmead:
Isaac is no stranger to Scouting as he started as a Beaver Scout with 1st Denmead as a happy 6 year old and continued his Scouting journey through to Scouts. After leaving Scouts he would pop in on occasion with his Beaver Leader Dad and help out.
Once Isaac turned 18 years old, he approached me about volunteering with us. After careful consideration of both Isaac’s needs and the needs of the Group, I decided to grab this opportunity with both hands.
Tracy Ramsey, Lead Volunteer, 1st Denmead Scouts
At the Scouts, we live by our values and respect and support for others has been shining throughout Isaac's story. Together, the Scouts are committed to representing our communities and giving our young people positive role models to help them learn skills for life. But that aim is really hard to do if we, as Scouting volunteers, don't reflect society.
It's also true that nationally there are over 100,000 young people who want to join Scouting, but are stuck on waiting lists (2024 census). We need more volunteers if we want to offer them the skills for life that Scouting brings and which can change lives for the better.
“I was really pleased and excited when Dad told me I could be Twig [Isaac's Scout name] again”. I really enjoy playing the games with the Beavers and also helping Oak [Dad, Chris] and Acorn with the activities. We especially like going outside.”
Isaac
Isaac's story shows us how playing an active role in the Scouts as a young person has helped him in life, and now he is ready to give back to the next generation, prepared with the skills to lead and inspire himself.
It's also the power of bravery of others to believe in him and to see the bigger picture of how this benefits our young people and society as a whole.
Isaac brings his infectious appetite for Scouting to life each week, helping and supporting our young people in any way he can. He is amazing with the Beavers and they think he is great. Having Isaac in the Group has shown how truly inclusive we are, how we can adapt to meet the needs of our youth members and the needs of our volunteers. It has shown that as a Group we embrace flexible volunteering and offer support when necessary so our volunteers can complete their training.
Tracy Ramsey, Lead Volunteer, 1st Denmead Scouts
Because our Scout volunteers come from all walks of life, it's right that we are flexible to their needs and find a role that suits any potential volunteer. Isaac was successfully supported by his dad, Chris, who also volunteers within the Beaver team to make sure that he understood every step of the volunteering process and was ready.
While there is much to celebrate about the Scout movement and the many volunteers who play their part, there is still much to do. While many adults who knew Isaac were confident he'd make a great volunteer, there were still some who were cautious and wanted Isaac to prove himself before he started volunteering which is not how the volunteering journey usually unrolls. The grit and determination Isaac showed in proving the doubters wrong only adds to his credit.
It is great to see Isaac develop in confidence and an absolute pleasure to see the Beavers learn that everyone can make a positive impact in Scouting and in the wider community.
We are lucky to have him.
Tracy Ramsey, Lead Volunteer, 1st Denmead Scouts
Bravo Isaac for taking the leap and we hope you have just as much fun, have just as big an impact, and learn just as many skills for life as an adult volunteer as you've done already as a Scout.
At Scouts, we celebrate difference and welcome everybody. You can be a great volunteer. Find out more and start your volunteering journey at scouts.org.uk.
Text: Steven Osborn. My thanks to Isaac's dad Chris for support with this article.
