Scouting, volunteering and the workplace: Building skills that matter

 

 

I spend a lot of my spare time volunteering as a Scout and Beaver leader. While I always knew I was applying my professional skills to my volunteer role, I recently realised that the learning goes both ways; the experiences I gain through Scouting help me grow professionally too.

Having recently planned and delivered an incredible international trip to the World Scout Centre in Kandersteg, Switzerland — where we took 25 Scouts and Explorers (aged 11-16) to meet and mix with fellow Scouts from around the world — I’ve had time to reflect on both my personal development and the growth of the young people we took.

During our time in Switzerland, I faced some of my own fears head-on. I pushed through my fear of heights to hike up a steep mountain, navigate a 10-metre high ropes course, and even toboggan down an alpine slope! It’s amazing how not wanting to lose face in front of a group of teenagers can be a great motivator...! But, beyond my own experiences, witnessing these young people gain skills and confidence over the week was incredibly fulfilling. We’re not just creating fun experiences — we’re actively helping to develop the workforce of the future. In fact, studies show that people who were involved in Scouting as children tend to be above-average employees across a range of attributes, are 16.2% more employable, and score higher on leadership, teamwork and problem solving. [Ref: WOSM report: Measuring Scouting's Impact on the Development of Young People]

Scouting — and the encouragement I receive from fellow leaders — has also strengthened my own professional skill set. It has helped me grow in confidence and provided me with opportunities to practice and hone a wide range of skills, including leadership, project management, organisation, risk assessment and crisis management. Whether I’m leading a team up a Swiss mountain, cooking for 80 people in a field without running water, or fixing a tent in the pouring rain, these transferable skills serve me well in both volunteer and professional settings.

 

Scouting equips volunteers with practical, transferable skills that enhance workplace performance. Leadership, teamwork and communication are developed through guiding teams and coordinating activities, while problem-solving, adaptability and risk management come from handling unexpected challenges. Time management, project planning and mentorship further strengthen professional abilities, making Scouting experience highly valuable in any career.

 

I’d encourage everyone to consider volunteering in some capacity. There are countless opportunities available with various charities and organisations — and you might find that you enjoy it!