Being a Scout leader allows adult volunteers to teach young people things they might not get a chance to learn at home or in school

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by Mark brownlee
This Week Staff

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Ken Arsenault was never involved in the scouting program when he was younger. Given the experience that he's had as a volunteer, though, he wishes he had been.

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Ken Arsenault at the Scouting display during Canada Day celebrations in Riverview, holding Zoe, a doll that travels to visit Scout and Guide groups all over the country.

"It was one of the best decisions I have ever made," he says. "This is my tenth year and I don't plan on stopping anytime soon.

"It is a wonderful program that teaches essential life skills. I take home as much from them as they get from me."

By volunteering his time as a Scout leader, the resident of Riverview is helping kids in the area to gain a greater appreciation for nature while teaching important lessons about leadership and community.

What makes the scouting movement so important, though, is that it gives youth the chance to learn life lessons they can't necessarily learn anywhere else.

"Not all people are outdoor enthusiasts or have the time or money to do what we do," says Ken.

"Sometimes youth respond to other adults differently than they would to their parents, so we may be able to get something out of them that they may not do at home.

"I love it when I run into the youth outside of scouting. They always smile and say 'Hi, Scouter Ken'."

The various levels of scouting are designed to impart different life skills to youth. Starting at age 5, kids can learn about fair play and sharing by signing up for Beavers.

At the age of 8, they can sign up for the Cub program to learn teamwork and leadership, then take these skills to a new level by registering for Scouts at the age of 11.

The Venturer program is available for teenagers to make a difference in their community with minimal involvement from adult leaders.

"The biggest thing I hope the youth take with them for their adult lives is that fact that they can do anything they want if they try and that they are responsible to work hard to make it happen," says Ken.

As Scouts, youth participate in a wide variety of activities, making everything from the ever-popular cub cars and trucks to various crafts. They also have the opportunity to play games and visit different places.

But Ken says the opportunity to get outdoors and have fun outside should appeal to kids the most.

"I think the single most important learning tool is Mother Nature and we need to be in it as much as possible, use it to it's fullest potential and protect it so we can always have it," he says.

"I hope that the youth take away a sense of accomplishment and responsibility."

Scouting is about more than having fun and learning important life lessons. The Scouts are also involved with fundraising, not only for themselves, but also for community groups like food banks.

In fact, Ken would recommend volunteering as a Scout leader to any other parents who are looking to get involved in the community.

"The youth are only limited by their own imagination and ability to plan and execute their goals," he says. "It is totally based on helping your local community with offers of service to many different programs, even outside of the Scouting program."

Ken hopes that all of these elements - teaching important life lessons, helping out in the community, and having fun - will have the same effect on whoever is involved with Scouting, whether they're young or old.

"I truly hope we are making a difference, that is my only goal," he says.