Michael’s 500-Hour Volunteering Story
Story by Michael Rodger, Saltire Award Champion
My name is Michael Rodger, and I’m now 18 years old. I primarily volunteer with the 1st Gourock Scouts (CDO) with both the Cub and Scout sections. I was an Explorer Scout Young Leader for four years before recently becoming an Assistant Section Lead in May. I have also been volunteering with CVS Inverclyde as a Saltire Award Champion for the past year, where I am an ambassador of the Saltire Award scheme promoting young volunteering.
I got involved with volunteering because I’ve been involved with the Scouts for almost 13 years, so it only felt right to give back to the organisation. Explorer Scouts are often asked to be a Young Leader and being able to pass on knowledge, stories and share a love for the outdoors was an opportunity I couldn’t pass on.
For my role with CVSI, I’d got in touch with them about other volunteering opportunities when I was 16 years old, and from that I’d ended up participating in a computer repair and refurbishment course with Access Technology Scotland. I later saw that CVSI were recruiting Saltire Award Champions, and I thought I’d sign up.
My favourite part of volunteering has been working with the Hardie Webster (the Hardie Webster is the district camping competition in Greenock) Scouts teams. I worked closely with the practice team and this was so enjoyable – I was really put to the test and demonstrated both my practical camping skills and my leadership and communication skills.
Also, through volunteering with CVSI, I’ve really enjoyed the opportunity to go on local community radio talking about Scouting, Saltire Awards and volunteering generally. It was great doing something completely new and incredibly interesting. I really do credit volunteering with getting me into university, the majority of my Personal Statement was based on my time volunteering, and the Saltire Awards were a big part of that! It helped having a record of my time and demonstrating that I’d done 500+ hours!
Volunteering has also taught me lots of skills, from leadership and communication to boosting the confidence that I have struggled with all my life. Without a doubt I would definitely recommend volunteering. You get to know some of the most interesting people you’ll ever meet, learn skills and do things you can’t do anywhere else, but also give back to the community or an organisation. If someone was considering volunteering, I’d say find something close to your heart and go help the cause.
Charities are great but all the work they do is a testament to the efforts of the volunteers supporting them. I would also add that although volunteers are integral to organisations, for uniformed organisations such as Scouting, Guides, Boys Brigade, Cadets, etc. the members and young people are also so important. The amazing work they do wouldn’t happen without the young people coming out every week and giving their time, energy, ideas and enthusiasm!
How you can get involved
If Michael’s story has inspired you to get involved, visit Volunteer Inverclyde to explore current opportunities and find out how you can make a difference in your local community.