When I told family and friends that I was leaving scouts, they chorused: “But you love it!”

All our scout leaders are volunteers from many backgrounds. Some were scouts or guides themselves or are from families with generational links to the movement. Some were youth leaders and some have absolutely no previous experience.

We work together, laugh together and get it done. Just don’t ask some of us how to put up a tent, and if you snore, please bring earplugs for everyone else on camp!

I began helping 37 years ago, and I’m still here, long after my youngest (aged 32) hung up their necker and woggle.

Why? Because it’s (mostly)enjoyable.

Unlike your own children, other people’s listen, don’t sulk or answer back. Surprisingly, nothing beats the joy of working with enthusiastic scouts trying to accomplish something.

Sharing this sense of achievement from climbing the highest rope, getting the fire lit to making the perfect pasta sauce (yes, really) is unique.

Taking scouts on camp, for their first time or as veterans, which they are by the age of 12, is an adventure.

July 21 scouts IMG-20230714-WA0019

Scouts enjoying the outdoors (Photo: handout)

Yes, it can be mildly annoying, standing in a field for 45 minutes. (Scouts take this long to brush their teeth and get ready for bed.)

It can be a bit difficult to be enthusiastic by day four of camp after three hours’ sleep — strong coffee and lovely weather really help — and don’t mention the legendary Ireland camp when the army had to come and rescue us when the roads washed away!

The 401st Manchester Scout Group, which was founded in 1929, is now in the sad position of seeing its doors close. This isn’t due to a lack of scouts, but rather a shortage of leaders.

Jewish sports clubs and Zionist youth movements have valid places in our community, but there is something extra special about being in Jewish Scouts. We’re welcoming of people of all religious backgrounds and aim to give every scout the chance to shine.

Parents love seeing their children’s skills and confidence grow. Weekly meetings are varied, and we work towards badges, which now include digital citizen, bookworm and recycling!

Most “outdoorsy” Jews you come across will have been through scouting. You’ll know them straight away. They’re the ones who are not afraid to pitch in and get their hands dirty, have a canny ability to fix stuff (wounds, ladders, clothes) and they can extinguish fires quickly.

Former scouts/guides love sharing these experiences with their own children and speak fondly of their love of camping, kayaking and lasting friendships.

Camp is the absolute highlight for scouts and leaders. This year’s camp had the boys collecting firewood and cooking their own food — even storing it in separate milk and meat gazebos!

Lockdown was a pivotal moment for our scouts. Weekly online meetings were a highlight and scouts even camped in their own gardens.

The first real camp after the lockdowns was amazing — four days in the countryside with children who had been living with limited social interactions for months.

They sang, played games, did axe-throwing (which is much harder than it looks) and had a brilliant Shabbat afternoon hike. One boy described it as his “best Shabbat ever”. Priceless.

When we ask scout families for their feedback, the words: “fun”, “friends” and “being yourself” are the leitmotifs.

In my 10,000 hours volunteering over the last 37 years, I have gained so much more than I ever put in. Believe me, being a leader is just as exciting as being a young scout, guide, cub or brownie.

One cub told us he can’t wait until he is old enough to join the scouts. Please don’t let this cub down. Please come and be a leader. You don’t need any experience. Just enthusiasm and an hour and a half a week for the next 37 years…

Avril Frankl is about to retire as leader of the 401st Manchester Scout Group scouts.org.uk