Volunteering creates unexpected bond to camping

Words by Indro Wijoyo, Scout Leader, BLIA Sydney - Kogarah Scout Group

It all started with Western Sydney BLIA Scout Group in Parramatta in 2019. We believe that having the life skills Scouts offer will help you establish resilience, leadership, and personal development. So we enrolled our son in a trial for a few weeks.

I was astounded that he was so involved and interested in this activity, and when he heard that the Group was going on a hike, he wanted to join in. It seemed unusual to me that he wanted to participate in these adventurous activities. He could not have inherited it from either me or his mother because we were both indoor types. I then signed him up, having no idea what abilities, difficulties, friends, or experiences he would make along this path.

Along the way, I noticed my son developing into a more skilled, outdoorsy, and resourceful individual. Earlier this year, when my son was transitioning from Cub Scout to Scout, my Group Leader Wan Jing asked if I might join as a Leader. I hesitated, because I'm not an outdoor person and have never gone camping. It was outside of my comfort zone. However, recognising that the Group requires additional Leaders to be sustainable, I allowed myself to take on this responsibility with the support of my wife and Wan Jing. 

In June of this year, I went on my first camping trip, a Scout Region Gathering, and it changed my perspective on camping and Scouting. All of the negative mindset toward outdoor camping had disappeared. It allows me to connect with nature more deeply, and I enjoy working with children. I can truly bond with my child now that we're doing the same activities. I even believe I have formed a strange yet powerful bond with camping, which is unusual for someone who never camped before. I've already spent more than 10 nights camping, and there will be many more.

Now my two children are in Scouting, and my wife has joined as an adult helper. I am grateful and proud to be a part of the Scouting community. It is a really fulfilling experience. I believe Scouting is one of the platforms through which we, as Leaders, can positively contribute to the personal growth and development of young people while also instilling confidence and resilience in their skills. I would like to encourage parents to become Scout Leaders or even parent helpers because it not only allows them to spend time with their children but also benefits the Scouting community. It is truly the best non-paying job ever.

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