Service is one of the important principles of the Order of the Arrow, and one of the best ways to serve is through volunteering. April is National Volunteer Month, and as Scouts we are in a great position to serve those around us. Let’s take a look at some of the opportunities that are available so we can “help other people at all times.”
First, why volunteer? Well, there are many benefits and reasons to volunteer. Offering service allows you to improve your own skills in important life areas, from plant identification to public speaking, while also learning new things along the way. Secondly, volunteering allows you to make a powerful impact in the areas you are passionate about and see how your actions can help other people or the environment. Finally, you get to meet awesome people who also share your interests and work with them to develop great friendships!
There are a multitude of ways to volunteer in your local community. Here are just a few ideas! First, you can help out at a soup kitchen or food pantry to help local families in need. Not great with people? Try volunteering at an animal shelter, where you can help take care of animals and increase their chances of adoption. You can also see what volunteer service opportunities your city is organizing, like planting trees or cleaning up local parks. If you prefer quieter environments, your library may have roles that you can fill by organizing books or recommending them to others. If you don’t have the time to make a volunteering commitment, consider donating some books or clothes you are no longer using. It can make a large impact!
There are also many ways to help out in your Scouting community and the OA as well! Staffing at your district’s camporee, or one of your council’s camps can be a very rewarding experience. With many induction weekends quickly approaching, lodges can always use more help with Elangomats, ceremonies, and more. See here for more information about the opportunities at inductions. Perhaps there is a vacancy in your chapter’s leadership roles that you can fill, or one of the available positions on the Section G16 Comms team appeals to you. All these are great ways to help other people with your skills and interests!
Finally, this is a perfect opportunity to recognize and thank those volunteers around you, whether in your school, unit, or lodge. We are surrounded by people who often dedicate hundreds of hours for our benefit, and most of the time we don’t even realize it, so for this month ensure that you appreciate their efforts by thanking them—a Scout is courteous and kind.