Organization: Boy Scouts of America and Wisconsin Hunter Education Instructor Association
Volunteer Service: 38 years
What is the mission of the organizations in which you are involved?
Boy Scouts of America (BSA) is a youth-led leadership development program. We work to develop skills and qualities of leaders in youth in an outdoor setting. The Wisconsin Hunter Education Instructor Association is part of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) that teaches individuals of all ages how to be safe, whether they’re out in the woods or at home handling firearms.
How did you get involved with these organizations?
I got involved with both through my father—he was my leader when I was in Boy Scouts. After I became an Eagle Scout, I decided to pay it forward and become a volunteer leader. I now get to plan activities for the youth and lead two upcoming cross-country trips.
With hunter safety, my father ran the annual training program 10 years ago and, at that time, I assisted in the archery portion. Eventually, he influenced me to become an instructor and I replaced him as the Program Coordinator when he stepped down.
What is the most rewarding part of volunteering?
It’s very rewarding to watch the participants grow in their program and pass down their newly-found skills to younger generations. With Scouts specifically, I see young kids go through the program and mature into developed leaders, who eventually direct the younger scouts. It’s a rewarding transformation to be a part of, even if it can be hard to sit back as an advisor and watch them fail multiple times before they get something.
Can you share a memorable experience you’ve been a part of through your community involvement?
The macaroni incident during a scout camping trip comes to mind. The scouts had to make 15 boxes of mac and cheese for dinner and one scout wanted to combine all 15 boxes into one pot. So, we let them. The pot ended up boiling over and all the noodles mushed together. It was a learning experience. The next year we were boiling pasta again and the same boy knew now to split the noodles into two pots. When the younger participants questioned this method, he was able to pass down his experience so that they didn’t make the same mistake again.
How do you feel volunteering has changed you as a person?
I think it’s given me a better perception of how I live my life and has made me more patient. I can’t expect someone to know everything right away or even after the first attempt, and I’ve learned to use that same mindset for myself. It’s a process where we celebrate the increments along the way. New skills take work to develop before it can be a tool in your arsenal.
What have you learned about your community?
The community supports us just as much as we support them. My organizations tend to get a lot of donated materials, monetary contributions and volunteer help. In exchange, our community knows to reach out to us as a resource when they need it. In Scouts, we will help decommission flags or assist with service projects, such as raking leaves or cutting down trees for individuals that are elderly or disabled. The general work of hunter safety is to keep everyone safe.
What advice would you give other colleagues looking to start volunteering?
Volunteering can be the easiest thing to do when you find something you are passionate about. If you like animals, go to the local humane society; if you like the outdoors, check out the environmental lake association or DNR conservation services. There are always organizations that need your help. Once you find those organizations, volunteering becomes fun and something you want to give your time to.
What message would you like others to know?
When I was young, I noticed the same volunteers at our events year after year and questioned why they were always there. Now that I am older and one of those people, I realize it’s a pay it forward mentality. I am able to set a good example for those after me as a thank you to those who set it ahead of me.