Meet the volunteers

Why volunteer with SU Scotland? See what our current volunteers have to say...

"Volunteering at events is great fun! Meeting loads of new people and introducing them to SU Scotland for the first time is a huge privilege. I love meeting and getting alongside people coming to our stall at events to show them SU Scotland and how they can meet Christ through SU Holidays. It can be a great laugh working on the stall especially when we have the bungee run! It felt like a day out for me and not just the people I spoke to.

I was inspired to be a volunteer and leader at camps because of the leaders I've met through the years. I first came to know about SU Scotland when I went to a camp as a teenager. I've been going back to camp every year since; first as a camper, then as a trainee leader and now as a team member. I loved the atmosphere at camp, the care I felt and fun I had with the leaders as a camper. I could tell that all my leaders had a love from God to show to us campers and when I was old enough I jumped at the chance to show that love to a younger generation. SU Scotland has taught me so much and was one of the driving forces helping me make a decision to follow Christ. I hope that now I am an example which the campers I lead can follow.

My favourite part about volunteering has been meeting my best friends and getting to know them better by serving together. SU (music camp- am I allowed to plug it so shamelessly?!) camp is still the highlight of my year and always goes way too fast because it is a week not just for the campers to grow but for me personally and for us as a team. I have been privileged enough to be part of something big - helping young people meet Jesus Christ for themselves and for that I will always be thanking God."

Laura Porteous

"I became an SU volunteer through the commission training program. Having been on many SU holidays as a teenager, I knew the difference that SU volunteers can make in the lives of young people. As I neared the end of high school I felt God calling me to volunteer with SU. Since then I have volunteered at a variety of SU events particularly holidays.

It is an amazing privilege to be able to come along side young people on their spiritual journey with God, and to witness to those who haven't yet begun a relationship with Him. It is often mind blowing to see the difference in the young people over the course of an event as they grow in their knowledge and love for Jesus Christ.

As a volunteer at an SU event you work in a team made up of other volunteers. As part of the team you support each other in a variety of different ways, and in my experience SU events are successful due to the willingness of the volunteers to form a tight-knit team. As a volunteer you have to be good  at listening, not only to the young people, but the team leader(s) and also to God. It is important as a volunteer to be enthusiastic, ready to help, and willing to chip in with whatever is needed. This can be challenging particularly during holidays when tiredness can be a big factor, but God is true to His word "He gives strength to the weary" Isaiah 40:29. Through my experience as a volunteer I have learned more and more to rely on God for strength and guidance not just when things are tough but always, which has served to deepen my relationship with Him."

Jo Dowdall

"I became an SU volunteer because a friend suggested that I would enjoy it as I like working with kids. So I signed up as a leader at camp and as a trainee, came to discover what a living faith really means. Since then my faith has grown and been strengthened through my experiences as a volunteer. What I value most about being an SU volunteer is the extended family you become a part of and can turn to for support and guidance as well as just having a good time with. While volunteering for SU, I have had the opportunity to do many things, from cooking to leading bible studies, to giving short talks, to going abroad on mission and even practising my ten-pin bowling skills! It can be challenging at times, especially when you encounter a young person who challenges your faith and makes you ask 'why do I believe what I believe?' although the best moments for me are when you get to see how God has been at work in young people's lives."

Janet McRae