Thank yous to volunteers

[Feedtheworld1982]

I was talking to my son's cubs leader yesterday, trying to get some hints as to what they drink so I can get them a little something as a thank-you for Christmas. Long story short, they have NEVER received a thank you or Christmas gift from a parent! These people are amazing; they give their time for free, teach our kids important life skills and keep them safe! I can’t believe they are not given as much as a thank you card! Is this everyone’s experience or just around where we are?

awww... i try to rustle up gifts for the DoE volunteers. They implied they never get gifts, too.

Mostly teachers, so stationery is an inexpensive excitement.

I was a cub leader for five years. There was one parent who gave us a (very good) bottle of wine at the end of the summer term.

It was appreciated but not expected. Nb dealing with entitled parents was one reason I'm not doing it now but it was not related to the lack of gifts.

I've been in Scouting for about 7/8 years now. In that time I've had two boxes of biscuits to be shared among 12 or so leaders and a notebook with pen.

What I'm most disappointed in is the fact you bust a gut taking them on camps and trips and not getting any thanks. People forget we are all volunteers and do what we do because it's great fun and not because we're paid.

Do I do it for presents and thanks? No. I do it for the expression on a child's face when they light a fire for the first time with a flint and steel, for the random hug they give you because they've had fun, and the funny things they come out with