Young Leaders' Scheme (14 to 18 year olds)
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Young leaders are explorer scouts who volunteer alongside adult leaders in a beaver colony, cub pack or scout troop.
The young leaders' scheme is just one of the exciting programme elements in the explorer scout section. Young leaders are young people, who are between the ages of 14 and 18, and volunteer as leaders in the beavers, cubs or scouts.
Our national young leaders' scheme helps explorer scouts to develop and grow as individuals. It allows them to make a valuable contribution to their community and give service to others. The scheme also helps them fulfil the service elements of their awards.
Young leaders play an active role in a sections leadership team, bringing a range of fresh ideas to the table, and acting as positive role models for the young people they work alongside.
Although the scheme is usually taken on by explorer scouts looking for a new challenge, young people from outside scouting can also participate if they are working towards their Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards or Queen’s Guide Award. They can do this by volunteering as non-members for a set period of time. For example, if they are completing their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh's Award, they can volunteer as a non-member for three to six months (the time required for the Bronze DofE volunteering section).
The young leaders scheme also has a training training programme for your leaders. It contains 11 modules and four missions for young leaders to work through whilst volunteering in their chosen section. These modules give them the skills and knowledge they need to be successful in their role, while missions allow them to put everything into practice with support.
As well as developing valuable life skills, the scheme is an opportunity for young people to make a positive impact in their communities and to fulfil the service elements of many of the top awards in scouting. Recognition of achievement Recognition of their achievements is available along the way, and on completion of the scheme, young leaders are awarded with an Explorer Scout Young Leaders belt buckle.
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The rewards
The young leaders' scheme isn't just about gaining more badges and enhancing your CV. These are just some of the things you’ll get from it:
knowing that you are doing for young people what somebody did for you when you was a beaver, cub or scout
making friends with people who have the same Interests as you
the adrenaline rush that comes from standing up in front or a group, saying what's going to happen and seeing It all come together
enjoyment - run the kinds of activities you love
the buzz that comes from doing stuff your own way
seeing beavers, cubs and scouts enjoying your activities
A time to achieve
Being a young leader is an adventure. It's like having a big mountain to climb right in front of you - you know it's going to be tough at times and the route isn't easy but getting to the top will be worth.
The scheme is all about achievement and it's a programme that gives you the opportunity to show what you can do.
More about the young leader training scheme
Young leaders undertake 11 modules as part of their training. The modules cover:
Module A - Prepare for take-off (essentials and expectations)
Module B - Taking the lead
Module C - That’s the way to do it!
Module D - Understanding behaviour
Module E - Game on!
Module F - Making Scouting accessible and inclusive
Module G - What is a high quality programme?
Module H - Programme planning
Module I - What did they say?
Module J - Communicate it!
Module K - First aid masterclass
