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Young Leaders - Information for Beaver Scout, Cub Scout and Scout Leaders

 Introduction
Note: This document is also available as a Factsheeet (FS452009 [PDF]) from the Information Centre.

This is a broad overview of the Young Leaders Scheme. It will help you as a Sectional Leader to understand the concepts behind the Scheme and its benefits for you and your Section.

 

 What is the Young Leaders Scheme?
The Young Leader scheme is an ongoing programme of training, designed to enable Young Leaders to work effectively in the Section that they choose.
 

 Who can take part in the scheme?
Explorer Scouts aged between 14 to 18 years can become Young Leaders. They can help in the Beaver Scout, Cub Scout, and Scout Sections. Young Leaders are still Explorer Scouts and are encouraged to take part in the Balanced Programme provided by their District. They are also members of the District Young Leaders Unit.
 

 Why do Explorer Scouts become Young Leaders?
Explorer Scouts become Young Leaders to:
  • gain the knowledge, skills and confidence required to become an effective Leader
  • further their own personal development
  • work towards other Awards for example Duke of Edinburgh
  • acquire the skills that are needed for the Adult Training Scheme
  • have fun!

It is important to remember that these young people have the potential to be the Leaders of the future.

 

 Should you support the scheme?
Young Leaders partake in a voluntary training scheme comprising a number of modules and project work. Examples of these include Programme Planning and First Aid. All Explorer Scouts are awarded Certificates of Achievement for participation in a Balanced Programme (like the Joining-in Award). They may also gain this certificate for their involvement in special projects, which may include being a Young Leader in a Section.

As a Sectional Leader you may be asked to sign off various elements of Awards that the young person is working towards or provide evidence for qualifications, such as NVQ's.

 

 Your responsibility as a Section Leader
While a Young Leader is working in a Section, the Section Leader is responsible for their safety and welfare. The Section Leader however must ensure that the Young Leader becomes a real part of the Leadership team and is given real responsibility.

If the Young Leader takes part in any residential or adventurous activities you should always obtain their parent or carer's permission. Consideration should also be given to the sleeping arrangements, as the Young Leader is not permitted to share accommodation with either the adult Leaders or the young people in the Section in which they work.

Remember, with the right support and opportunities, Young Leaders can be a valuable part of the Leadership team. They can help provide better Scouting for more young People. For more information contact Stuart Parker - Explorer Scout Commissioner stuart.parker@scoutmail.org.uk