Explorer Scout Young Leaders (YL’s)
Explorer Scouts in Cheshire have the opportunity to take part in the Young Leader’s Scheme which is just one of the exciting programme elements and awards in the Explorer Scout section.
Have you enjoyed your time in scouting? Do you want to continue your experience of scouting? At 14 years old, you are eligible to move onto the Young Leader Explorer Scout Section. As a Young Leader (14-18 years old) you are able to become a leader in the Beaver, Cub and Scout sections but you must become a member of the District Young Leader Unit. They are Explorers who choose to devote a large part of their scouting experience to other sections. They are also able to belong to an Explorer Unit as well.
The 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 and to become leaders of the future.
All Young Leaders in the Beaver Scout, Cub Scout and Scout Sections who are between the ages of 14 and 18 must be members of a Young Leaders Unit. They may also be Explorer Scouts who choose to devote a large proportion of their time in Scouting to a local Explorer Scout Unit.
Diane Blurton
Emma Williams
County Explorer Leaders (Young Leaders)
Cheshire, UK
@CheshireYLs
[email protected]
So what next?
We know that Leaders are hard to come by so why not have the Young Leaders help out at your section!
You can have 3 Young Leaders in your section at any one time. Hopefully many of these Young Leaders will become leaders of the future and give back to Scouting the great time and experiences that they have gained will they have been a scout. It is very important to encourage the Young Leader to develop and gain confidence and support them through their Young Leader Development as this will benefit them in their personal development and their section and your group and the wider world of the Scout Movement. Remember that all Young Leaders can also join in the with the other Explorer Groups of their district.
What does the young person have to do to become a Young Leader?
You need to discuss with the section leader about joining that section and then register with your District Young Leader section (ACC Explorers, Amelia Riley, can help you with this). You will then need to complete your Modules A to K but only Module A is Mandatory (it is also mandatory for Duke of Edinburgh volunteers).
Attend the Young Leader training modules
In each district these will be run differently either in a block or on a monthly basis and are usually district-led. There are 11 modules to complete and each one is designed to give you as much experience of leadership as possible.
| MODULE | NAME OF MODULE |
| MODULE A | Prepare For Take-off (now able to be delivered online during ‘lockdown’) |
| 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 |
Complete Young Leader Missions
Once you have completed your modules, you will then be able to complete your missions. By completing these missions it is an opportunity to put into practice the skills that you have gained in the modules. The missions will help you to identify what strengths you have and what skills you may need to develop for the future.
Scouting is an inclusive, values based Movement. Membership is open to all those who share our fundamental values. Click here for guidance on how the module and mission requirements can be adapted to suit each young person’s abilities.
Mission One – Game
Plan and run a minimum of three games with the section you are volunteering with. At least one game should take place indoors and one outdoors.
Mission Two – Activity
Plan and run an activity (not a game) with the section you are volunteering with.
Mission Three – Programme Planning
Take the section’s programme ideas to a programme planning meeting.
Mission Four – Delivery
Take responsibility for organising and running part of the section programme.
Moving On
Before you are 18 years old, talk to your section leader about continuing your scouting and staying on with the section/group and becoming an adult leader. If you have gained your Young Leader Belt Buckle while you have been a Young Leader, you will be able to wear the Young Leaders Service award on your leader uniform.
Welcome to the Cheshire Scouts Young Leader Explorer Scout Scheme we look forward to hearing all about your journey as a Young Leader moving forward to becoming an adult leader in the Scout Association.
