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Who Are Explorer Scout Young Leaders?

Who Are Explorer Scout Young Leaders?

30 Nov 2024

Picture of Allison Gamble

Allison Gamble

Lead for Young Leaders

Explorer Scout Young Leaders are Explorers or Duke of Edinburgh volunteers who volunteer alongside adult leaders in Squirrel Dreys, Beaver Colonies, Cub Packs, or Scout Troops. They’re not just helpers; they’re role models, innovators, and crucial members of the leadership team. 

If you’ve got a Young Person in your section from school years S2 to S6, make sure they’re registered with your District! This will ensure they have access to all the training, support, and opportunities they need to thrive as Young Leaders. 

All Young Leaders aged 13.5 to 18, whether in Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs, or Scouts, should be members of a Young Leaders Unit, even if they don’t attend Explorers. There are three types of Young Leaders: 

  1. Explorer Scout Young Leaders: Part of both an Explorer Unit and a Young Leader Unit. 
  2. District Young Leaders: Dedicated to their role within the District Young Leader Unit, without being part of an Explorer Unit. 
  3. Volunteer Young Leaders: These are members of the public or Girlguiding who volunteer with Scouts, often as part of their Duke of Edinburgh or other Top Awards. While they aren’t members of the Scout Association, their contribution is invaluable.  

Got questions about the Young Leader Programme? Reach out at youngleaders@sesscouts.org.uk and get all the information you need! 

Young Leaders and Top Awards: The Path to Success 

 For Explorer Scout Young Leaders and District Young Leaders, the sky’s the limit! They can work towards Explorer Badges, Staged Badges, Duke of Edinburgh Awards, and the prestigious Top Awards – Platinum, Diamond, and King Scout Awards. Leaders are encouraged to talk with their Young Leaders about how the programmes they help deliver can also contribute to these achievements. It’s all about recognising their hard work, passion, and commitment. 

The first Young Leader Activity Day was an undeniable success, and it’s clear that these budding leaders are ready to take on any challenge. They’re building skills, making memories, and forming friendships that will last a lifetime. Here’s to many more adventurous days like this – and to the Young Leaders who make Scouting so vibrant and exciting! 

Who Are Explorer Scout Young Leaders?

Young Leader Day: A Thrilling New Adventure for Future Scout Leaders!

20 Oct 2024

Picture of Allison Gamble

Allison Gamble

Lead for Young Leaders

On the 5th of October 2024, an exciting new chapter began for young leaders across the region as they came together for the inaugural Young Leader Activity Day. With 62 passionate Young Leaders representing all seven districts and supported by 23 dedicated adult leaders, it was a day packed with energy, excitement, and plenty of opportunities to learn, grow, and make memories.

The adventure began at 10 am, with a warm welcome to everyone. After a brief introduction to the activities planned for the day, the Young Leaders were grouped and sent off to their first activity bases. By mixing up the groups, they had the chance to make new friends, share stories, and learn about what other Young Leaders were doing in their sections. This wasn’t just about skills; it was about building connections across the region.

Action, Adventure and Fun at Every Turn!

Throughout the day, the Young Leaders rotated through six thrilling activity bases. Whether it was testing their aim at Archery, working together to solve puzzles in Escape, balancing skill and teamwork on the Mohawk Walk, or throwing themselves into the creative challenges of Pioneering, there was something for everyone. They even had the chance to feel the rush of hitting a bullseye in Axe Throwing!

In between the action, there was also time for important conversations. The Young Leaders Forum allowed them to discuss their experiences, share ideas, and ask questions. Leaders were on hand to answer queries about the Young Leader Scheme, offering advice on how to navigate modules and missions, and providing guidance on how to achieve the coveted Top Awards.

Today has been a fantastic opportunity for our young leaders across South East Scotland to build friendships and share ideas with each other. The feedback they've given us as a Youth Team through the young leader forum has been invaluable and will significantly shape how we develop the young leaders scheme in the region
George Brightman
Youth Lead for South East Scotland
Click Here

A Day to Remember: Camfire and Celebrations

As the sun dipped below the hills, the Young Leaders gathered for dinner, but the day’s excitement was far from over. The real magic began at the campfire, where they were joined by Explorers, Cubs, Scouts, and Brownies who were also spending the weekend at Bonaly. There, under a starlit sky, they sang, laughed, and cheered. The atmosphere was electric as leaders and Young Leaders alike took turns leading their favourite songs, creating an unforgettable harmony of voices.

It was also a moment to celebrate achievements. Some Young Leaders were honoured with Top Awards, recognising their hard work and dedication. It was the perfect end to a day filled with adventure, camaraderie, and joy.

What the Young Leaders Had to Say

Great way to connect with new people, and reconnect with friends from other scouting events.
Emily
EmilyYoung Leader - Scottish Borders
The Regional Young Leader Activity Day was an amazing way to take a break from being at my section and having fun with others that are sharing my experiences
Hayden
HaydenYoung Leader - Braid
Really great time, would go again
Aaron
AaronYoung Leader - East Lothian
There was a lot of exciting learning opportunities with a great chance to find new friends and develop existing target practice skills through the activities put on
Carla & Ollie
Carla & OllieYoung Leaders - Midlothian
I really enjoyed meeting other young leaders and catching up with friends I hadn’t seen
Heidi
HeidiYoung Leader - Pentland
The activities were great fun and the people there were really enjoyable to be around. I would definitely recommend in the future
William
WilliamYoung Leader - Braid
Absolute banging, would recommend anyone to go.
Cameron
CameronYoung Leaders - Scottish Borders
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Who Are Explorer Scout Young Leaders?

Explorer Scout Young Leaders are Explorers or Duke of Edinburgh volunteers who volunteer alongside adult leaders in Squirrel Dreys, Beaver Colonies, Cub Packs, or Scout Troops. They’re not just helpers; they’re role models, innovators, and crucial members of the leadership team.

If you’ve got a Young Person in your section from school years S2 to S6, make sure they’re registered with your District! This will ensure they have access to all the training, support, and opportunities they need to thrive as Young Leaders.

All Young Leaders aged 13.5 to 18, whether in Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs, or Scouts, should be members of a Young Leaders Unit, even if they don’t attend Explorers. There are three types of Young Leaders:

 

  1. Explorer Scout Young Leaders: Part of both an Explorer Unit and a Young Leader Unit.
  2. District Young Leaders: Dedicated to their role within the District Young Leader Unit, without being part of an Explorer Unit.
  3. Volunteer Young Leaders: These are members of the public or Girl Guiding who volunteer with Scouts, often as part of their Duke of Edinburgh or other Top Awards. While they aren’t members of the Scout Association, their contribution is invaluable.

Got questions about the Young Leader Programme? Reach out at youngleaders@sesscouts.org.uk and get all the information you need!

Young Leaders and Top Awards: The Path to Success

For Explorer Scout Young Leaders and District Young Leaders, the sky’s the limit! They can work towards Explorer Badges, Staged Badges, Duke of Edinburgh Awards, and the prestigious Top Awards – Platinum, Diamond, and King Scout Awards. Leaders are encouraged to talk with their Young Leaders about how the programmes they help deliver can also contribute to these achievements. It’s all about recognising their hard work, passion, and commitment.

The first Young Leader Activity Day was an undeniable success, and it’s clear that these budding leaders are ready to take on any challenge. They’re building skills, making memories, and forming friendships that will last a lifetime. Here’s to many more adventurous days like this – and to the Young Leaders who make Scouting so vibrant and exciting!

Official District Photographs

Young Leaders update – June 2024

Young Leaders update – June 2024

24 Jun 2024

Picture of Allison Gamble

Allison Gamble

Lead for Young Leaders

My name is Allison Gamble, and I am the newly appointed Regional Lead for Young Leaders. I have been involved with the Young Leaders Scheme for over 15 years at district level in Derby East, Morningside, and currently Braid District. Young Leaders is a passion of mine, encouraging our next generation of leaders to gain skills that they can take forward into a leadership role.

Who and What are Young Leaders

Explorer Scout Young Leaders are Explorers who volunteer alongside adult leaders in a Squirrel Drey, Beaver Colony, Cub Pack or Scout Troop. They’re a valuable asset to any leadership team and play an active role in the section, bringing a range of fresh ideas to the table and acting as positive role models for the young people they work alongside.

All Young Leaders in the Squirrel, Beaver, Cub and Scout section who are between the ages of 13.5 and 18 must be members of a Young Leaders Unit.

There are three types of Young Leaders:

 

  • Explorer Young Leader – are Young Leaders that are also part of an Explorer Unit as well.
  • District Young Leader – are Young Leaders that have decided that they are only going to do their Scouting as part of the District Young Leader Unit
  • Volunteer Young Leader –  are members of the public or Girl Guiding who have decided to Volunteer with Scouts for an allocated amount of time for either Duke of Edinburgh or their Top Awards. They are not a member of the Scout Association. 

The Scheme

The Explorer Scout Young Leaders’ Scheme is the training programme for Young Leaders. It contains 11 modules and four missions for them to work through whilst volunteering in their chosen section. Modules give Young Leaders the skills and knowledge 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 Explorers to make a positive impact in their communities and to fulfil the service elements of many of the top awards in Scouts, or their Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. Recognition of achievement is available along the way, and on completion of the Scheme, the Young Leader is awarded with an Explorer Scout Young Leader belt buckle.

What can I do as a Leader?

Working alongside an Explorer Scout Young Leader (ESYL) opens up many great opportunities for a section. ESYLs can bring a range of different skills and experience to the section they support and can help invaluably with the planning and running of your section. This not only benefits your section but allows the ESYL to develop skills for later life, equipping them for successful careers, and to take on adult roles within Scouting.

More information on supporting Explorer Young Leaders in your section, click here

The best thing that you can do is encourage the Young Leader in your section to complete the Missions.

The four missions are designed to allow the Young Leaders to put the learning from the modules into practice. By doing so, they will gain in confidence and become an integral part of the leadership team within their Section and Group.

For more information on the missions, click here 

If you have any questions about Young Leaders, then please email me on youngleaders@sesscouts.org.uk 

Young Leader's Day

We have a confirmed date for the Young Leader Day on Saturday 5th October at Bonaly. 

We have a fantastic opportunity for Young Leaders from across the Region (all 7 districts) to come together, have fun and learn from each other. The event will be at Bonaly on 5th October 10am with registration starting from 0945, Finishing about 2030, please bring packed lunch, we will supply dinner (please advise of any dietary requirements, when you sign up). Cost will be £5. Young Leaders will need to sign up through their districts, we will let the districts know when registration is open. Places will be given to Young Leaders who have adult leaders attending to support the event. 

Leaders are asked to note their interest by emailing allison.gamble@sesscouts.org.uk or Youngleaders@sesscouts.org.uk. Ideally, we are looking for at least 2 Leaders from each of the 7 Districts.

If any Young Leader has ideas for activities they would like to see offered, please email Youngleaders@sesscouts.org.uk.

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