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

20 Oct 2024

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.

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

Really great time, would go again

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

I really enjoyed meeting other young leaders and catching up with friends I hadn’t seen

The activities were great fun and the people there were really enjoyable to be around. I would definitely recommend in the future

Absolute banging, would recommend anyone to go.

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:

Explorer Scout Young Leaders: Part of both an Explorer Unit and a Young Leader Unit.
District Young Leaders: Dedicated to their role within the District Young Leader Unit, without being part of an Explorer Unit.
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

Recognising Your Achievements

19 Jun 2024

Martin Elliot

Lead Volunteer for South East Scotland

Recognising Your Achievements

As we come towards the end of another Scouting year and a well-earned summer break, it is important to take time to reflect on the successes of the past year.

South East Scotland Region is in a strong position. We have continued to rebuild following the challenges of the pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis and have been able to grow new provisions, particularly in the new Squirrel Scout section, and to provide amazing experiences to nearly 7,000 young people.

I am immensely proud to lead such a dedicated, enthusiastic, and supportive region and recognise that none of this would be possible without the hard work of all our members – young people and volunteers. Therefore, I have been delighted over the last month to be able to recognise and celebrate some of the members across our region.

In May, I was thrilled to present a Commissioner’s Commendation to George Beattie, the first Beaver Scout at the 44th Braid Scout Group to achieve all of the Beaver Activity and Challenge Badges plus at least level 1 in all of the staged award badges. This is an incredible achievement, and it was clear the positive effect that Scouting has had for George.

I have also had the opportunity to celebrate young people who are helping to lead our sections as Explorer Scout Young Leaders. I was privileged to present two Young Leader Belts recently. Well done to Luca at the 35th Braid and Jess at the 60th Braid for earning this top award, recognising the huge amount of work that they have done supporting their groups.

Recognising achievements helps build self-esteem and confidence among our young people. Scouts, who are celebrated for their accomplishments, gain a sense of pride in their abilities and contributions. This confidence often extends beyond Scouting activities, positively impacting their academic performance, social interactions, and future endeavours.

But it isn’t just our young people whose achievements it is important to acknowledge. Recognising our volunteers is equally important, validating their huge efforts and expertise, and hopefully helping to keep them as part of our amazing organisation.

Today, I want to recognise a member of our Regional team, John Buchanan and celebrate a most remarkable level of commitment to young people through the DofE Award as John completes fifty years as a volunteer running the DofE Award.

John wears many DofE hats—as a leader with young people, a manager supporting our volunteers, providing DofE in our Explorer Units and Network sections, and providing guidance and encouragement to young people to overcome obstacles to completing their Award. Expeditions are a key part of the Award, and again, John is at the heart of this, both behind the scenes in managing and planning, as well as acting as an assessor.

I hope you will join me in expressing our huge gratitude to John for his outstanding passion, commitment, and experience over so many years, and the huge part that he has played in helping so many of our Explorers and Network members achieve Top Awards in Scouting.

I was also pleased to see several volunteers recognised for their contribution to Scouting in the region and beyond at the first Scouts Scotland Awards event since COVID. We also continue to see many volunteers across the region being awarded Good Service Awards. However, we do recognise that we can still do more to recognise the invaluable role that our volunteers play, and Mike Treanor is looking at volunteer recognition as part of his role as Volunteer Development Lead. You can also help to recognise volunteers by submitting nominations for Good Service Awards. To find out how, please speak to your local District Awards team or to John Bruce, Regional Awards Lead.

Finally, I would like to wish you all an enjoyable summer break. While I know many are involved in camps and other events such as the Blair Atholl Jamborette, I hope that you have time to switch off from Scouting.

Thank you for the contribution that you have made and continue to make to our region.

Skills for Life and Youth without Limits

19 Jun 2024

SEEE Team

South East Explorers Expeditions

Duke of Edinburgh's Award

Explorers are very active across our Region and are involved in a huge range of activities. DofE often provides a focus for their interests, with Bronze, Silver and Gold levels providing internationally recognised certification that dovetails perfectly with the Chief Scout’s Award Platinum and Diamond, and the King’s Scout Award.

Though some Explorers choose to do DofE through their school, many do it through Scouting, thanks to the efforts of a large group of adults who take on the task of organising DofE locally. As a result, from August 2023 to June 2024, the following Awards were gained in the Region:

83

45

17

Total number of Awards 145

Twelve of our Golds will be attending the ceremony at Holyrood on 5 July.

EXPEDITIONS

Hillwalking and Biking

This is the most high-profile section of DofE, and one which is often hard to organise at a local level. Because of this, we encourage Units and/or Districts to run their own Bronze expeditions, with assistance, if necessary, but we run expeditions for Silver and Gold at Regional level through SEEE (South East Explorer Expeditions). We have built up a strong team of excellent adult volunteers who have already been very active this season. We ran two training days in March plus one Silver Qualifier, and we are nearing completion of the June Practice expeditions:

7 Hillwalking Expeditions:

63

55

2 Biking Expeditions:

5

16

These include several candidates with Additional Needs, and we are very keen to emphasise that both DofE and Scouting will do everything possible to ensure that every young person can complete an expedition, regardless of the specific challenges they may face.

Canoeing

This season’s DofE canoeing is well underway, with 32 Explorers from across the Region undertaking training for their Silver or Gold Expedition.  The training we provide in canoe expedition campcraft, navigation, route planning and paddle skills is helping the Explorers develop their knowledge of something that’s new to many of them, and whilst the Explorers all have different paddling abilities they share a common goal of wanting a new challenge in how they do their next DofE expedition. 

Starting out with training sessions on the Union Canal, the Explorers have been learning (or improving) their paddling skills and then putting them into practice in more challenging conditions (and learning capsize rescues) on open water at Lochore Meadows and Loch Venachar ahead of their Practice and Qualifying Expeditions later in the summer.  Our special programme this season involves the Gold paddlers gaining moving-water paddling skills ahead of the chance to paddle the Lough Erne Canoe Trail in Northern Ireland next year for their Qualifying Expedition. 

If any adults are interested in joining our welcoming Leader Team providing Explorers with a fun, challenging and memorable experience paddling on Scotland’s lochs, camping in castles on islands and achieving new skills, or have Explorers looking to do their expedition by canoe in the future, get in touch! Our programme of training and expeditions can be seen on the Longcraig Explorers website (www.craigalmondscouts.org/longcraig-explorer-unit/).

Steve Hankin, DofE Canoeing Lead for SEEE

Email: steve.hankin@yahoo.com

First Aid

SEEE recently ran a first aid course for 32 Explorers and 3 volunteers. One of main aims for DofE expeditions is that the participants are trained and have the skills to complete their expeditions without direct adult supervision – and having a holder of an advanced First Aid qualification in each expedition group allows expeditions to be held in some of the more remote and adventurous terrain that Scotland has available.

We’re indebted to FAST Training (First Aid School Training), a community interest company (CIC) who focus on training many hundreds of young people each year in Scottish schools, and have expert trainers drawn from the emergency services and mountain rescue. 

We’re delighted to announce that everyone gained two externally recognised qualifications:

First Aid at Work which would allow them to be a First Aider in any workplace.
Outdoor First Aid (16 Hours).

For our expeditions, it means they have the highest level of First Aid qualification required in Scouting for adventurous and remote activities, and the technical knowledge to act a trainer for First Response.

Volunteering

This key section of DofE is also fundamental in Scouting. Many Explorers are Young Leaders, and they make a huge contribution to the younger sections they help. Others are sports coaches in schools or clubs, assistants in charity shops, part of an environmental team … the list is endless. Each year DofE adds up the hours of volunteering and this certificate shows the hours recorded in our Region:

It is worth noting that the actual time given could be much more. For instance, a Young Leader helping for 3 months with a Cub Pack meeting for one hour is likely to be doing nearer an hour and a half per week, plus work on their YL Training, though it counts as only one hour per week for DofE.

Residential

The Residential, an extra section for Gold DofE, can be tricky to arrange, and covers many areas. The Blair Atholl Jamborette has always been a popular option for adult leaders, but Explorers can now use it, too, so long as they have arranged it properly in advance. Others have attended the excellent Bushcraft course at Meggernie, or the Environmental course at Fordell Firs, or have helped with events at Lochgoilhead.

Administration

Exploring

Explorers live up to their name, and many Units are quite hard to track down, as they do not meet that often in their hall. Apart from doing expeditions, being Young Leaders and completing DofE, they are currently focused on things such as:

Blair Atholl Jamborette
International trips like Kandersteg
All sorts of camps, hikes and adventurous activities
Meeting with Explorers from other Units

These wonderfully varied activities certainly build the Skills for Life that we aim to provide in Scouting, for Youth without Limits as envisaged by DofE.

Adults

None of the above would happen without the involvement of our dedicated adult leaders, assistants, trainers and helpers, and we can always use more. There are opportunities to be a Leader with a Unit, to support DofE or, of course, to help run the Expedition section. For expeditions, we would be very happy to hear from anyone with skills in hillwalking, biking or paddling who could offer at least one day. Note that it is not necessary to have a permit to assist, and we would advise on any Scouting procedures required. If you are interested in any of the above, please contact us using expeditions@sesscouts.org.uk.

John Buchanan and the SEEE team

https://see-expeditions.org.uk/

Graham Coulson awarded MBE in Kings Birthday Honours List 2024

15 Jun 2024

We are proud and delighted to share that South East Scotland Scouts very own, Graham Coulson has become a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire by being awarded an MBE in the Kings Birthday Honours List for 2024 for services to Scouting and to the community in Selkirk, Roxburgh, Ettrick and Lauderdale.

This follows on from receiving Scouting’s highest award, the Silver Wolf, in 2013.

Graham has led the way in improving the inclusivity of Scouting throughout the Region, but also across the UK in his role as the Practice Lead for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion for UK Scouts.

This has seen initiatives such as training to support members with additional support needs, mental health awareness, and our first Regional attendance at Pride Edinburgh come to fruition.

Inclusion is an area that is easy to talk about, but what marks Graham out is the way that he has backed up what he says with action and his happiness to develop others through training and mentoring so that they can do likewise.

Locally, Graham’s dedication to Scouting in the Scottish Borders is evident by his willingness to step into the role of District Commissioner during the COVID pandemic to provide leadership and support to volunteers and young people during an unprecedented challenge to Scouting, and through his hard work, Scouting continued to provide safe and fun opportunities to young people. All of this is done on top of his regular commitment as a Cub Scout Leader in his local group in Selkirk where he is highly regarded by young people, parents, and fellow volunteers.

Alan Gueldner, District Lead Volunteer for The Borders said “Well done Graham, on this well deserved award. This award recognises Graham’s immense contribution to Scouting in the Scottish Borders but also nationally and internationally, as well as his long service to the Selkirk community.”

Martin Elliot, Lead Volunteer for South East Scotland said: “Graham has made an enormous contribution to Scouting in the South East for over 50 years, and I’m overjoyed to see him recognised with this award. Graham’s work on Diversity and inclusion in particular has had a huge impact, locally, nationally and Internationally.

Personally, Graham has been a mentor to me in this important area in my various roles and, in particular, since I took on the role of Regional Commissioner in 2021.”

Congratulations Graham. Everyone involved in Scouting in the South East Scotland region is immensely proud of you.

Windsor Day of Celebration and Achievement 2024

11 May 2024

South East Scotland member, Pippa Skinner recently travelled down to Windsor to take part in the Day of Celebration and Achievement with 400 other scouts from across the United Kingdom.

The day itself is an opportunity for The Scout Association to celebrate and highlight the outstanding commitment and achievement of our King’s Scouts, Gallantry and Meritorious award recipients and adult volunteers. We caught up with Pippa to find out more about the journey that started in 2015 and culminated with receiving her King’s Scout Award in 2024.

On 21st April, I was part of the Scottish contingent attending the Day of Celebration and Achievement at Windsor Castle to be awarded my King’s Scout Award.

My journey to Windsor began in 2015 when I joined 122nd Craigalmond (Comely Bank) Scout Troop. With the support of my Scout Leader, Graham Scrimgeour, and the 122nd leadership team, I took part in many activities over my 4 years in the troop. Highlights included going to a Danish Jamboree in 2017, camping (generally in the rain), abseiling, hiking and sailing at Lochgoilhead. With the encouragement of my Group Lead Volunteer, Graeme Robertson, I attended the World Scout Jamboree in West Virginia in 2019, which really gave me the appetite to achieve my King’s Scout Award.

Moving up to the Pink Panther Explorer Unit, this opened up new opportunities to continue ticking off the stages for KSA. This included several novel and exciting activities created by Pink Panther Explorer Unit Leader, Fraser Dunmore including camps at Canty Bay and Weymss Firs, while also completing my expeditions and leadership challenges. This all culminated in camping in Finland for 2 weeks in 2022.

My day at Windsor began by meeting other King’s Scout Award holders, which reminded me of the friendships I’ve made across the wider Scouting community and the challenges we have shared in achieving our awards. As the Scottish contingent led the 400 other awardees onto the Quadrangle at Windsor Castle, the sense of occasion and our shared experiences really hit home.

It’s at this point I realised the contribution Scout Leaders make in our development, and particularly the impact Graham, Graeme and Fraser had in developing my #SkillsForLife.

For anyone wondering if they should take on this challenge themselves and become a King’s Scout, I’d say, Just go for it and take advantage of all the opportunities you are offered. It’s all so much easier than you think, and you’ll be proud of what you achieve.

I am now at the University of Exeter, and these skills made my move much easier and helped me to develop new connections and friendships.

Everyone here at South East Scotland Scouts are immensely proud of Pippa and all of the Young People who have worked so hard and achieved so much.

While congratulating Pippa, Fraser Dunmore, Pink Panthers Explorer Scout Unit Leader stated that Pippas’ “proactive approach to seizing every opportunity has resulted in an incredible journey. The life skills you’ve gained are invaluable”. Fraser continued by encouraging “all Explorers and Network members to embrace Scouting opportunities and pursue the King Scout Award challenge!”

122nd Craigalmond (Comley Bank) Group Lead Volunteer, Graeme Robertson noted that “Pippa is the first former Scout from the Comely Bank Scouts in living memory to have achieved the top award in Scouting. It has been an absolute delight to see her grow from a timid young Scout to a confident young adult, and we were lucky to welcome her back as a Young Leader with our Troop, while she was completing the service elements of her King’s Scout Award.

I often talk to others (both within and outwith Scouting) about Pippa being a shining example of the opportunities Scouting can offer to young people, and the fantastic outcomes that Scouting can help them achieve. It has been both a privilege and a pleasure to have played a small part in supporting her progress through Scouting.”

Chief Scout, Bear Grylls OBE stated that “Our King’s Scouts make us all so proud. They’ve shown the courage, the kindness and the commitment to tackle anything in life, helping others and serving their communities. Not just of this great movement, but of our country too”

Windsor – Take Centre Stage

If, like Pippa, you’ve gained your Queen’s Scout Award or King’s Scout Award why not Take Centre Stage at Windsor Castle?

Each year, we recruit young people and adults to take a leading role in our annual Day of Celebration and Achievement at Windsor Castle.

We’re looking for enthusiastic people who’ll take on lots of exciting and challenging roles at the event. These volunteers make the experience enjoyable for everyone who attends.

The Team of Ten includes six members of the Colour Party, who march with the flags throughout the day, and four members of the Service Planning and Delivery Team, who deliver the National Scout Service in St George’s Chapel.

If you want to find out more or apply for 2025, please click here. The deadline to apply is 31 July 2024.

Our last Queen’s Scouts and our first King’s Scouts

27 Mar 2023

Awards

Quick links

We are proud to update that across South East Region in 2022, we congratulated over 1,000 youth members who achieved one of many Top Awards. These celebrations also include FOUR Queen’s or King’s Scout Awards.

The award is presented to members aged 16-25 for completing a series of personal challenges for a minimum of 18 months. While some young people complete the award alongside their Gold Duke of Edinburgh, others choose to complete their challenges solely through Scouting.

Regardless of the choices made, the Award represents a personal scouting journey full of development as well as fun.

Over the past few years, recipients across the Region have sailed on the tall ships, completed Explorer Belts, engaged with international adventures, participated in expeditions and undertaken a myriad of skills, service and physical activities. Below are four of last year’s recipients sharing their highlights.

Kirsty Syme

Kirsty is a Leader and Network member in Braid District and undertook a wide range of activities over the course of her Queen’s Scout Award. These included an Explorer Belt in Switzerland, ski racing and a conservation trip to Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya.

Her expedition included walking sections of the Southern Upland Way in the Borders. She explains that the: “The best bit about the Award itself was the sense of accomplishment when I finished. I definitely underestimated how hard it was going to be, especially the expedition, but getting to do this with my sister was probably the best bit about the whole thing.”

Angus Halliday

Angus is a Leader and Network member in Craigalmond District and completed his Gold Duke of Edinburgh as part of his King’s Scout Award (KSA). He explains that: “I stated my KSA journey by running a series of six nights with my Cub pack with an international theme, such as world flags, some Swedish cooking and some international Scout games. I also used the activities I had done for my Diamond and Platinum Chief Scout Awards (a reading for Remembrance Sunday, a large litter pick in Edinburgh, assisting in Young Leader training and a presentation to the Rotary club of Corstorphine about the work I had done to provide Cubs from my Group with some activities over lockdown). For my final activity, I attended the 38th Blair Atholl International Patrol Jamborette.”

Iain Turpie

Iain is a member of Borders District and completed his Gold Duke of Edinburgh as part of his King’s Scout Award. His activities included attending Chamboree, building cupboards in the village hall, completing his Young Leader Belt and participating in a turtle conservation project in Greece. Please take a moment to review the below.

Shahed Jaroucheh

Shahed is the first member of her Scout Group, the 8th Braid, to complete the Queen’s/King’s Scout Award and as part of this, she also attained the Gold Duke of Edinburgh. As well as being a Young Leader, she attended Jamboree on the Internet (JOTI), created some beautiful paper quilling art and completed the John Muir Award. Please take a look at the photographs below.

Interested?

Anyone in South East Region aged 16-24 who would like to learn about completing their King’s Scout Award can get in touch. Explorers should speak to their Explorer Scout leaders, while those who are Network age can find contact information here.

Contact us

South East Scotland Scouts
71 Bonaly Road
Edinburgh
EH13 0PB
Contact The Region
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Young Leader Day: A Thrilling New Adventure for Future Scout Leaders!

Allison Gamble

Action, Adventure and Fun at Every Turn!

A Day to Remember: Camfire and Celebrations

What the Young Leaders Had to Say

Who Are Explorer Scout Young Leaders?

Official District Photographs

Recognising Your Achievements

Martin Elliot

Recognising Your Achievements

Skills for Life and Youth without Limits

SEEE Team

Duke of Edinburgh's Award

83

45

17

EXPEDITIONS

Hillwalking and Biking

63

55

5

16

Canoeing

First Aid

Volunteering

Residential

Administration

Exploring

Adults

Graham Coulson awarded MBE in Kings Birthday Honours List 2024

Windsor Day of Celebration and Achievement 2024

Our last Queen’s Scouts and our first King’s Scouts

Awards

Quick links

Kirsty Syme

Angus Halliday

Iain Turpie

Shahed Jaroucheh

Interested?

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