What have Young Leaders in South East Region been up to over the last year?
There have been 20 Young Leader belts presented across the 7 districts over the Scout Year.
We have run two events for Young Leader from across the Region, 1st was the activity day in October 2024 and then we ran the Edinburgh Monopoly in March 2025.
So, what are our next events for Young Leaders –
Gala 2025
As some of you may already know, there is going to be a fantastic event taking place at Bonaly from 5th – 7th September. This will be a mega event with every single type of activity taking place that you could imagine and we are looking for your Young Leaders to help with the event, they will be a really important part to ensure it runs well. We are looking for around 70 Young Leaders from across South East Scotland to come and help run activities and provide great fun for everyone attending. We currently have 45 signed up from across the region, please ask your Young Leader if they are available and if they have signed up to volunteer. There will also be an evening programme for the Young Leaders to take part in.
This is a fully catered camp and no charge for Young Leaders that are volunteering at the event.
So that we can start planning the event for them, please can you ask them to complete this form to let us know if you are able to help. Don’t worry if you can’t stay for the whole weekend, there are options for coming for shorter periods too. Please pass on this information to your Young Leaders.
https://forms.office.com/e/AUbRF1ivcU
If your Young Leader has already signed up, they only need to complete it once so if you have already done it, that’s great; you don’t need to do it again.
If you have any questions, please let me know by emailing youngleaders@sesscouts.org.uk
Young Leader Training Weekend
South East Region Scouts are running a Young Leaders Training weekend for Young Leaders over the weekend of 31st Oct – 2nd Nov 2025 at Bonaly Scout Centre, where we will be delivering Modules B-J as part of the weekend. There is limited space per district. Invites have gone out to each district through OSM, please speak to your Team Lead for Young Leaders or your 14-24 Team Lead for information regarding signup to this event.
The cost will be £75 for the weekend, this is an indoor camp and fully catered.
Any questions then please email youngleaders@sesscouts.org.uk
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, even if they are only doing the volunteering part of Duke of Edinburgh, they still need to be registered with your district.
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.
If you have any questions then please email youngleaders@sesscouts.org.uk