Do you or are you planning on inviting an Explorer Scout to join your section as a Young Leader? If so the information below will be of some help to prepare you for their journey ahead.
An Overview
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 sections between the ages of 13.5 and 18 must be members of a Young Leaders Unit.
The scheme
The Explorer Scout Young Leaders’ Scheme is a 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 roles, 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 positively impact their communities and 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.
Who takes part
Although the scheme is usually taken on by Explorer Scouts looking for a new challenge, young people from outside Scouting can also participate if they are working towards their Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards or Queen’s Guide Award. They can do this by volunteering as non-members for a set period of time. For example, if they are completing their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, they can volunteer as a non-member for three to six months (the time required for the Bronze DofE volunteering section).
