Young Leaders Scheme

What is a Young Leader?

A Young Leader is an Explorer Scout between the ages of 14 – 18 years who provides help either permanently or as part of a service project with a section of the Scout Group for a period of time.

The young person may be a member of an Explorer Scout Unit or someone who wishes to just take a leadership role within one of the junior sections.
All Young Leaders are Explorer Scouts. They will make the Promise and accept the Scout Law.

Which section can a Young Leader go to?

Any section as long as there are not 3 Young Leaders already there. A Young Leader must also not return to their former Scout Troop as a Young Leader for at least 6 months. If this rule is over looked then it just is not fair to the Young person or the Scouts they will be looking after.

Meetings

In conjunction with the Young Leaders it will be decided on the frequency, duration and the type of meetings that are needed.
Meetings may include:
* One of the Training Modules.
* A games night. (Ideas for use with the sections).
* A social event.
* A weekend in which the Training Modules can be delivered.

Safety Rules
Young Leaders must be aware of the Safety Rules that relate to working with Young People. Which includes

· Child Protection Issues

· Adventurous Activity Rules

· General safety in the meeting place

· Risk Assessment and managing risk

For these reasons alone it has to be obvious why young people helping with on the sections must join the Young Leaders Unit

Welfare Issues

We try and ensure that the Young Leaders understand

· Duty of Care

· Safe from Harm

· What to do if a young person confides in them

Again another strong reason why young people must be encouraged to join the scheme.

Encouraging Participation in the District

All Young Leaders as part of the Explorer Scout unit will be encouraged to take a full and active role in the Award Scheme including the Programme Zones, Group Awards and Proficiency Badges, and in the life of the District.

Young Leaders are also members of the Explorer Scout Unit and will be encouraged to share their experiences with the other members of the Unit.

Training
All Young Leaders will receive training both by completing the Training Modules, and undertaking formal training in any disciplines that they have an interest in, so that they may gain NGB’s or Scout Association Authorisations.
The Leadership team are aware of all training opportunities within the District and County.

The Modules

There are 11 Modules.

a) Prepare for Take off
Aim.
To give the Young Leaders the essential information that they need to operate safely.
It will provide them with the skills needed to operate in another section and to understand the Young leaders Role.
It provides information on the Young Leaders Scheme and how to access further training.
This Module should be run within 3 months of joining the Unit.
Suggested Methods:
· 1 evening every term.
· Every time there are 3 Young Leaders requiring it.
· Run it every 2 months in conjunction with neighbouring Districts.

b) Taking the Lead
Aim.
To introduce Young Leaders to some of the concepts of leadership, the module provides them with the skill necessary to work more effectively as a leader in their chosen section.
It explores different styles of leadership, when to use them and how to effectively lead different sorts of activities.

c) That’s the Way to do it
Aim.
To ensure that Young leaders have a general understanding of how to successfully demonstrate and teach a variety of skills – to make it fun, and to ensure that the section members will enjoy the experience.

d) Kids Behaving Badly
Aim.
To give Young Leaders a basic understanding of challenging behaviour, by the end they should be able to recognise it and propose possible solutions.

e) Game On
Aim.
To give Young Leaders a good understanding of the importance of games in the section meeting, it will give them an idea of the different types of games that can be played and when to use them to greatest effect.

f) Special People
Aim.
To give a basic understanding of Special Needs, it should also help the Young Leaders understand that the programme should be tailored to the individual needs of the young people, particularly those with Special Needs.

g) Programme Plans
Aim.
To provide Young Leaders with the skills and understanding necessary to plan a balanced programme for the section in which they are working.

h) Programme Plans Plus. (Must be completed after Module g.)
Aim.

To provide Young Leaders with the skills and understanding required to run a balanced programme over a 3 month period.

i) What Did They Say?
Aim.
To make Young Leaders aware of the importance of good communication, the importance of listening to the views of young people, and how they can open channels of communication from the young people to the section leadership team.

j) Awards and Badges
Aim
To ensure that Young Leaders have an understanding of the place that awards and badges have in the 6 – 25 programme.

k) First Aid Master class
Aim.
To ensure that Young Leaders have the necessary understanding and skills to take appropriate action in an emergency situation.
This module should be delivered by a properly trained and accredited person, so that the Young person may gain a National Governing Body Award.

Projects

The projects in the Young Leaders Scheme support and enhance the training modules. The different ‘Missions’ allow Young Leaders to put into practice some of their new skills and knowledge. By doing so they will gain confidence and become an integral part of the leadership team within their section or Group. Projects should be completed in numerical order and no more than 1 per year.