Young Leaders

Giving something back is something which makes you feel really good, and volunteering with a younger section (a Squirrel Drey, Beaver Colony, a Cub Pack or a Scout Troop) is great fun too!

Explorer Scout Young Leaders (ESYLs) 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 13½ and 18 must be members of a Young Leaders Unit. Young people from outside Scouting can also participate if they're working towards their Duke of Edinburgh's Award or Queen's Guide Award.

The Explorer Scout Young Leaders’ Scheme (ESYLS) is the learning programme for Young Leaders. It contains 11 modules and 4 missions for them to work through whilst volunteering in their chosen section.

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.

Missions

As part of the Young Leaders' Scheme there are four Missions to be completed alongside the training modules. These Missions are designed to allow Young leaders to put the learning from the Modules into practise. By doing so, they will gain in confidence and become an integral part of the leadership team within their Section and Group.

Joining

Young Leaders are a district provision and any placements are decided by the Explorer Scout Unit Leader, leading to an agreement between the young person, district and group.

It is hoped that potential Young Leaders will gain experience across all sections and different groups within the district. Scouts can request to return to their old Scout Troop. However, they will need to have a break of at least 12 months before doing this. This extra time allows them to develop their skills, and gives the old Troop extra time to accept and adjust to the fact they are now a Young Leader with different responsibilities. Having a reasonable gap will mean that the Young Leader won’t just be seen as another Senior Patrol Leader when they return and are supporting their peers. This time period does not apply if wishing to volunteer in another group or another section in the same group.

If your child is interested in volunteering as a Young Leader in any of the groups in Derwentside, please contact Ian, our Explorer Team Leader, who will be able to help.