Young Leaders (14-18 year olds)
Giving something back is something which makes you feel really good, and volunteering with a younger section (a Beaver Colony, a Cub Pack or a Scout Troop) is great fun too!
The Young Leaders' Scheme is an ongoing programme of training, designed to enable Young Leaders to work effectively in the Section that they choose to support.
Young people between the ages of 14 to 18 can become Young Leaders. They can support in the Beaver Scout, Cub Scout and Scout Sections. Young Leaders are still Explorer Scouts and are encouraged to take part in the Explorer Scout programme but do not necessarily need to attend every Explorer Unit meeting. They are also members of the District Young Leader Unit.
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 6 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 Scout Unit Leader, who will be able to help.