Useful Stuff For Leaders
What Is This Scheme?
The Young Leaders’ Scheme is but one of the many elements of the Explorer Scout Section programme, with members of the various Explorer Units around the District assisting in running Squirrel Dreys, Beaver Colonies, Cub Packs or Scout Troops.
To assist these “Young Leaders”, a National Young Leaders’ Scheme was devised to assist the leaders concerned to develop and grow as individuals. The Scheme consists of a number of – Modules (click here for details) are designed to cover all aspects of training and to help Young Leaders become aware of, and learn how to deal with, various different facets of leadership within the Scouting Movement.
The Modules are designed to be flexible and encourage innovation, so all Young leaders are encouraged to be as creative as possible. It normally takes between 8-10 months to complete all of the Modules.
In addition, each Young Leader must complete four “Missions” or tasks that are completed alongside the ten modules. These Missions (click here for details) are designed to allow the Young Leaders to put the learning from the Modules into practice. By doing so, they will gain in confidence and become an integral part of the leadership team within their Section and Groups.
What Are The Benefits Of This Scheme?
Even though they might not realise it yet, a Young Leader’s experience in Scouting will help them develop a whole range of important skills that higher education establishments and employers are looking for.
Whether they are applying for jobs, apprenticeships or a place at college/university, competition is higher than ever. The skills developed through the Young Leaders’ Scheme, including leadership, interpersonal skills and decision-making will help to set them apart from the crowd.
In order to demonstrate this, the Young Leaders’ Scheme has been externally recognised by the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) as a Development Programme. The ILM is one of the UK’s leading providers of leadership and management qualifications and the accreditation shows the quality of the Young Leaders’ Scheme to any external organisations that Young Leaders might apply to in the future.
As a development programme there is no formal assessment required by the ILM, which means that there is no extra work for the Young Leaders. As the ILM recognises the quality of the programme content, aims, objectives and learning outcomes, all the Young Leaders have to do is complete the scheme (ALL the modules and missions).
There are also benefits to Groups and the wider District as we all seek to expand our search in the recruitment of adults.
How Can An Explorer Register?
We have a dedicated ESL (YL), Paul Duggan. Standing for Explorer Scout Leader (Young Leaders) Paul, along with the rest of the District teams will offer support and supervise Young Leaders in the District, to ensure all the modules of the Young Leaders’ Scheme are on offer and to support Groups when they Young Leaders in a Section or Sections. Paul can be contacted via youngleadersunit@lisburndistrictscouts.org.uk
As an Explorer joins the Scheme, Paul and the District team will ensure he / she has all of the information they need to complete it and enrol with the ILM. Funding will be available from the District to assist with costs.