{"alias":"blogEntry","byline":"","standfirst":"Explorer Scout Young Leaders are amazing. For those not in the know, Young Leaders are young people who volunteer alongside adults in a Beaver Colony, Cub Pack, or Scout Troop. They\u2019re usually Explorer Scouts, but they may also be young people from outside Scouts working towards their Duke of Edinburgh or Queen\u2019s Guide Awards.","content":{"layouts":[{"type":"mediaBlock","areas":[{"items":[{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"gtmId","gtmClass":"gtmClass","image":"/media/4569/thumbnail_mmp_5523_mmp.jpg","width":1280,"height":853,"altText":"Explorer Scouts","caption":"","link":null}]}],"config":null},{"type":"singleColumn","areas":[{"items":[{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Cp class=\u0022BodyA\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022None\u0022\u003EWhoever they are, and whatever their background, Young Leaders complete \u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022Hyperlink0\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E11 modules and 4 missions\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022None\u0022\u003E as they develop the skills they need to lead. They bring a lot to the table, but, like any other new volunteer, they need existing adult volunteers to support them to succeed.\u00A0\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022BodyA\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022None\u0022\u003EIt\u2019s not a difficult task but it\u2019s an important (and super-rewarding) one, so we\u2019ve put together our four top tips for adult volunteers to help Young Leaders reach their potential. \u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022None\u0022\u003ERemember, if you\u0027re struggling, you can speak to your Explorer Scout Leader (Young Leaders) for some extra support.\u00A0\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022BodyA lead\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022None\u0022\u003EMake it work for each Young Leader \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022BodyA\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022None\u0022\u003EJust like adult volunteers, each Young Leader will have their own unique mix of skills, knowledge, and experiences. Check in with where they\u2019re at, where their skills are, and what they want their time as a Young Leader to look like.\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u00A0\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022BodyA\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022None\u0022\u003EOf course, becoming a Young Leader can feel a bit daunting too. Give them the opportunity to let you know if they\u2019ve got any worries or concerns, or if there\u2019s an area, mission, or module they\u2019re feeling less confident about. \u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u00A0\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022BodyA\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022None\u0022\u003EOnce you know your Young Leader, you can support them to get stuck in (without being thrown out of their depth). They might want to start small, and that\u2019s OK. \u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u00A0\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022BodyA\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022None\u0022\u003EWhen they\u2019re ready, Young Leaders can lead games and activities and take part in planning and delivering part of the programme. Don\u2019t forget to show them all the stuff that\u2019s there to help, too. The \u003C/span\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https://scouts.org.uk/programme-planner\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022Hyperlink0\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan\u003Eprogramme planning tool\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022None\u0022\u003E is ideal for module H (Programme planning) and the missions \u2013 Young Leaders can \u003C/span\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https://scouts.org.uk/activities/\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022Hyperlink0\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan\u003Efilter by games or activities\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022None\u0022\u003E, and use the off-the-shelf programme to get started. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022BodyA\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022None\u0022\u003EAfter a while, once they\u2019ve found their feet, Young Leaders may want to take on an even bigger challenge, such as setting the theme for a whole camp or gaining a leadership permit for an activity. The key is that you\u2019re there every step of the way, encouraging them to give it a go.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022BodyA\u0022\u003E\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022Default lead\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022None\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EDon\u2019t just give Young Leaders the boring jobs\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022None\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022None\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u00A0\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022Default\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022None\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EWe understand that sometimes, it seems to make sense to ask Young Leaders (often the volunteers with the least experience) to do everyone\u2019s least favourite tasks \u2013\u00A0the tidying up, filling water bottles, or tying laces. In reality, though, Young Leaders have a range of skills and should be equal members of a leadership team. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022None\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022Default\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022None\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EIf Young Leaders are always stuck with the rubbish jobs, their experience as a volunteer won\u2019t be fun or rewarding \u2013\u00A0and they won\u2019t gain the skills the Young Leader training scheme is designed to help them develop. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022None\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022Default\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022None\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EShare the drink making, floor sweeping, and bin emptying equally between all of the leadership team (including your section leader). Some people take turns at everything, while others find that some people prefer certain tasks (the lucky ones might even have a keen washer-upper). However you do it, you\u2019ll be giving all of your volunteers the best chance to gain skills, and setting a great example to the young people in the section. If you don\u2019t show them that you \u2018help other people\u2019 and \u2018do a good turn every day\u2019, how will they learn? \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022None\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022Default\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022None\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u00A0\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022Default lead\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022None\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EKeep Young Leaders and young people safe\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022None\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022Default\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022None\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EYoung Leaders have a position of responsibility, but they\u2019re still aged under 18, so adult volunteers need to follow the \u2018\u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/safe-scouting-cards/safeguarding-code-of-conduct-for-adults-yellow-card/\u0022 title=\u0022Young People First - Yellow Card\u0022\u003EYellow Card Young People First\u003C/a\u003E\u2019 code of practice\u00A0\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022None\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan\u003Eand\u00A0\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https://scouts.org.uk/por/2-key-policies/\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022Hyperlink2\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan\u003ESafety and Child Protection Policies\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022None\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E. Young Leaders count as young people (not adults) for ratios, and if you\u2019re staying anywhere overnight they need separate accommodation from both the young people in the section and the adult volunteers. The Orange Card is the \u2018Young People First\u2019 code of practice for Young Leaders (\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https://members.scouts.org.uk/documents/6to25/486_PG Young Leaders Orange Card 2015 V2.pdf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022Hyperlink1\u0022\u003Edownload it here\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022None\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E or \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https://shop.scouts.org.uk/essentials/publications/young-people-first-orange-card\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022Hyperlink1\u0022\u003Eorder it from Scout Store\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022None\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E) \u2013\u00A0make sure all Young Leaders have a copy, and that they understand it too. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022None\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022BodyA\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u00A0\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022BodyA lead\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022None\u0022\u003ESay thank you (and help Young Leaders reflect) \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022BodyA\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022None\u0022\u003EYoung Leaders get a lot out of being volunteers, but they also give their time, skills, and energy. Don\u2019t forget to say thank you \u2013 and make it specific, thanking Young Leaders for their contributions (whether it\u2019s a fun game, a thoughtful activity, or a brilliant attitude). \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022BodyA\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022None\u0022\u003EAs an adult volunteer, you\u2019re perfectly placed to help Young Leaders reflect and recognise their successes. We all like to be encouraged, and it\u2019s important that all volunteers recognise the stuff they\u2019re really good at, whether they took the time to encourage a Cub to get back up and try again, or thought on their feet when a game didn\u2019t quite work. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022BodyA\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022None\u0022\u003ETake some time to think about anything that didn\u2019t go to plan too. It\u2019s helpful to create an environment where all volunteers (including Young Leaders) can talk about the times things go wrong. Sometimes activities are too tricky, games don\u2019t capture everyone\u2019s attention, or behaviour is challenging, and that\u2019s OK. It\u2019s a chance for people to look back at what happened, see others people\u2019s sides, and try something different next time. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022BodyA\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022None\u0022\u003EReflecting doesn\u2019t have to be a formal discussion \u2013 it could be a quick chat while you\u2019re packing away equipment, or you could sit down and make it visual with pens and paper. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022BodyA\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022None\u0022\u003EThe Young Leader training scheme is designed to benefit adult volunteers, young people in sections, and Young Leaders; we\u2019re really thankful to the adult volunteers who take the time to make it work. At the end of the day, everyone\u2019s a winner: sections get the benefit of talented young people, ready to share their skills and experiences (and be a great, approachable, role model). Adult volunteers get an extra pair of hands, another perspective, and the chance to help the leaders of the future. And finally, Young Leaders get not only the fun of getting involved, but the skills they need for college, university, the job interview, the important speech, the tricky challenge, and the big dreams (in a nutshell, the skills they need for life). \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""}]}],"config":null}]},"searchDescription":null,"pageType":null,"location":null,"versionDate":"05 November 2019","reviewDate":null,"furtherReading":[],"relatedLinks":[],"id":40268,"nodeName":"How to help Young Leaders be the best they can be","title":"How to help Young Leaders be the best they can be","type":"blogEntry","image":{"url":"/media/4569/thumbnail_mmp_5523_mmp.jpg?cc=0,0.013338543701966915,0,0.1425817376579393\u0026width=800\u0026height=450\u0026v=1d9becd28fe5530","caption":"Thumbnail MMP 5523 MMP","type":"jpg","size":317358,"width":1280,"height":853,"altText":""},"assets":null,"headerOptions":{"headerTitle":"How to help Young Leaders be the best they can be","headerSubTitle":null,"headerCta":null,"headerCtaText":null,"headerCtaLink":null,"headerBackgroundColour":null,"showSEOImage":false,"headerBackgroundImage":null,"quickLinks":null},"subHeader":"Young Leaders have loads to offer. Here are four top tips for the adult volunteers who support them to help sections and build skills.","browserTitle":null,"silktide":"eyJjbXMiOiJVbWJyYWNvIiwiZWRpdG9yVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly9wcm9kLWNtcy5zY291dHMub3JnLnVrLy91bWJyYWNvIy9jb250ZW50L2NvbnRlbnQvZWRpdC80MDI2OCJ9","canonicalUrl":"https://www.scouts.org.uk/news/2019/november/how-to-help-young-leaders-be-the-best-they-can-be/"}