Young Leader Scheme

The Young Leader Scheme is one of the exciting elements of the Explorer Scouts Programme. It encourages youth members aged between 14 and 18 to support a younger section while developing their own skills.

Explorer Scout Young Leaders (ESYLs) are Explorers who volunteer alongside adult leaders in a Squirrel Drey, Beaver Colony, Cub Pack or Scout Troop.

We are fortunate to have several young leaders in Conwy Scout District who are valuable assets to the local Groups. ESYLs play an active role in the section, bring a range of fresh ideas, and act as positive role models for the young people they work alongside.

Becoming a Young Leader opens up loads of opportunities, both within Scouting and in the real world. You’ll gain new skills, work towards awards and qualifications and generally have a really fun time!

With the support, direction and guidance of your ESYL Unit leader, Section leader and your District Explorer Scout Leader, you’ll be encouraged to lead your section, design your own programme and work towards the Young Leader Award. It’s one of Scouting’s Top Awards, consisting of 11 Modules and 4 Missions.

Being a young leader is an adventure. It’s like having a big mountain to climb right in front of you – you know it’s going to be tough at times, and the route isn’t easy, but getting to the top will be worth it.

The scheme is focused on achievement and offers you the opportunity to demonstrate what you can do.

The rewards

The young leaders’ scheme isn’t just about gaining more badges and enhancing your CV. These are just some of the things you’ll get from it:

• Knowing that you are doing for young people what somebody did for you when you were a beaver, cub or scout.
• Making friends with people who share your interests.
• The adrenaline rush that comes from standing up in front of a group, saying what’s going to happen and seeing it all come together.
• Enjoyment – run the kinds of activities you love.
• The buzz that comes from doing stuff your own way.
• Seeing beavers, cubs and scouts enjoying your activities.

The Explorer Scout Young Leaders’ Scheme (ESYLS) is the learning programme for Young Leaders. It includes 11 modules and 4 missions for them to complete whilst volunteering in their chosen section. Modules equip ESYLs with the skills and knowledge to succeed in their roles, while missions enable them to put everything into practice with support.

In addition to developing valuable life skills, the Scheme offers ESYLs an opportunity to make a positive impact in their communities and to fulfil the service elements of many of the Top Explorers Awards in Scouts and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards. Recognition of achievement is available along the way, and on completion of the Scheme, the ESYL is awarded an ESYL belt buckle.

To achieve the Young Leader Award, along with the belt and badges, you’ll need to complete 11 training modules and 4 missions. You can complete your training independently or with a group of other ESYLs – we’d definitely recommend doing it in a group! A logbook is available to help you track your training.

If you’re intending to volunteer for 3-12 months for Bacc or DofE Award, you’ll have to complete the compulsary Module A, which covers Scouting’s Policy Organisation and Rules (POR), which provides support and guidance to help us all run Scouts.

Find out how you can take part in the Explorer Scout Young Leaders’ Scheme as a young person or adult volunteer.

If you want to start training or register as a Young Leader, email Geoff Powell, our District Young Leader Coordinator.