Delivering the Young Leaders' Scheme

Set-up 1: The ESYL Unit have decided to meet monthly on late Sunday afternoons, when they're not busy with other commitments. They run modules and discuss how things are going in the section. This allows a good amount of time to cover things in the session. However, as the meetings are monthly, if the ESYLs miss a session they have to wait a long time to catch up again.

Set-up 2: The ESYL Unit meet every other Thursday. In this time they usually aim to run one module and go through any questions the ESYLs might have.

Set-up 3: Three Districts join together to run a joint ESYL weekend. This means that they have a larger number of ESYLs. They run the modules over three weekends a year. As an alternative, you could also run training as a County/Region/Area over a number of weekends.

Set-up 4: ESYLs meet three days a year to go over module training. They check in using Skype once a month as a Unit.

Tasks/responsibilities include:

• ensuring that the modules of the Scheme are delivered on a regular basis.
• ensuring modules and missions are available and accessible to all ESYLs in the District.
• encouraging ESYLs to take part.
• ensuring all ESYLs have input into the ESYL programme and are able to review it through the use of a Unit or District Forum, or through other suitable methods.
• ensuring all ESYLs are able to complete Module A within three months of becoming an ESYL.
• ensuring all ESYLs are adequately supervised in whichever section they work.

Working with other adult volunteers involves:

• creating and maintaining good relationships with Group Scout Leaders and section leaders through regular visits, making sure ESYLs are receiving the right support.
• coordinating appropriate adults to deliver training modules.
• ensuring accurate records of each ESYLs' personal details and Scouting achievements are kept, working in accordance with the Data Protection Act.
• ensuring section leaders understand the missions, and know how to help ESYLs achieve them.

Ideally, an ESLYL should be appointed. However, sometimes the Explorer Scout Leader (ESL) may be the person who is delivering the Scheme. In that case, the role and responsibilities would be similar to that of the ESLYLs above. Where there is both an ESLYL and an ESL, it's recommended that the two work closely together to ensure that the Scheme is promoted to Explorer Scouts in the Unit, and to communicate any issues.

Before an ESYL's first session, make sure they know where they are going and who they can expect to meet there. Ideally, you should meet with the ESYL before the first session. Much like any new leader, ESYLs may feel nervous, or may not know what to expect. At the start of the session, take time to introduce them to the other leaders and young people. At the end of the session, introduce them to the parents. This familiarity will help put them at ease.

Spend a bit of time getting to know your ESYL. Just like adult leaders, they will have a range of experiences and skills to share.

Some questions you may wish to ask an ESYL include:

• How long have you been in Scouting?
• Have you been through the section you are helping with?
• Why do you want to be an Explorer Scout Young Leader?
• Do you have any previous experience working with young people?
• Do you have any previous experience leading activities?
• Are you at school or college?
• What are your ambitions and interests?
• Are you working towards your top awards ie Chief Scout’s Platinum, Diamond, King's Scout Award and/or Duke of Edinburgh Award?

ESYLs can help with an array of tasks. They are not there to make the juice or the tea, any more than any other leader. They are an integral part of your leadership team. By investing some time with your ESYL at the beginning, you are much more likely to see them develop and take an active role in planning and running the section. ESYLs could:

• help to plan the programme
• plan and run youth forums and games
• to get feedback from the section
• plan and run games and activities
• open or close the meeting
• help with websites or social media pages (with support, as they are still under 18)
• run sessions on topics they feel confident about
• talk to young people about their experiences
• inspire the section, acting as a role model
• attend residential trips and camps

In order for ESYLs to complete these activities, they will need some support from you. It's advisable to talk through any tasks or activities before they do them for the first time. Consider whether you are the best person in the section’s leadership team to support the ESYL. Is there someone else in the leadership team who would thrive buddying a new member of the team?

Ask each ESYL to write their name in the middle of a circle on a piece of paper. They should then draw four smaller circles around it, so it looks like an atom. In each circle they should write or draw something that identifies who they are. They could include their interests, personality quirks, or something that means something to them. Once they have done this they should go around the other ESYLs and try and find someone who matches one of their circles. Once they have found a match they should link arms and go round as a pair. Play the game until everyone is linked up in a large connected circle.

Give each ESYL a strip of paper. They should then discuss with people either side of them their hobbies, interests, and values. They should write down something they have in common with the person to their left. They should then join up their chains with the next person to create a giant paper chain of all the things that connect the ESYLs together.

Ask ESYLs to get into two lines, standing opposite each other. Ask them to introduce themselves to each other by shaking left hands. Then, give them 30 seconds to talk about their favourite place in the world. When their time is up, they should move one place to the left. They will then have a new partner. They should shake left hands and stand on their left leg, whilst talking about the best thing they have done in Scouting for another 30 seconds. Again, when the time is up, they should move one place to the left, shake left hands, stand on their left leg and stick their tongue out to the left.

Give ESYLs a 9x9 grid with a statement in each box. Examples of statements could be: ‘has volunteered with Beaver Scouts’, ‘has been on a Cub camp’, ‘has been on an international camp’, or ‘has completed their Platinum Chief Scout’s Award’. The ESYLs should then circulate the room to try and find someone for each statement. The first person to fill the grid, shouts ‘bingo!’

Ask the ESYLs to get into an order, such as in order of the month they were born in the calendar. They should do this without speaking.

Ask the ESYLs to walk around the room, they should have space around them. When you say stop, everyone in the room should freeze and when you say go, everyone should carry on walking around again. Once the group understand this, you can then switch the meaning of ‘go’ and ‘stop’, so that ‘go’ actually means ‘stop’ and ‘stop’ actually means ‘go’. Next, shout out a number. The ESYLs should get themselves into groups of this size. Once in these groups give them 15 seconds to create an image based around a theme or object or a word. For example you might say tent and they would have to create a frozen image of a tent. This game can be expanded to include other commands such as jump and clap.

Label one end of the room with a piece of paper that says ‘strongly agree’, and the other with a piece of paper that says ‘strongly disagree’. Explain that this is a scale and that after you have read out loud a statement, the ESYLs must place themselves on it depending on how much they agree or disagree with what's being said. Always start with an easy question such as, "pizza is the best takeaway" and give up to 10 seconds to decide where to place themselves. You can then ask why people have placed themselves where they have and allow them to move if someone says something that persuades them to change position. You can use this effectively when exploring topics or subjects which require discussion.

Letter to parent/carer - What is being an Explorer Scout Young Leader (ESYL) all about?

Dear Parent/Guardian,

Your young person has enquired about/signed up to the Explorer Scout Young Leaders’ (ESYLs’) Scheme. This letter will provide some extra information about the Scheme and the responsibilities your young person is undertaking.

The Scheme is available to all Explorer Scouts where they volunteer alongside adult leaders in a Squirrel Drey, Beaver Colony, Cub Pack or Scout Troop. ESYLs are very much part of the leadership team and should play an active part in the planning and running of the section.

As part of the Scheme, the ESYL completes 11 training modules which focus on the key aspects they need to work with young people and which will also provide them with valuable skills for life. They will look at topics, such as how to confidently run games and activities, different types of leadership, how to create a positive and inclusive environment, first aid and how to talk about all of the skills they are gaining through doing the Scheme. They will also complete four missions which put these skills into practice in the section they are volunteering with.

Once the ESYL has had all off the modules and missions signed off by an adult volunteer in Scouting, they will have completed the Scheme and will receive their ESYL belt buckle to wear with pride.

First and foremost, we hope they have fun. If for any reason while completing the Scheme they aren’t enjoying it, make sure they speak to the adult volunteer who is co-ordinating the Scheme locally. The Scheme is specifically designed to encourage teamwork skills with both adults and young people. It should build confidence and communication skills as well as organisation skills.

The Scheme can be used towards the Duke of Edinburgh’s Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards, the Chief Scout’s Platinum, Diamond Awards and King’s Scout Award (and Girlguiding equivalents). The Scheme is recognised through the Institute of Leadership and Management and also is transferable to The Scout Association’s Adult Training Scheme upon turning 18.

Further information is available from your Explorer Scout Leader Young Leader locally.
Name: Contact:

We wish your young person success with their adventures.

Kind regards,

Young people often chose to volunteer as part of their Duke of Edinburgh's Award or Queen's Guide Award, which is great. They need to complete Module A and further training as appropriate to their role. At the end of doing their relevant award, if your young person would like to continue being a Young Leader, they can join Scouts as an Explorer Scout.

Ref: A new Explorer Scout Young Leader volunteering in your section.

Firstly, thank you for welcoming an Explorer Scout Young Leader (ESYL) into your section to volunteer. This letter is to provide some extra information about the Scheme and how it benefits the ESYL and the young people in your section.

The Scheme is available to all Explorer Scouts where they volunteer alongside adult leaders in a Squirrel Drey, Beaver Colony, Cub Pack or Scout Troop. ESYLs are very much part of the leadership team and should play an active part in the planning and running of the section.

As part of the Scheme, the ESYL completes 11 training modules, which focus on the key aspects they need to work with young people and which will also provide them with valuable skills for life. They will look at topics such as how to confidently run games and activities, different types of leadership, how to create a positive and inclusive environment, first aid, and how to talk about all of the skills they are gaining through doing the Scheme. They will also complete four missions, which put these skills into practice in the section. This is very similar to the validation part of Adult training and in supporting an ESYL you are helping to train and guide the adult leaders of the future.

Once the ESYL has had all off the modules and missions signed off by an adult volunteer in Scouting, they will have completed the Scheme and will receive their ESYL belt buckle to wear with pride.

Please make the ESYL feels part of the team. Invite them to planning meetings and camps, get to know them and encourage them with running games and activities in the section.

All ESYLs need to complete Module A within three months. This module covers essential safeguarding information and also goes over all of the essentials and expectations. This should be organised by their Explorer Scout Leader Young Leader (ESLYL) locally, but do check with your ESYL that this has been completed. Let your GSL know if not.

If you ever have any queries about the ESYLs’ Scheme, contact your local ESLYL.

Name:

Contact:

Thank you again, we hope you enjoy having an ESYL on your team.

Kind regards,

Young people often chose to volunteer as part of their Duke of Edinburgh's Award or Queen's Guide Award, which is great. They need to complete Module A and further training as appropriate to their role. At the end of doing their relevant award, if the young person would like to continue being a Young Leader, they can join the Association as an Explorer Scout.

Ref: Personal Statement for ____________________

Dear Sir or Madam,
_____________________ has completed the Explorer Scout Young Leaders’ Scheme with The Scout Association. This is a fantastic achievement that has required a lot of hard work and dedication. This letter provides some extra information about the Scheme and the skills which __________________________ has developed completing it.

The ESYLs’ Scheme is a training scheme for Explorer Scouts (14-18), who undertake 11 training modules, whilst putting their learning into action volunteering alongside adult leaders in a Squirrel Drey, Beaver Colony, Cub Pack or Scout Troop. ESYLs are very much part of the leadership team and play an active part in the running and planning of sessions.

ESYLs dedicate time to organising, running and facilitating fun, challenge and adventure for the young people they volunteer with. They gain valuable skills for life, exploring topics such as how to confidently run games and activities, how to develop different types of leadership, how to create a positive and inclusive environment, how to administer first aid, and how to adapt their communication style for different audiences.

As an ESYL _____________________ has to be organised, responsible and committed to attending
regular sessions.

An ESYL has great communications skills and is able to work well with adults and young people. They work well in a team environment but are also able to take the lead when required. Through the completion of the Scheme, they will be used to confidently proposing their ideas.

Nationally, the ESYLs’ Scheme is recognised by the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and also builds into both the Scouts and Guides top awards. Furthermore, the Institute of Leadership and Management also recognises the Scheme as a development programme.

By completing the Scheme _______________________ has had many exciting opportunities and gained many valuable key life skills, but this letter is not exhaustive. Please do ask ___________________ for further information about their experiences.

Yours Faithfully
________________________________

Explorer Scout Leader Young Leader (ESLYL)