Young Leaders (The Scout Association)

Young Leaders
OwnerThe Scout Association
Age range14–18 years
CountryUnited Kingdom
Founded2001
AffiliationExplorer Scouts
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Website
http://www.scouts.org.uk
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Young Leaders are Explorer Scouts who choose to provide leadership in Squirrel Scout Dreys, Beaver Scout Colonies, Cub Scout Packs or Scout Troops alongside adult volunteers as a part of the leadership team. Training of Young Leaders is achieved through eleven lettered modules covering the necessary skills to play an active part of the leadership team, with members challenged to apply what they have learned through four 'missions' in their sections.[1][2]

Recognition of the scheme is achieved through a series of badges and culminates in the Young Leader belt buckle award which is worn with their uniform. The Young Leaders Badge is awarded upon the completion of the compulsory training module and is surrounded by one of four mission badges as each 'mission' is completed; the buckle is awarded only through the completion of every module and mission.[3] The scheme has been popular with young people looking to volunteer in their community. Since its launch in 2002, the scheme has grown from 1,245 young leaders to 10,394 a decade later with transferable skills being highlighted as a benefit.[4]

  1. ^ "The Young Leader Award". scouts.org.uk. The Scout Association. Retrieved 27 May 2020.
  2. ^ "The Missions". members.scouts.org.uk. The Scout Association. Retrieved 27 May 2020.
  3. ^ "Recognition – Young Leaders Scheme". members.scouts.org.uk. The Scout Association. Retrieved 27 May 2020.
  4. ^ Sellgren, Katherine (19 April 2012). "More teenagers opt to be scout leaders, census shows". BBC News website. BBC. Retrieved 27 May 2020.