“Being a Young Leader is the best thing I’ve done in Scouts. It’s brilliant. I’ve really grown in confidence. I know the skills I’ve learned will make a big difference for my future when applying for college and jobs”
Complete your training and book your YL events here
Click HERE to book for the next Module A
Click HERE to book for the next Young Leaders Conference
Click HERE to book a place at the Young Leaders weekend camp
See below for Foundation and Essentials (Module A) dates till December 2025, Young Leaders Conference and Young Leaders weekend camp details, and to access the online Young Leaders training.
Foundation and Essentials (Module A)
You must complete Foundation and Essentials (Module A) within your first three months of being a Young Leader. The online workshop enables you to complete Module A easily on your mobile or laptop without needing to travel.
| DATE | TIME | WORKSHOP DETAILS |
| Mon 23 Sep 2024 | 7:30pm | Foundation and Essentials Workshop |
| Tue 19th Nov 2024 | 7:30pm | Foundation and Essentials Workshop |
| Mon 20 Jan 2025 | 7:30pm | Foundation and Essentials Workshop |
| Thu 4 April 2025 | 7:30pm | Foundation and Essentials Workshop |
| Mon 12th May 2025 | 7:30pm | Foundation and Essentials Workshop |
| Tue 8 July 2025 | 7:30pm | Foundation and Essentials Workshop |
| Mon 22 Sep 2025 | 7:30pm | Foundation and Essentials Workshop |
| Thu 20th Nov 2025 | 7:30pm | Foundation and Essentials Workshop |
Young Leaders Conference (March and October)
The Young Leaders Conference runs twice a year in March and October. It’s a day full of games, activities and workshops. The Conference helps you complete your training and gain the skills to be a Young Leader. It’s free of charge to Young Leaders from Surrey.
Before attending a Conference you should have completed the Foundation and Essentials Workshop (Module A) and the on-line training for the workshops you’re planning to attend. See below to access the training.
Young Leaders Conference dates
The next Conferences are on Sunday 6th October 2024, Sunday 9th March 2025 and Sunday 5th October 2025.
Young Leaders Conference programme
The programme for each March and October Conference includes:
- All four Young Leader Award Workshops. Workshop 1: Games, Workshop 2: Activities, Workshop 3: Programme Planning, and Workshop 4: Programme Delivery
- All three Senior Young Leader Award Workshops. Stage A: Leading Yourself; Stage B: Leading Together (Teamwork); and Stage C: Leading Others
- Support for Stage D, your BTEC Level 2 Diploma in Teamwork and Personal Development in the Community
- First Aid (Module K) validation at the First Response level
- Support for your Top Awards including your King’s Scout Award
- At least two sessions to enhance your teamworking, communications and leadership skills
- The presentation of Young Leader Awards
Parents and other guests are welcome to join the Conference at 3:45PM for the Young Leader Awards presentation.
Young Leaders weekend camp (July)
The Young Leaders weekend camp runs on the first weekend of July from lunchtime on Saturday to early afternoon on Sunday at a local campsite. You’ll learn skills for yourself and skills for your Section. You’ll meet Young Leaders from across Surrey. This year’s YL camp is focussed on bushcraft skills. It is at Polyapes from 10am Saturday 5th July to 3pm Sunday 6th July 2025. The cost for a Young Leader is £25.
Online Young Leader training
To complete your training, download the Stage training materials, read them and complete the exercises. Then answer the Stage quiz and achieve 80% to validate your training. You and your Leaders will receive your quiz results by email. Each Stage of training takes between 1 hour and 1½ hours including the quiz.
To download the training or a quiz, simply click on the relevant link next to each bullet point below.
Stage 1: Games
- Stage 1 training (Module D: Behaviour, Module E: Running Games, and Module F: Being Inclusive)
- Stage 1 Quiz
Stage 2: Activities
- Stage 2 training (Module B: Leadership, Module C: Teaching Skills and Module J: Communication)
- Stage 2 Quiz
First Aid (Module K)
You should attend a Scouts First Response course for your Young Leader First Aid (Module K). It’s best to do that between the two conferences you attend for your Young Leader Award. First Response covers the skills and knowledge you need to manage an incident, provide basic first aid, and is the Scouts recognised first aid qualification.
There are two options. You can complete a First Response course locally. If you need help talk to your District Young Leader Adviser.
Or you can complete your First Response by a blended learning option. First enrol in the online training provided by Hampshire Scouts at this link https://hampshire-scouts.thinkific.com/courses/firstresponse Then sign up to attend the practical first aid validation session at the next Surrey Young Leaders Conference.
Or you can complete your First Response course by a blended learning option consisting of three stages: (i) First, enrol in the online training provided by Hampshire Scouts at this link: https://hampshire-scouts.thinkific.com/courses/firstresponse (ii) Second, as part of your registration for the next Surrey Scouts Young Leaders Conference, sign up to attend the practical first aid validation session at the next Surrey Scouts Young Leaders Conference (note spaces are limited to 36 per conference for this) and (iii) finally, attend a zoom training workshop with Surrey First Aid trainers approximately two weeks prior to the Surrey Young Leaders Conference (by registering for the practical session as set out in (ii) above you will automatically be sent details of this zoom training workshop).
Two notes: (1) Once you have completed the online course, send a copy of the email you receive from Hampshire Scouts to youngleaders@surrey-scouts.org.uk (2) You do not need to register for a zoom session with Hampshire Scouts as you will be attending a zoom workshop with Surrey 1st Aid trainers. The zoom training workshop with Surrey 1st Aid trainers prior to the October 2024 conference will take place on Tuesday 17th September at 7.30pm on Zoom.
Stage 3: Programme Planning
- Stage 3 training (Module G: The Scout Programme, Module H: Programme planning, and Module I: Being Youth-shaped)
- Stage 3 Quiz
Stage 4: Programme Delivery
There is no additional training for Stage 4
SESYL Stage A: Leading Yourself
- The updated Stage A materials will be added ahead of the next delivery of Stage A in October 2024
SESYL Stage B: Leading Together
SESYL Stage C: Leading Others
- The Stage C materials will be added ahead of Stage C’s first delivery in October 2024
SESYL Stage D: Completing your BTEC in Teamwork and Personal Development
- The Stage D materials are accessed by registering for your BTEC award during a Young Leaders Conference or by contacting the Surrey Scouts Young Leader SESYL Adviser Heather Rhoden by email: heather.rhoden@surrey-scouts.org.uk .
- The following invitation only sessions have been organised with the Cadet Vocational College for those registering for the BTEC academic year 2024/25:
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- Tue 17 Sept, 7pm – BTEC – Advice & Guidance zoom meeting
- Tue 1 Oct, 7pm – BTEC, Unit 1 zoom training
- Mon 14 Oct, 7pm – BTEC – Advice & Guidance zoom meeting
- Tue 29 Oct, 7pm – BTEC, Unit 1 zoom training
Complete your missions here
Click HERE to register your Missions
The Young Leader Missions complete each Stage. They enable you to put everything you have learnt into practice. Completing all four Missions means you can gain your Young Leader Award.
When you register a Mission you will be asked to briefly describe what you have done for the Mission. Your Leaders and you will receive the description by email. Your Leaders may discuss your Mission with you and then they will sign it off.
Mission 1: Games
Plan, organise and run a minimum of three different games with the Section you are volunteering with. At least one game should take place indoors and one outdoors.
Mission 2: Activities
Plan, organise and run an activity (not a game) with the Section you are volunteering with.
Mission 3: Programme planning
Take the Section’s programme ideas to a programme planning meeting:
- Gather programme ideas from the young people in the Section.
- Explore how these could be incorporated into their programme
- Attend and contribute to a programme planning or Leaders’ meeting
Mission 4: Programme delivery
Take responsibility for organising and running part of your section programme:
- Plan and organise a selection of games and activities on a theme
- Deliver those activities
- Evaluate and review the activities with the Section Leader
Find out more about being a Young Leader
What is a Young Leader?
Young Leaders are Explorer Scouts who volunteer with a Squirrel Drey, Beaver Colony, Cub Pack or Scout Troop. They plan, organise and run games, activities and parts of the programme.
Young Leaders bring new ideas and youth-shaped thinking. They provide positive role models to the young people they’re leading. They are integral members of the Section’s leadership team. They play a full part in planning, leading and delivering their Section’s week-by-week programme.
Young Leaders stand out from their peers and friends because of their highly practical, leadership capabilities and experience. They have #skillsforlife.
The Surrey Scouts Young Leader Journey
The core requirement of the Young Leader and Senior Young Leader Awards is to play a full part in leading your Section’s week-by-week programme. You’ll do this by planning, organising and running games, activities and parts of the programme. You’ll be supported by online training, workshops and a Mission at each Stage of your Young Leader Award.
For your Senior Young Leader Award, you’ll learn how to Lead Yourself; Lead Together (Teamwork); and Lead Others as you continue to plan, organise and deliver your Section’s week-by-week programme.
Your Senior Young Leader Award concludes with you achieving a BTEC Level 2 Diploma in Teamwork and Personal Development in the Community. There is no fee to pay for the BTEC. This externally recognised qualification will enhance your cv. It sits alongside your Young Leader Awards and your up to four years of highly practical, hands-on leadership experience.
Watch the video to learn more about:
- The Surrey Scouts Young Leader Journey
- How to become a Young Leader
- How to achieve your Young Leader Award
- How to achieve your Senior Young Leader Award and to earn your BTEC; and
- How your Young Leader experience can be used for your Scout and DofE Awards.
What will you do week-by-week as a Young Leader?
As a Young Leader, you’ll be expected:
- Be a positive role model for the Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs or Scouts in the Section
- To attend Section meetings week-by-week and play a full part in leading the Section alongside the adult Leaders
- Initially, to lead a game, often with support from a Section Leader as you settle in
- Then most weeks to lead games, and help lead activities or parts of the Section meeting, such as opening or closing the meeting
As you become more experienced and confident, you’ll be expected:
- To regularly plan, organise and lead programmes of games, activities and other items at the Section’s meetings
- To join in and help lead the Section’s Nights Away events
- To regularly gather youth-shaped feedback from the Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs or Scouts
- To take part in and contribute to programme planning meetings.
To develop yourself as a leader, you’ll be expected:
- To meet with your Section Leader regularly to discuss what you think is working well, and what you could improve on
- To receive constructive feedback and encouragement, ideas and advice which will help you develop your leadership skills
- To complete a Stage of the Surrey Scouts Young Leader Journey each term, that is the relevant online training, Stage Workshop and Mission
- To register your completion of each Mission and ensure you obtain any DofE assessor report you need from your Section Leader
In addition, you’ll be expected:
- To promote participation by Squirrels, Beavers and Cubs in Scouts and Explorer Scouts
- To help with set up and preparation and clearing up alongside other leaders
- To support the Section Leaders in maintaining good behaviour
- To contact at least one of the Section Leaders if you are unable to make it to a meeting, giving as much notice as possible
- To always carry the Young People First (Orange Card) and always follow safeguarding rules
Why you should be a Young Leader?
Young Leaders say they really enjoy running games and activities and delivering the programme. As well:
- You’ll develop and practice your leadership, teamworking, organising and communication skills
- You’ll gain transferable skills such as planning, problem-solving and decision-making; and
- You’ll learn to take responsibility and grow in confidence.
Your practical skills and leadership experience will help you stand out in day-to-day life and when you’re applying for college, university and jobs.
Section leaders: How to support Young Leaders
This section of the website provides some guidance for Section Leaders and other Adult Leaders on how to support Young Leaders during their time with your Squirrel Drey, Beaver Colony, Cub Pack or Scout Troop. You can also contact your District Young Leader Adviser or Jonathan Perkins, the Surrey Scout Young Leader Adviser.
Welcome your Young Leaders
As a Section Leader you should welcome your Young Leaders and get to know them.
Encourage them to get stuck in
You should encourage them to get stuck in. This is the key. Actively enable and positively encourage your Young Leaders to take a full part in the leadership of the Section. Enable and encourage them to plan, organise and lead games, activities and parts of the programmes. They should attend Section meetings week-by-week. Expect them to join in and help lead your Section’s Nights Away events. Ensure they are fully part of your Section Leadership team and your programme planning meetings.
Coach and support them
Coach and support them. Act as a positive role model for them. Help them complete their Young Leader Award, their Missions, their Senior Young Leader Award and their BTEC. Celebrate their efforts and achievements.
Be mindful of exams and look after their safety and welfare
Be mindful of exams and the strains and stresses they put on Young Leaders. Like any young person, look after their safety and welfare.
Encourage them to volunteer as an adult with Scouting
Lastly, encourage them to volunteer as an adult with Scouting. Most Young Leaders who complete the Surrey Scouts Young Leader Journey should become adult volunteers in Scouting when they turn 18.
There’s more detail on these actions below and in a new pocket card which is available for all Adult Leaders from your District Young Leader Adviser or as a pdf file
Welcome your Young Leaders
- Try to meet with the Young Leader before they start
- Introduce them to other Leaders, young people and parents to integrate them into your Section
- Check they have completed the Foundation and Essentials (Module A) workshop and that they are on the Surrey Scouts Young Leader Journey
- Check they have an Orange Card for safeguarding
Get to know them
- Have they been in Scouts? How long for? Have they been through the Section they are helping with? Why do they want to be a Young Leader?
- Do they have any experience of working with young people or leading activities?
- What are their hobbies and interests? They might share them for a game or an activity
- Do they have any concerns?
Encourage them to get stuck in
- We hope it bears repeating. This is the key. They are not there to pour juice or make tea, or stand in a corner
- Encourage them to jointly lead a game with you in their first week
- Then encourage them to plan and lead one or more games most weeks
- Support them if the Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs or Scouts “play them up”
- Ensure they attend Section meetings week-by-week
- As they settle in, ensure they lead games each week, and help them lead an activity, or open and close the meeting regularly. Develop this responsibility so they lead more activities
Ensure they are fully part of your Section Leadership team and your planning meetings
- Keep them in the loop so they have time to prepare and know what is happening
- In time, and under your supervision, they should regularly plan, organise and lead programmes of games, activities and other items at the Section’s meetings
- Expect them to join in and help lead your Section’s Nights Away event
- Support them to regularly gathers youth-shaped feedback from the Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs or Scouts, for example, by planning and running youth forums
- Ensure they are part of and contribute as a member of the Section Leadership team to programme planning meetings.
- Encourage them to talk to the young people in the Section about their experiences
Coach and support them
- Act as a positive role model for them
- Meet with them regularly to provide constructive feedback and encouragement, and to share ideas and advice
- Agree simple actions to improve their experience of being a Young Leader and to develop their leadership skills
Help them complete their Young Leader Awards, Missions and BTEC qualification
- Understand which Stage they are up to in their Surrey Scouts Young Leader Journey
- Talk to them about their Young Leader training and their Missions. The more of the Young Leader Journey they complete the more they will be able to help you as a Section Leader
- Support them to complete their Young Leader Missions by providing ongoing opportunities to run games and activities and to help with programme planning and delivery
- Sign off their completion of their Missions
- If they are using their Young Leader experience for their DofE Volunteering or as an International, Community of Values activity for their Chief Scouts Awards, then you could make completing a Stage of the Young Leader Journey including successful completion of the relevant a Mission a “goal” for their assessment
Celebrate their efforts and achievements
- Encourage them by highlighting a positive each time they lead a game, activity or part of the programme
- Say thank you regularly and often
- Present them with their Young Leader Stage badges, Young Leader Award and Belt, Senior Young Leader Award and BTEC certificate
Encourage them to volunteer as an adult with Scouting
- Talk to them about what they want to do next in Scouting in terms of their own Programme and Awards and their future role
- Encourage them to be an Occasional Helper (for example at the beginning and end of terms), a Drey, Colony, Pack or Troop Assistant, or an Assistant Leader in your Group
- Share wider options like being a SASU member, Group Executive member or District Youth Commissioner
- Encourage them to volunteer with their local Scouts in term-time if they are living or working away from home as an apprentice or at college or university
Be mindful of exams
Be mindful of exams and the strains and stresses they put on Young Leaders. Discuss a flexible approach during exams. They might come along when they can around exams. Keep in touch with them about what is going on each week.
Look after their safety and welfare
Lastly, as with any young person, the Section’s Leaders are responsible for the Young Leader’s safety and welfare whilst they are volunteering with the Section.
