Young Leaders

Our Young Leaders (YL’s) are supported by Emily Wiggins across the Peak District groups.

We have a personal development plan for our Young leaders that provides upskilling in key areas which support them as they grow as young adults and our plan includes their gaining Activity permits which will see them lead our various Beaver, Cub, Scout & Explorer aged sections in adventure activities.

Peak District Young Leaders scheme helps Explorer Scouts to develop and grow as individuals. It allows them to make a valuable contribution to their community and give service to others. Be it first aid training, learning to run events and lead young people – it provides Skills For Life.

YLs are Explorer Scouts who volunteer alongside adult leaders in a Beaver Colony, Cub Pack or Scout Troop. A valuable asset to any leadership team, YLs play an active role in the section, bringing a range of fresh ideas to the table, and acting as positive role models for the young people they work alongside. This helps ensure that we have the voice of youth in our programmes and leadership teams.

Although the Scheme is usually taken on by Explorer Scouts looking for a new challenge, young people from outside Scouting can also participate if they are working towards their Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards or Queen’s Guide Award. They can do this by volunteering as non-members for a set period of time.

For example, if they are completing their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, they can volunteer as a non-member for three to six months (the time required for the Bronze DofE volunteering section).

The Scheme is the training programme for ESYLs. It contains 11 modules and four missions for ESYLs to work through whilst volunteering in their chosen section. Modules give ESYLs the skills and knowledge to be successful in their role, while missions allow them to put everything into practice with support. As well as developing valuable life skills, the Scheme is an opportunity for ESYLs to make a positive impact in their communities and to fulfil the service elements of many of the top awards in Scouting. Recognition of achievement is available along the way, and on completion of the Scheme, the ESYL is awarded with an ESYL belt buckle.