Young Leaders are Explorer Scouts (aged 14–18) who volunteer with Beaver Colonies, Cub Packs or Scout Troops. In Stourbridge District, they play a vital part in running activities, supporting adult volunteers and being positive role models for younger members.

The scheme helps Explorers build confidence, leadership and communication skills that are valuable in education, work and everyday life.

What is a Young Leader?

A Young Leader is an Explorer who chooses to spend some of their Scouting time helping with a younger section. They are still young people themselves, supported by adult volunteers, but they take on real responsibility within the team.

Young Leaders are recognised members of the leadership team and follow the same safeguarding principles and code of conduct as adult volunteers.

Depending on their experience and confidence, Young Leaders might:

  • Help plan and run games, activities and badge work
  • Support individual young people who may need extra help
  • Lead small groups during activities, camps or events
  • Assist with setting up, tidying away and keeping equipment organised
  • Share their own skills and interests with the section

Their responsibilities grow over time, with support from adult leaders and through the Young Leaders’ training scheme.

Training, modules and missions

The Young Leaders’ Scheme includes a set of training modules that cover topics such as:

  • Leadership styles and working in a team
  • Safeguarding, safety and understanding behaviour
  • Programme planning and delivering activities
  • Communication and inclusion

Alongside the modules, Young Leaders complete “missions” – practical tasks in their section that put their learning into action. Together, these help them grow into capable, confident leaders.

Awards and recognition

By completing the Young Leaders’ Scheme, Explorers can earn the Young Leader Belt Buckle, recognising their commitment and skills.

Young Leader service can also count towards other awards, such as:

  • Chief Scout’s Platinum and Diamond Awards
  • King’s Scout Award
  • Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (volunteering section)

The experience looks great on CVs, college and university applications, apprenticeship forms and job interviews.

Where and when do Young Leaders meet?

As well as helping with their chosen Section in a Scout Group, The Young Leader Unit occasionally meet with other explorers on a Tuesday to take part in training modules, share experiences from their sections, and plan activities together. These meetings help build confidence, leadership skills, and teamwork in a friendly, supportive space.

How to get involved

If you’re an Explorer in Stourbridge and would like to become a Young Leader:

  1. Speak to your Explorer Scout Leader about your interest.
  2. They’ll help you link with a Beaver, Cub or Scout section that needs support.
  3. You’ll be registered as a Young Leader and given information about training, modules and support.

If you’re not yet an Explorer but would like to get involved, your first step is to join an Explorer Unit, then you can sign up for the Young Leaders’ Scheme.

Adult volunteers who would like support from a Young Leader in their section can contact the District Explorer or Young Leader Coordinator.

Adults and volunteering

Volunteers are vital for the support of Explorer Units, either working directly with young people or behind the scenes. You don’t need to be an expert in camping or outdoor activities, just willing to get involved.

Volunteering with Explorers can be flexible around work and family life. Whether you’d like to help out week-after-week or whenever-you-can, training and support are provided, and many roles can be shared between several people.

Volunteering with Explorers is a great way to:

  • Make friends, meet people and have fun 
  • Try new things and challenge yourself 
  • Learn new skills and gain experience
  • Positively impact your community 
  • Create vital opportunities for young people 
  • Make memories that’ll last a lifetime 

If you’re interested in helping we’d love to hear from you by completing our volunteer form.

FAQs

Most Young Leaders help at a weekly section meeting and attend occasional events or camps. The role is designed to fit alongside school, college or work.

Young Leaders complete specific training modules. Appropriate safeguarding checks and processes are followed in line with national Scouts’ policies.

Where possible, we’ll try to match you with a section that suits your interests and availability, but this may depend on local needs.

You’ll be supported by both your Explorer Leader and the adult leaders in your section. They’ll help you plan activities, reflect on what went well and build your skills over time.

At 18, Explorers can move on to Scout Network (for 18–25 year olds) or into an adult volunteer role. District and County teams can help you plan your next steps.

All adult volunteers follow Scouts’ national policies on safety and safeguarding and complete appropriate checks and training. Young people’s welfare is always our top priority. Follow the link to read our Safeguarding Code of Conduct.

If you have any other questions about Young Leaders in Stourbridge, please contact us – we’re happy to help.