Getting young people involved with Scouting

Scouting is all about young people and, over the years, the Movement has become less about leaders organising and running the show and more about young people getting involved, says Sam Parker.

Whether they get involved by joining the Young Leader Scheme, attending events like Scouts Speak Up or just helping their leaders with weekly meetings, youth involvement is becoming even more prevalent.

The fantastic thing about the December 2011/January 2012 takeover of Scouting magazine is that it’s another opportunity for young people to get involved with The Scout Association, in this case on a national basis.

Here, some of our guest editors tell us more about their youth involvement at a local level:

Charlotte Cox talks about an innovative Youth Council taking place in Hampshire.

Hampshire Scout Youth Council is a safe environment for young people to express themselves and have their voices heard. It’s the first of its kind, and we meet twice a year at a residential conference, within the county of Hampshire.

The Youth Council began from an idea to boost the numbers of Scouts in Hampshire. We believe that when young people have an input into how their Scouting is run, they get more out of it and the Movement grows as a result.

We’ve achieved so much as Youth Council delegates, whether it be personally or countywide. We’ve influenced people on a national scale through our Facebook page, and have improved our communication on the internet.

We joined the Don’t Raise Our Rents! campaign and have made a significant contribution by helping with promotional videos.

Through this amazing experience, we are able to make friends who feel the same about the Scouting Movement, and we are able to express ourselves in a way in which people actually listen and care.

We have developed as individuals into a community of like-minded young adults who can shape the future. Adam Jollans, our County Commissioner, said: ‘The Youth
Council aids the growth of Scouts, giving young people the confidence to make vital decisions.’

Young Leader Jonathan and Beaver Leader Yvonne talk about their experience of running a Colony together at their local garden patch.

Jonathan:

I’m a Young Leader, and gardening is not really my cup of tea. For the past four years, however, I’ve ended up doing a lot because our Beaver Colony adopted a small patch. It involves weeding, taking out the old plants and then planting new ones for the coming season.

I meet regularly with Yvonne and the other leaders to discuss what we’re going to do and who’s responsible for what. I have input in the programme and help out with games at weekly meetings.

It’s hard work at times, but it never goes unnoticed and I have a great time.

Yvonne:

Having a Young Leader involved with the Colony is a great advantage. The Beavers are able to feel at ease with a leader figure who is a bit closer to their age group.
Jonathan in particular has been a great asset. I always ask for his point of view regarding the content of the programme.

The planting sessions aren’t all work, because we always end with a game of football, which Jonathan leads.

Sarah S speaks to Emma Saunders from the UK Youth Involvement Group about its plans for the future.

What is the Youth Involvement Group and what does it do?
It’s part of the UK operations committee that looks after the programme for youth members. Our aim is to get young people involved in decision-making in all areas of Scouting, such as planning their programme, as well as financial planning and Group meetings.

Why is it important that young people are involved in the development of their programme?
Scouting should be shaped by young people and adults. We’re a youth movement, so it’s important that young people are at the heart of decision-making.

What do you hope the Youth Involvement Group can achieve in the future?
For all young people in all sections to be involved in decision-making at all levels. We’re hoping to help all young people develop new skills, like finance and communication.

How will you make this happen?
By supporting all the nominated youth reps at their AGM. Next year we will also produce some information packs for adults to support their youth members.

Can you give a good example of the work the group has been doing?
We carried out some focus groups across the UK with Explorers and Scout Network members. We trialled ideas and responses to weekend camps and weekday meetings. We’re hoping to build on these findings to make a better UK programme. We’re also building a bank of top tips from young people who are currently involved in youth councils.

Get in touch

If you have a good example of youth involvement, contact Emma at emma.saunders@scouts.org.uk