Introduction to the Young Leaders' Scheme | Activities

You’ll need

Access to a computer or device with access to the internet
Access to a projector and screen or a large TV screen (optional)

Before you begin

Use the safety checklist to help you plan and risk assess your activity. Additional help to carry out your risk assessment, including examples can be found here. Don’t forget to make sure all young people and adults involved in the activity know how to take part safely.
Have a look at all the links in this activity and bring them up on your computer or device screen to look at during the activity. You should have webpages about the scheme and the badges, belt, and certificate open.
If you are using a projector and screen, set this up at one end of your meeting place.

Discover more

Ask everyone to sit in a group or close to the projector screen if you are using one.
Briefly go through what the Young Leaders’ Scheme is.

Have a quick look over the badges, belt and certificate everyone will gain from completing this scheme.

Explain to everyone that this scheme will help them develop skills for life, such as leadership, communication and planning. The experiences will also help them work towards their top awards, such as the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, Chief Scout Award and King's Scout Award.

Reflection

Completing the Young Leaders’ Scheme helps everyone develop their skills as a young leader, helps build up their confidence in themselves and how they manage a group, and gives them a wealth knowledge on how to run a high quality programme as a leader.

How did everyone feel about what was needed to complete the scheme? Were there any questions about how they could achieve it? Think about using examples from their experiences in Scouting and how they can use these to count towards the scheme. For example, if they have run any activities and games within the group or if they already help with a younger section.

Their experiences working towards other top award can also count towards the Young Leaders’ Scheme. Check out the ‘Link those awards’ activity for more information on how they work together.

Safety

All activities must be safely managed. You must complete a thorough risk assessment and take appropriate steps to reduce risk. Use the safety checklist to help you plan and risk assess your activity. Always get approval for the activity, and have suitable supervision and an InTouch process.

Online safety

Supervise young people when they’re online and give them advice about staying safe. Take a look at our online safety or bullying guidance. The NSPCC offers more advice and guidance, too. If you want to know more about specific social networks and games, Childnet has information and safety tips for apps. You can also report anything that’s worried you online to the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Command. As always, if you’ve got concerns about a young person’s welfare, including their online experiences, follow the Yellow Card to make a report.

Hand and electric tools

Inspect tools for any damage before each use. An adult should supervise people using tools, and people should follow instructions on how to use them correctly and safely. Tools should be properly maintained and kept sharp.

Use an appropriate surface and make sure materials are stable and supported when you’re working on them. You should cut and drill away from the body and in an area clear of other people. Be extra cautious of trailing cables and water when using electric tools. Always use a cordless tool if one’s available.