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Volunteering at Scouts is changing to help us reach more young people

Volunteering is changing to help us reach more young people

Volunteering is changing at Scouts. Read more

Discover what this means

Young Leaders' Scheme

Find out how you can take part in the Explorer Scout Young Leaders' Scheme as a young person or adult volunteer

Explorer Scout Young Leaders (ESYLs) are Explorers who volunteer alongside adult leaders in a Squirrel Drey, Beaver Colony, Cub Pack or Scout Troop. They're a valuable asset to any leadership team and 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.

All Young Leaders in the Squirrel, Beaver, Cub and Scout section who are between the ages of 13.5 and 18 must be members of a Young Leaders Unit. Young people from outside Scouting can also participate if they're working towards their Duke of Edinburgh's Award or Queen's Guide Award.

The Scheme

The Explorer Scout Young Leaders’ Scheme (ESYLS) is the training programme for Young Leaders. It contains 11 modules and 4 missions for them to work through whilst volunteering in their chosen section.

As well as developing valuable life skills, the scheme is an opportunity for Explorers to make a positive impact in their communities and to fulfil the service elements of many of the Top Awards in Scouts, or their Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Recognition of achievement is available along the way, and on completion of the Scheme.

The modules

ESYLs undertake 11 modules as part of their training. These give Young Leaders the skills and knowledge to be successful in their role.

Discover the 11 modules >
The missions

The 4 missions allow Young Leaders to put everything they've learnt throughout the Scheme into practice.

Discover the 4 missions >
Delivering the Young Leaders' Scheme

Discover the resources to help you deliver the Explorer Scout Young Leaders' Scheme.

Discover the resources >
Information for Section Team Leaders

Discover how you can support ESYLs in your Group, District, County, Region or Area.

Find out how to support ESYLs >
Recognition

ESYLs should be recognised for their achievements throughout the Scheme. 

Discover the badges, belts and certificates >
After the ESYLS

Find out what's next for your Young Leaders when they've finished the Young Leaders' Scheme.

Find out about the next steps >