Letters and references
Contents
- Introduction
- About the Scheme
- Overview of the modules and missions
- Supporting ESYLS
- Next Steps
- Safeguarding
- FAQs
- Modules and missions
- Module A – Prepare for take-off (essentials and expectations)
- Module B - Taking the lead
- Module C - That's the way to do it!
- Module D – Understanding behaviour
- Module E - Game on!
- Module F - Making Scouting accessible and inclusive
- Module G – What is a high quality programme?
- Module H – Programme planning
- Module I - What did they say?
- Module J - Communicate it!
- Module K- First Aid
- Icebreaker ideas
- Letters and references
- Appendix A
- Appendix B - Domino hunt
- Appendix C - Child protection scenarios
- Appendix D - Leadership styles
- Appendix E - Narrative of a Beaver Scout Meeting
- Appendix F- Self-reflection sheet
- Appendix G- Negative sentences
- Appendix H - Mock trial scenarios
- Appendix I- Programme - making reasonable adjustments
- Appendix J - Programme objectives
- Appendix K - Bingo sheet
- Appendix L - Number game scenarios
- Appendix M - Skill builder
- Appendix N – Skills Checklist
Letters and references
The following letters and reference template can be adapted and used as a guide to support you locally when contacting parents, section leaders, higher education institutions or employers.
Ref: Letter to parent/guardian - What is being an Explorer Scout Young Leader (ESYL) all about?
Dear Parent/Guardian,
Your young person has enquired about/signed up to the Explorer Scout Young Leaders’ (ESYLs’) Scheme. This letter will provide some extra information about the Scheme and the responsibilities your young person is undertaking.
The Scheme is available to all Explorer Scouts where they volunteer alongside adult leaders in a Squirrel Drey, Beaver Colony, Cub Pack or Scout Troop. ESYLs are very much part of the leadership team and should play an active part in the planning and running of the section.
As part of the Scheme, the ESYL completes 11 training modules which focus on the key aspects they need to work with young people and which will also provide them with valuable skills for life. They will look at topics, such as how to confidently run games and activities, different types of leadership, how to create a positive and inclusive environment, first aid and how to talk about all of the skills they are gaining through doing the Scheme. They will also complete four missions which put these skills into practice in the section they are volunteering with.
Once the ESYL has had all off the modules and missions signed off by an adult volunteer in Scouting, they will have completed the Scheme and will receive their ESYL belt buckle to wear with pride.
Young people often chose to volunteer as part of their DofE or QGA, which is great. They need to complete Module A and further training as appropriate to their role. At the end of doing their relevant award, if your young person would like to continue being a Young Leader, they can join the Association as an Explorer Scout.
First and foremost, we hope they have fun. If for any reason while completing the Scheme they aren’t enjoying it, make sure they speak to the adult volunteer who is co-ordinating the Scheme locally. The Scheme is specifically designed to encourage teamwork skills with both adults and young people. It should build confidence and communication skills as well as organisation skills.
The Scheme can be used towards Duke of Edinburgh’s Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards, the Chief Scout’s Platinum, Diamond Awards and Queen’s Scout Award (and Girlguiding equivalents). The Scheme is recognised through the Institute of Leadership and Management and also is transferable to The Scout Association’s Adult Training Scheme upon turning 18.
Further information is available from your Explorer Scout Leader Young Leader locally.
Name: Contact:
We wish your young person success with their adventures.
Kind regards,
Ref: A new Explorer Scout Young Leader volunteering in your section.
Dear_____________________,
Firstly, thank you for welcoming an Explorer Scout Young Leader (ESYL) into your section to volunteer. This letter is to provide some extra information about the Scheme and how it benefits the ESYL and the young people in your section.
The Scheme is available to all Explorer Scouts where they volunteer alongside adult leaders in a Squirrel Drey, Beaver Colony, Cub Pack or Scout Troop. ESYLs are very much part of the leadership team and should play an active part in the planning and running of the section.
As part of the Scheme, the ESYL completes 11 training modules, which focus on the key aspects they need to work with young people and which will also provide them with valuable skills for life. They will look at topics such as how to confidently run games and activities, different types of leadership, how to create a positive and inclusive environment, first aid, and how to talk about all of the skills they are gaining through doing the Scheme. They will also complete four missions, which put these skills into practice in the section. This is very similar to the validation part of Adult training and in supporting an ESYL you are helping to train and guide the adult leaders of the future.
Once the ESYL has had all off the modules and missions signed off by an adult volunteer in Scouting, they will have completed the Scheme and will receive their ESYL belt buckle to wear with pride.
Young people often chose to volunteer as part of their DofE or QGA, which is great. They need to complete Module A and further training as appropriate to their role. At the end of doing their relevant award, if the young person would like to continue being a Young Leader, they can join the Association as an Explorer Scout.
Please make the ESYL feels part of the team. Invite them to planning meetings and camps, get to know them and encourage them with running games and activities in the section.
All ESYLs need to complete Module A within three months. This module covers essential safeguarding information and also goes over all of the essentials and expectations. This should be organised by their Explorer Scout Leader Young Leader (ESLYL) locally, but do check with your ESYL that this has been
completed. Let your GSL know if not.
If you ever have any queries about the ESYLs’ Scheme, contact your local ESLYL.
Name:
Contact:
Thank you again, we hope you enjoy having an ESYL on your team.
Kind regards,
Ref: Personal Statement for ____________________
Dear Sir or Madam,
_____________________ has completed the Explorer Scout Young Leaders’ Scheme with The Scout Association. This is a fantastic achievement that has required a lot of hard work and dedication. This letter provides some extra information about the Scheme and the skills which __________________________ has developed completing it.
The ESYLs’ Scheme is a training scheme for Explorer Scouts (14-18), who undertake 11 training modules, whilst putting their learning into action volunteering alongside adult leaders in a Squirrel Drey, Beaver Colony, Cub Pack or Scout Troop. ESYLs are very much part of the leadership team and play an active part in the running and planning of sessions.
ESYLs dedicate time to organising, running and facilitating fun, challenge and adventure for the young people they volunteer with. They gain valuable skills for life, exploring topics such as how to confidently run games and activities, how to develop different types of leadership, how to create a positive and inclusive environment, how to administer first aid, and how to adapt their communication style for different audiences.
As an ESYL _____________________ has to be organised, responsible and committed to attending
regular sessions.
An ESYL has great communications skills and is able to work well with adults and young people. They work well in a team environment but are also able to take the lead when required. Through the completion of the Scheme, they will be used to confidently proposing their ideas.
Nationally, the ESYLs’ Scheme is recognised by the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and also builds into both the Scouts and Guides top awards. Furthermore, the Institute of Leadership and Management also recognises the Scheme as a development programme.
By completing the Scheme _______________________ has had many exciting opportunities and gained many valuable key life skills, but this letter is not exhaustive. Please do ask ___________________ for further information about their experiences.
Yours Faithfully
________________________________
Explorer Scout Leader Young Leader (ESLYL)