Stage 1 - Starting Out

Stage 1 – Starting Out

This young person may be about 14 years old, and may not have any previous scouting experience if they have joined as a DofE volunteer or been brought along as the child of a parent helper.

They might be quiet and shy, and uncertain of how to help with the adult team. They won’t command respect easily from the young people in the section, especially scouts. They might be distracted by their smartphone.

What they should be doing

  • Helping to support small group work

  • Working with lodge leaders, sixers or patrol leaders

  • Running games designed by the section leader

  • Collecting money

  • Helping with uniform checks and inspections

  • Helping with refreshment breaks

  • Helping with general housekeeping

How to support

  • Tell them about the Young Leader training scheme

  • Register them with the YL Unit here

  • Make sure they complete Module A at the earliest opportunity (Feb or Oct, plus an adhoc session around Easter)

  • Give them specific jobs to do

  • Help them complete Mission 1 (Run 3 games)

Don’t expect

  • The Young Leader to have authority

  • The Young Leader to maintain discipline

  • The Young Leader to act independently