Leadership

Peer Leadership in Beaver Scouts

As the youngest Scouting section, Beaver Scouts is the start of a young person’s journey to develop leadership skills and this will likely be their first opportunity to be a leader. There is no set name for peer leadership in Beaver Scouts and Colonies can choose whatever works best for them. Some ideas of names used by Colonies are Lodge Leaders, Lodge Friends and Junior Leader.

As Beavers are just beginning to develop their leadership skills, Colonies often appoint a leader for a shorter amount of time than they would in Cubs. It is recommended that a Beaver takes on the role for a term. A term allows them a good amount of time to progress their leadership skills, whilst still being a taster and giving other Beaver Scouts the opportunity.

Once a Beaver has completed a period of time as a leader, they can be given the yellow Beaver leadership stripes. These can be proudly worn on their uniform and marks the start of their leadership journey.

Knowing exactly what tangible tasks to give to a Beaver Scout and what to expect of them at this stage in their development can be challenging. Although every young person is different, we have developed a guide to peer leadership in Beavers for leaders to help give some ideas and guidance. This can be found here.

Peer Leadership in Cub Scouts

A Cub Pack is usually organised into small groups called Sixes, each headed up by an older Cub called a Sixer, and often with a Seconder as well. Sixes can be used in several ways to facilitate the organisation of the Cub Scout Pack.

This leader’s guide is designed to support Cub Leaders with using Sixers and Seconders effectively. A Leader’s Guide to Peer Leadership in Cubs.

A top tips leaflet ‘Being a Sixer’ is available for new Sixers to help them learn the ropes and congratulate them on becoming a Sixer. This leaflet is available to download from the Brand Centre.

Peer Leadership in Scouts

In Scouts peer leaders are called Patrol Leaders, Assistant Patrol Leaders and some Troops have Senior Patrol Leaders too.

This leader’s guide is designed to support Scout Leaders with using Patrol Leaders and Assistant Patrol Leaders effectively. A Leader’s Guide to Peer Leadership in Scouts.

A top tips leaflet is available for new Patrol Leaders to help them learn the ropes and to congratulate them on becoming a Patrol Leader. This leaflet is available to download from the Brand Centre.

The resource entitled Taking The Lead is designed to help adult leaders develop leadership skills with young people in the Scout Troop. It will help you promote the active participation of your Scouts in the day-to-day running of your Troop.