Information for Section Leaders in supporting ESYLs

Working alongside an Explorer Scout Young Leader (ESYL) opens up many great opportunities for a section. ESYLs can bring a range of different skills and experience to the section they support and can help invaluably with the planning and running of your section. This not only benefits your section but allows the ESYL to develop skills for later life, equipping them for successful careers, and to take on adult roles within Scouting.

ESYLs undertake a training Scheme that consists of eleven training modules and four missions. Modules cover a variety of topics such as programme planning, inclusive Scouting and first aid. Missions put the learning from the modules into action, in a similar way to the validation activities in the adult training scheme. As a section leader, the support you offer your ESYL will contribute towards their development and ensure that the section gets the most out of their time. Below are some top tips for working with ESYLs in your section.

Top Tips

• Welcome them before their first session, make sure they know where they are going and who they can expect to meet there. Much like any new leader, ESYLs may feel nervous, or may not know what to expect.
• At the start of the session, take time to introduce them to the other leaders and young people.
• At the end of the session, introduce them to the parents. This familiarity will help put them at ease.
• Spend a little bit of time getting to know your ESYL. Just like adult leaders, they will have a range of experiences and skills to share.
• Encourage them to get them stuck in. ESYLs can help with an array of tasks. They are an integral part of your leadership team. By investing some time with your ESYL at the beginning, you are much more likely to see them develop and take an active role in planning and running the section.

Questions you may wish to ask an ESYL in order to get to know them better

• How long have you been in Scouting?
• Have you been through the section you are helping with?
• Why have you become an Explorer Scout Young Leader?
• Do you have any previous experience working with young people?
• Do you have any previous experience leading activities?
• Are you at school or college?
• What are your ambitions and interests?
• Are you working towards your top awards ie Chief Scout’s Platinum, Diamond, QSA and/or DofE?

Tasks ESYLs could get involved with

• Help to plan the programme
• Plan and run youth forums and games to get feedback from the section
• Plan and run games and activities
• Open or close the meeting
• Help with websites or social media pages (with support, as they are still under 18)
• Run sessions on topics they feel confident about
• Talk to young people about their experiences
• Inspire the section, acting as a role model
• Attend residential trips and camps

What do ESYLs get out of the Scheme?

The benefits an ESYL will get out of the Scheme are similar to the benefits of being an adult leader. Like adult volunteers, ESYLs will get to see young people develop, have fun and give back to their communities, all while developing some useful, transferrable life skills.

What are your obligations?

Whilst an ESYL is working within a section, the section leader is responsible for their safety and welfare. It is important to remember that an ESYL is still a young person, regardless of their responsibilities. The same guidance found in the Young People First (Yellow Card) that you apply to the members of your section should also be applied to ESYLs. You should never spend time one-on-one with an ESYL and should never directly text or email them without copying in other members of the leadership team.

Young People First (Orange Card) and Module A

When ESYLs start the Scheme, they will be given a copy of Young People First (Orange Card); this is the ESYL version of the Young People First (Yellow Card). ESYLs must attend a Module A – Prepare for take-off (essentials and expectations) training session within three months. The training provides detailed information about safeguarding and child protection and equips them with the right skills and knowledge to deal with any situations that arise.

Camps and residential trips

When the ESYL takes part in a camp or residential, consideration should also be given to the sleeping arrangements. The ESYL should have their own separate accommodation. They should not share with adult leaders, or with the young people.

Missions

As part of the Scheme ESYLs will need to complete four missions. They should carry out these missions in the section and will need your support to achieve these. After completing a mission, the ESYL should ask you to complete a short statement or make a comment on how they got on. You can log this in their ESYL Logbook. Feedback will help them to evaluate what went well and what they wish to focus on developing further. Remember, with the right support and opportunities, ESYLs can be a valuable part of the leadership team, and can help provide even better quality Scouting for more young people.