In Scouting, young people aged between 13 and half and 17 years old can volunteer to help at either the Squirrel, Beaver, Cub or Scout sections. These volunteers are known as Young Leaders (YLs).

Scouting UK offers a full programme of support for the YLs and within Harborough District Scouting, this is ran by Georgie and Sue Dove via the Lynx Explorer Scout Unit (ESU) which supports all young people who volunteer as a young leader.

All young people who are volunteering as Young Leaders must be registered as members of Lynx ESU for Scouting insurance and safeguarding purposes. If you are unsure, please email the Lynx leaders.

Ways to volunteer

There are three ways to volunteer as a YL

1. Explorer or Scout Young Leader – Either a member of one of the three Explorer Units in Harborough District or a 13 ½ + years member of a Scout Troop who also volunteer at Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs or Scouts. They wear their Scout or Explorer uniform when volunteering as a Young Leader.
2. Young Leader – A young person who does not attend any of the Harborough Explorer Scout Units and only role in Scouting is volunteering as a Young Leader on an ongoing basis. They are expected to wear the Explorer Scout shirt and district neckerchief.
3. Duke of Edinburgh Volunteer – Volunteering for either 3, 6 or 12 months as part of achieving the volunteering section of their D of E award. These are still a member of Lynx (for insurance and safeguarding purposes) however, they are not expected to wear a uniform and are expected to leave after their D of E time requirement is completed.

Subscription Costs for Young Leaders

All youth members (under the age of 18) whether they are a Squirrel, Beaver, Cub, Scout, Explorer or Young Leader, are required to pay a subscription membership fee. This fee is compulsory and includes insurance and safeguarding costs.

1. Explorer or Scout Young Leader – Subscription costs will already be paid as part of their Scout membership.
2. Young Leader – Required to pay the Lynx Only subscription fee of £5 per month. This reduced fee recognises the individual does not benefit from the wider opportunities that attending weekly meetings as a member offers.
3. Duke of Edinburgh Volunteer – They will pay the amount based on the level before they start volunteering Again, this reduced fee recognises the individual does not benefit from the wider opportunities that attending weekly meetings as a member offers.Bronze £15 (three Months)
   Silver £30 (or Bronze D of E 6 months)
   Gold £60 (12 months)

Mandatory Training

Young Leader Module A – Prepare for take off – This module aims to give you the essential information you will need to perform your ESYL role safely. It will provide you with the immediate skills needed to assist another section, and to understand your role.

It is expected that this is completed within 2 weeks of starting your young leader role. Complete online or book in-person.
County: Leicestershire
District: Harborough
Group: Lynx ESU
Role: Young Leader
The completed certificate must be emailed to Lynx ESU Leaders Georgie or Sue at:
Georgie.dove@harboroughscouts.org.uk
Sue.dove@harboroughscouts.org.uk
For more information on what to expect as a Young Leader, further training opportunities, ways to maximise your experience and any other support contact either Georgie or Sue on the email address above.