Young Leaders & DofE Volunteers

Young Leaders and DofE volunteers play a huge part in making Scouting happen at Stroud Valley. You’ll support our Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs and Scouts — while building confidence, leadership skills and real experience for your future.

Aged 14–18? You can volunteer as a Young Leader. You don’t need to have been a Scout before — we’ll help you find the right section and support you to get started.

Young people and volunteers at Stroud Valley Scouts

Already know your section? Add it in the join form — we’ll match you to a team.

At a glance

Who it’s for

Young people aged 14–18 who want leadership skills, confidence and experience.

What you’ll do

Help run games and activities, support younger members, and assist with events and nights away.

DofE volunteering

Many Young Leaders volunteer as part of DofE — we can support evidence, sign-off and references.

Training included

You’ll complete the Young Leaders’ training modules and missions with support from leaders and the district team.

What is a Young Leader?

A Young Leader is usually an Explorer Scout (14–18) who volunteers in a Squirrel Drey, Beaver Colony, Cub Pack or Scout Troop, working alongside the adult leadership team.

  • help plan and run meetings, games and activities
  • support younger sections during weekly sessions
  • assist with camps, trips and special events
  • bring fresh ideas and a youth perspective

Some Young Leaders volunteer as part of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE), while others simply enjoy helping younger members and developing leadership skills.

What you gain as a Young Leader

Being a Young Leader is a brilliant way to gain skills that look great on applications and help in everyday life. You’ll build:

  • leadership and teamwork through real responsibility
  • confidence and communication by supporting activities and speaking to groups
  • planning and organisation by helping shape programmes
  • problem solving through real-life situations
  • safeguarding awareness through essential training

These experiences are useful for school, college or university applications, apprenticeships and job applications, and further volunteering or leadership roles. We’re also happy to provide references to recognise your commitment.

The Explorer Scout Young Leaders’ Scheme

The Explorer Scout Young Leaders’ Scheme is the official national training programme for Explorer Scouts who volunteer in sections. It provides structured training and development.

Training modules

You’ll complete 11 modules covering topics such as:

  • running games and activities
  • leadership styles
  • creating inclusive environments
  • managing behaviour and engagement
  • basic first aid
  • recognising and explaining the skills you gain

Missions

You’ll also complete four missions to put your learning into practice, such as:

  • planning and leading a game or activity
  • assisting with programme planning
  • supporting a camp, sleepover or trip
  • gathering feedback from young people

When all modules and missions are completed, Young Leaders receive the ESYL belt buckle to celebrate their achievement.

Safeguarding and Module A

All Young Leaders must complete Module A within their first three months. This essential safeguarding training covers boundaries, expectations, the Young Leaders’ Orange Card, and who to speak to if you have a concern.

Module A is usually organised by the Stroud & Tetbury District 14–24 Team. If you’re not sure how to access Module A, get in touch and we’ll point you in the right direction.

DofE volunteering as a Young Leader

Many young people volunteer with us as part of their Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, which is fantastic. DofE volunteers should:

  • complete Module A within three months
  • take part in appropriate additional training
  • agree a volunteering pattern with the section team

If you enjoy the role, you’re very welcome to continue as a Young Leader and join Trinity Explorers if you’re not already a member.

Being part of the team

We want every Young Leader to feel welcome, valued and supported. Leaders are encouraged to:

  • invite Young Leaders to planning meetings where appropriate
  • include them in trips, camps and special events
  • ask for their ideas when planning programmes
  • support them in trying new responsibilities

How to become a Young Leader at Stroud Valley

Pick the route that fits you best — we’ll help you find the right section and get started.

Already in Trinity Explorers?

Speak to your Explorer leaders about volunteering in a younger section — they’ll help match you to a team.

Doing DofE?

Use our join form and mention DofE volunteering. We’ll help find a section and a schedule that works for you.

Want to build leadership skills?

You don’t need to have been a Scout before. If you’re aged 14–18 and want confidence, responsibility and experience, we can help you become a Young Leader.

New to Explorers?

You can join Trinity Explorers and take part in the Young Leaders’ Scheme as part of your programme — while supporting a younger section.

Find out more from Scouts UK

The national Scouts website has more information about the Explorer Scout Young Leaders’ Scheme, including all modules, missions and resources.

Dwayne Fields proudly holds the title of the UK's 11th Chief Scout

An explorer, adventurer and TV presenter, Dwayne's been seen in BAFTA nominated Channel 5 series Race to the Pole, on BBC Springwatch, Countryfile, National Geographic and Disney+.

Find out more