I first started helping out at a Beaver Colony in Penicuik in October 2005, basically to give me something to do, to gain experience with children and also to put something back into scouting, as it had always been my intention coming up through the sections to go back and help at some point. Not long after I started helping, I was told about the young leader’s scheme through Explorers. Basically, it exists to give young people some training in helping run other sections, with the modules covered in the Young Leaders Training (YLT) counting towards the adult training, should the person do this when they turn 18.

Module A (Child Protection) was covered in the Area, in a single night with explorers. This is the only compulsory module, which has to be completed by all young leaders who help with any section, for insurance purposes. For Modules B-J Midlothian Area sent us on a residential weekend, help at Lapwing Lodge, near Paisley. The whole weekend was spent covering the Training, with very little time spent doing other activities. Although this was intense, it was also made to be fun, so you learned without really noticing. It was also good to speak to other Explorers who help with younger sections and exchange tips and ideas, as well as trading campfire songs. To complete the training you have to attend a First Aid Course.

I feel that the training really helped me become more confident when dealing with the younger kids and it also gives me a much better understanding of what scouting is about and how it works. The programme planning module helped in explorers, as I now understand the need for a balanced program, and have better planning skills. I found the training also came in handy as Patrol Leader at Blair Atholl in 2006, as the YLT helped improve teamwork skills, as well as giving me a better idea of when to put the foot down, as it were.

Young Leaders Training benefits the section you help at greatly, by bringing in fresh ideas, by having somebody who is closer to the age range of the section, which sometimes can mean that the children will find it easier to communicate with Young Leaders about many different things, and also simply by having another pair of hands and eyes every night. The YLT is designed so the young person is able to have an input into programming, and to help them to be able to run an activity or game more effectively.I am now studying at University in Glasgow, and I would like to thank all the adult helpers, leaders and commissioners who have helped me over the 12 years .I am now in Midlothian Network and on the Area Executive.

William McFarlane,Midlothian Area Network