Training Weekend

Every District does it differently but in Brentwood we have found the best way is to get YLs together for a weekedn at Thriftwood with other YLs from Essex and London to learn together and have a lot of fun. We are very lucky to have lots of support from experienced leaders who help run the sessions and mean that you can work in small groups. In 2010 we are proud to be part of the County provision of YL training, but the emphasis will be the same - sharing good ideas and making sure that everyone has a good time while learning how to get the most out of Scouting.

Some photos of our 2009 training weekend

The list of Modules we cover may seem daunting, but many of them link together and, in the weekend, you will find that you are using things from other modules as you plan sample programmes and organise games.

Module B is all about being a leader - how do you inspire people, how do you work with other leaders to make things happen?

Module C covers one of the most common things you will do as a YL, sharing your Scouting skills with others and showing them how to light a fire, tie a knot, etc.

Module D is about discipline, how do you deal with the disruptive Cub, the argumentative Scout, the naughty Beaver? Can you remember doing the same things and what leaders or teachers said to you?

Module E is all about fun and playing games, but how do you make sure everyone is involved? Will the game leave them hyperactive and will it fir the theme for the evening?

Module F is all about special people, those who some might say were disabled. But it is much wider than that, it includes anyone who you need to think about when planning activities. We normally invite Liz along who brings her funny glasses - you need to try them to understand what tunnel vision really feels like!

Modules G and H link together and look at how you plan a programme. How do you get ideas, how do you put them into practice, what is a balanced programme, what is realistic and when do certain things work. As YLs we encourage you to be involved in planning both sessions and termly programmes with the leaders you work with, these sessions help you to find out what it is all about.

Module I is all about listening to the young people and often links in with the behaviour session. What do they really want to do, why are they misbehaving, what do they want to tell you in confidence?

Module J looks at the awards and badges. You may be asked to decide whether someone has earnt a badge - how do you find out what the requirements are, how do you decide if they have done enough to earn the badge?

Module K - First Response

Firstly, we do not teach First Aid or expect you to be a paramedic! First Response is the basic, practical steps to manage minor injuries and preserve life until professional help arrives. The course is the same as the one for adult leaders and covers assessing a situation, deciding on priorities, calling for help and some basic life preservation techniques.

Hang on - what will all this training cost?

Young Leaders are very valuable to the sections and groups that they work with, so we expect them to pay for all the training you need. What that means to you is that:-

Module A is free - you just have to get to wherever it is being run.

For the training weekend we only ask you to pay for your food, we expect your group to pay for the accomodation and training materials.

For Module K we expect your Group to re-imburse you (typically £10) although we do try and run a course about once every two years open to all the Explorers which will be free.