Training Weekend

For the last few years, Brentwood has runsa weekend at Thriftwood County HQ to cover Missions B - J. The weekend starts on the Friday night and runs until Sunday afternoon. Accomodation and meals are provided on a course which is open to the whole of County.

The last course was from Friday 22nd January 2010 to Sunday 24th January and was great fun. There are a few pictures on the YL Weekend 2010 tab including of the visit of the UK Chief Commissioner, Wayne Bulpitt.

So what does it cover?

Firstly, it is fun! There will be YLs from all over the county with different experiences and views. There will be leaders from different part sof the county helping you to learn and enjoy yourselves.

We will have some spare time and on the Saturday night we will have a fun exercise for you.

It will be hard work, there is a lot to cover, but we believe that by doing it all together you can see how the various bits fit together and in your sections or teams you will be able to try some of the ideas.

Module B - Taking the Lead

One of the biggest changes when you become a YL is that you are not just a Scout or Explorer but part of the leadership team. Module B is all about styles of leadership, how to get your Beavers, Cubs or Scouts to follow instructions and when different styles are appropriate.

Module C - That's the way to do it

Have you wondered how to show a cub how to tie a knot? How do you explain to a Scout how to read a map? There are lots of way of passing on the skills you have learnt in Scouting to others and this module is all about which ways might work. There is no "right" way but if you know some of the techniques then you can choose the best one for you and the activity.

Module D - Kids behaving badly

Every leader has problems with discipline and as a Young Leader you will have times when they ignore you or deliberately do things wrong. How do you cope?

Module E - Game on!

Games are great fun but they can make the kids too excited. What about games which calm them down? How do you choose the best game for a situation?

Leaders often turn to YLs to "just run a game" - it is great to have a few different games you can suggest which suit the mood of the young people - energetic, thoughtful, team or individual.

Module F - Special People

Don't just think disabled, there are many members of the movement who have particular needs - it ranges from the physical to behavioural issues, includes dietary and religious issues. Some needs are obvious, others are not. Do you understand their needs and how can you make Scouting fully available to them? Come prepared to have your eyes opened to what it must be like to be a Scout with special needs.

Modules G & H - Programme Planning

For your young people to enjoy Scouting, we need to provide a varied and interesting programme. You also want to give them the opportunities to do challenge and other badges. Some activities are best in the summer, others suit the winter. These two modules cover everything from planning the outiline of a term's activities to organising a normal colony, pack or troop evening.

Module I - what did they say

Listening and understanding what the young people say to you may seem easy, but do you really understand what they mean? Communication, both ways, is really important and it is not just the spoken word.

Module J - Badges and Awards

Do you understand the badges for the section you work with? How might you fit them into the programme? How do you deal with the pushy parent or decide that someone has earnt a badge? Often you will be put on the spot - here is a chance to discuss how you might decide.