Young Leader Training
Training Modules
The Explorer Scout Young Leaders’ Scheme (ESYLS) is the learning programme for Young Leaders. It contains 11 modules and 4 missions for them to work through whilst volunteering in their chosen section.
As well as developing valuable life skills, the scheme is an opportunity for Explorers to make a positive impact in their communities and to fulfil the service elements of many of the Top Awards in Scouts, or their Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. Recognition of achievement is available along the way, and on completion of the Scheme.
Click here to read more about the Explorer Scout Young Leader’s Scheme.
Click on the links to find out more about each module on the Scouts website:
- Module A – Prepare for take-off (essentials and expectations)
- Module B – Taking the lead
- Module C – That’s the way to do it!
- Module D – Understanding behaviour
- Module E – Game on!
- Module F – Making Scouting accessible and inclusive
- Module G – What is a high quality programme?
- Module H – Programme planning
- Module I – What did they say?
- Module J – Communicate it!
- Module K – First aid masterclass
Module A – The Start!
Module A is a mandatory course which all Young Leaders are required to take. This course can be complete din a local in-person course, or is now available online and includes all essential information needed before starting as a Young Leader.
Please download a form (PDF or Word), complete it and send to .
A link to the Online version of Module A will be sent to you.
Training diaries – 2026
Districts across Gloucestershire run their own Young Leader Training programmes alongside the County options. Any Young Leader from any District can attend any of the County courses. If you wish to take part in a course with a District, please contact the District Young Leader Unit beforehand to check that spaces are available and that the course is still scheduled to run.
Please be aware dates can and do change.
Cheltenham – Wyell
When: On the 2nd Thursday of each month (except August). Modules as follows:
- Dates to follow
Stroud & Tetbury – Style YL Unit
When: On the 2nd Thursday of each month (except August). Modules as follows:
- Dates to follow
Forest of Dean – Severn Boars YL Unit
When: On the 3rd Sunday of each month (September to April). Modules as follows:
- 21 Sep – Modules B & C, Taking the Lead, That’s the Way to do it!
- 19 Oct – Modules A & J
- 16 Nov – Modules D, E & F – County 10:00-16:00
Gloucester YL Unit
When: On the 3rd Monday of each month. Modules as follows:
- Dates to follow
Click here to contact the unit
Tewkesbury – Haberpakka – YL Unit
When: On the 2nd Wednesday of each month. Modules as follows:
- Dates to follow
County Training
The GARGOYLE team run 2 YL training days each year, plus Module A on request and Module K when requested.
The BTEC Diploma – Explorer Scouts and Young Leaders aged between 16 and 19 can register with the GARGOYLE team in September to complete a BTEC Level 2 Diploma in Training and Personal Development in the Community. This is equivalent to a GCSE equivalent qualification for being an Explorer Scout.
You can find and book onto available County courses using this link.
To contact the GARGOYLE Team, click here.
County YL Training days (March & November)
The County Young Leaders Training Day runs twice a year, in March and November. It’s a day of games, activities, and workshops.
The day covers 3 YL Modules delivered by a variety of facilitators including the County Youth Team and helps you to complete your training and gain the skills to be a Young Leader.
There will be a nominal charge.
You can find and book onto available County courses using this link.