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Welcome to this edition of eNews. Since the last edition we have said farewell to Chris Brammer as UK Adviser (Explorer Scouts). Chris has decided that the time has come to spend more time with his soon to be growing family and also concentrate on his own Explorer Scout Unit. We wish Chris all the best for the future and thank him for his massive contribution to the development and support of UK Explorer Scouting.

We will be looking to appoint a new UK Adviser (Explorer Scouts) later in the year. Please do continue to contact us for any support at programme@scout.org.uk or through the Information Centre on 0845 300 1818

The next few months will see a change in the transitional age flexibility between the Scout Section and the Explorer Scout Section.

From 1st September 2009, young people moving from Scouts to Explorers will have a 12 month window (from 13.5 - 14.5) to make the transition.It is important to note that the core age for the Scout and Explorer Scout Sections has not changed - for Scouts this is 10.5 - 14 and for Explorers 14 - 18 years old.

Answers to some Frequently Asked Questions can be found at: Transitional Age Range Flexibility FAQ's

Please note there is no change to the transition window from Explorers to Scout Network (17.5 - 18.5)

In February and March of this year we piloted two training weekends for those in the role of Explorer Scout Leader (Young Leader). They were held at Gilwell Park and in Brighouse. 80 ESL(YL)s and others with an interest in the Young Leader's Scheme took part,and the feedback has been positive. Following their success we are keen to build on these weekends and will keep in touch as the plan develops.

Following the Young Leaders' Scheme questionnaire during 2008 we have now produced a certificate of participation for the Young Leaders' Scheme. As requested by you we have produced this certificate to be able to be used in a variety of ways:

The certificate can be obtained from the Information Centre and Scout Shops.

We know that a number of people have developed new and alternative ways of delivering the Young Leaders' Scheme Modules. Early in 2010, to offer further help to people who deliver the Scheme, we will be publishing Young Leaders' Essentials Plus. This will contain lots of different ways to deliver the Modules, as well as more support for those completing the Missions and support material for those in the role of ESL(YL).

How can you help? if you have examples of different ways to deliver the objectives of each module we'd like you to get in touch. Please contact us at programme@scout.org.uk

We are really keen to promote the Building my Success process to Explorer Scouts across the UK. Supported by the Explorer Scout Record Book, it is designed to encourage Explorer Scouts to plan and record their achievements during their time in Explorer Scouts.

The factsheet FS452038 www.scoutbase.org.uk/6to25/explorer/news/fs452038.pdf explains this in more detail. Please encourage all Explorer Scout Leaders to read it.

We know that lots of Units and Districts are running Explorer Scout Meetings and Forums to encourage Explorer Scouts to participate in decision making. Please continue to encourage this - involving Explorer Scouts in the operation of their own Section can only be a good thing.

Factsheet FS452037 www.scoutbase.org.uk/6to25/explorer/news/fs452037.pdf gives advice on Meetings and Forums in the Explorer Scout Section.

In addition, to support those young people who wish to take on a greater leadership role in their Unit or District, Explorer Scouts: Taking the Lead is being relaunched. It will be available as a CD-rom to all Explorer Scout Districts, but will also continue to be downloadable, free of charge, from ScoutBase.

All Leaders, Commissioners, Administrators and Secretaries can add youth members onto the Membership Services Database (as long as they hold a full appointment). Once a young person’s details are added, he or she is then allocated a Membership Number. This allows them access to Programmes On Line - especially for Explorer Scout Young Leaders. The next stage of the database will be rolled out this year and will have details of all the Activity Badges, Awards and the Young Leaders’ Scheme so you can record their achievements and progress electronically.

Please encourage all Explorer Scout Leaders to add their Explorer Scouts to the Database.

The Queen's Scout Award is the culmination of everything that Explorer Scout and Scout Network members have achieved in Scouting. Over recent years the numbers of those young adults in gaining the award is ever increasing and from research carried out last year, we found that members wanted additional support or did not know where to obtain the right information to achieve the award.

Therefore we have produced two new download able packs, Reach The Top is aimed at participants of the Queen's Scout Award and is a valuable tool as they work through each stage of the award. Included in the pack are hints an tips, examples of activities that can be undertaken and a structure to create their own Queen's Scout Award action plan.

The pack also contains:-

Our second pack is Helping Them Reach The Top, which is intended to be used in conjunction with Reach The Top. It will help leaders/commissioners offer the support required to participants wishing to complete the Queen's Scout Award.

Both packs are available from www.scouts.org.uk/qsa

The UK Programme Team is currently putting together a toolkit for all those who undertake a support role with in the 5 sections. The Toolkit will provide useful information on how to undertake their role as well as having useful tips on how to support the programme across the District, County/Area or Scottish Region. The toolkit will be available from later this year and all those in the target audience will hear from the Programme Team directly when it is released.

The 2009/2010 cycle of workshops will include Programme, Adult Support and International and take place across the whole of the UK.

The workshops are aimed at developing those who are Supporters or those who support in Scouting.

Invites will go to supporters of the following:

The workshops will allow participants to engage with UKHQ, receive relevant information that will help support leaders and to support growth and development and to share in work that is relevant to the real needs of the Movement.

To find the latest information please visit:

www.scoutbase.org.uk/6to25/explorer/news/rdaas.htm

If you have any queries, then please contact us on adviceandsupportdays@scout.org.uk

If you have any ideas that you feel would make future issues even more helpful, please do not hesitate to let us know.

Andrew Wellbeloved

UK Commissioner for Programme

Gemma Veitch

Programme and Development Adviser