Four Nottinghamshire Scouts volunteers have completed a year-long leadership development journey through the East Midlands Future Leaders Programme (FLP), gaining new skills, sharing ideas and building confidence to help shape the future of Scouting.
Adam and Eamon from Beeston Sea Scouts, Becca from 1st Farnsfield Scout Group and Anna from 1st New Ollerton and Boughton Scout Group began their journey in November 2025, joining volunteers from across the East Midlands for a programme designed to develop leadership at every level of Scouting.
Across four learning weekends at different locations around the region, participants explored leadership styles, listening skills, difficult conversations, managing change and public speaking. Monthly online sessions provided further learning and opportunities to work through challenges together.
The programme wasn't just about learning theory. After each weekend, participants were set practical projects to put their new skills into action. These included shadowing someone in a role they aspired to, introducing a change within their Group, District or County, and delivering a presentation to an audience outside the programme.
Alongside the learning, there was plenty of opportunity to share ideas and support one another. Discussions sparked suggestions including a District 'Traitors'-themed Explorer camp and a County 'Blue Card' to help address mental health concerns affecting young people and volunteers.
And it wasn't all hard work! The group found time for a bit of Eurovision fun in May and were looking forward to 'AsiaVision' during their final weekend in November. They're also excited to receive the badges they were challenged to design at their first weekend back in February.
The Future Leaders Programme is a fantastic opportunity for anyone looking to develop their leadership skills, whether you're a Section Leader, Group Leadership Volunteer, District Leadership Volunteer or aspiring to take on a County-level role and beyond.
Our four Nottinghamshire volunteers have demonstrated the value of investing in people, sharing experiences and developing the confidence to take on new challenges.
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