Welcome to Scouting in Vale of Clwyd. Whether you’ve just joined or you’ve been with us for years, learning is a big part of what we do – not just for the young people, but for you too.
This page explains what learning you need to complete, when, and where to go to do it. It’s straightforward, and you won’t be doing it alone.
The Learning Tree
Learning at Scouts is organised into two areas. Growing Roots is the learning every volunteer needs to complete when joining or taking on a new role. Branching Out is the additional learning you can choose to do to develop further – including earning your Wood Badge.
All your learning is managed through My Learning, the Scouts online platform.
Growing Roots: Getting Started
When you first join, you’ll need to complete a set of core modules. Safety and Safeguarding must be completed within your first 30 days, and is renewed every three years. The remaining modules are Creating Inclusion, Data Protection in Scouts, and Who We Are and What We Do. These should be completed within 180 days.
Some volunteers also need to complete additional modules depending on their role, such as Delivering a Great Programme (Section Team Leaders and Members), Leading Scout Volunteers (those managing or supporting other volunteers), or Being a Trustee in Scouts (for trustee roles).
Not sure what applies to you? Your line manager or District Volunteering Development Team can help you work it out.
First Response (First Aid)
First Response is required for any volunteer who works directly with young people, or who may reasonably be expected to do so. It must be completed within your first 12 months, is valid for three years, and needs to be renewed if you’re still in a relevant role.
First Response is the minimum first aid standard for Scouts, though higher levels may be needed for certain activities or remote environments.
If you already hold a first aid qualification from another provider, you may be able to use it towards First Response. A First Response Trainer will review your existing certificate and identify any gaps.
Professionals such as nurses, paramedics, or police officers may already meet the criteria – speak to your District Volunteering Development Team to find out.
First Response is delivered locally. Contact us to find out when and where sessions are running in Vale of Clwyd or visit the Clwyd Scouts website for a full list of dates.
The Wood Badge
The Wood Badge is an international award that shows a volunteer’s personal commitment to learning and development within Scouts. Completing it is optional, but it’s a brilliant way to develop your skills and get more out of your volunteering.
There is one Wood Badge, and the learning you need to complete depends on your role. There are two clear versions: the Section Wood Badge for Section Team Leaders, Members, and 14-24 Team Leaders and Members; and the Manager and Supporter Wood Badge for those in management or support roles.
To get started, assign the relevant Wood Badge to your profile in My Learning. When you enrol in each course, you’ll see exactly what you need to do to complete each skill. Some learning is delivered locally by Trainers — contact your District Volunteering Development Team to find out what’s available and how to register.
Ongoing Learning
Once you’ve earned your Wood Badge, you need to complete at least five hours of ongoing learning each year. This keeps your skills and knowledge fresh and up to date. This learning is flexible – it can be courses, events, reading, or anything relevant to your Scouting role.
Branching Out learning, which includes ongoing development opportunities, is offered locally. Contact your District or County Volunteering Development Team to find out what’s available and how to access it.
My Learning
My Learning is where you access, track, and manage all your Scouts learning. You can enrol in courses, request to be assessed in a skill, check your progress, and keep an eye on renewal dates – all in one place.
If you’re logging in for the first time, you’ll need to set up your account. The Quick Start guide on the Scouts website walks you through how to sign in and set your password.
Need help?
If you’re not sure where to start, what you need to complete, or how to access anything, get in touch. We’re here to help you feel confident in your role – and make sure learning feels like an opportunity, not a chore.
