h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Yeah, I usually have a bunch of YLs and it works well. I suppose it depends on the individual whether it's better to stay involved or to take a break - and once you've made a break, it's harder to get round to get back into it, than if you're just transferring to a different area if that makes sense.

Mol

Yeah, I suppose we can't force them to stay involved. But it's still a shame to see people drop out. Was always a big selling pioint for staying on that it looks great on a CV and uni applications, especially if you want to teach, or do youth work or something kid related.

I took a break for a while but have gone back in in September after 18months.
I still havent done my warrent as I didnt get a mentor as a young leader and have only got one this time around because the other leader doesnt like being in charge - she is a unit helper. I have taken over the unit with her as my assistant. Its working well but she is currently out of the country and i still have to do the accounts. They are letting me continue with the unit with another pair of hands but I am the "warrented" leader even though I havent finished.

The problem with having young leaders is there seems to be an idea amongst commissioners that you dont have to help them get their warrent or rush them as they will always stay. I had waited for a mentor for 5 years before I left. I had seen 3 people completly new to guiding starting in my unit and others. they got mentors within a month and the warrent within 6months. It really fustrated me.

Hmpf, that's outrageous. I'm now DC and I'm fully expecting to have to mentor anybody that needs it in the district.

Have to say I have tried numerous times with my own young leaders to help them assemble the evidence for the warrant and not one has completed it But my sister, who was running a unit, did hers within 6 months. So I think it's probably easier to do as the unit guider than it is as a YL.

The new YL qualification though looks much more straightforward and in some respects similar to the one I did in 1985 or thereabouts. And it's all carry forwardable so there's not much left to do once YLs become ALs. Which is a good thing.

Summer term now, always the nicest I can't remember which section you work with?

Mol

I'm with the guides.

Looking forward to getting out in the garden and doing some cooking and stuff outside as well as some games.

Yeah, brighter weather will really help. Even just to get them out running round in the car park or something in the fresh air.

Know what you mean bout the warrant taking so long or really quickly. All a bit odd. And not fair on some people in a way too.