YOU ARE NOT ALONE Module 06 of the series for Group Leaders NEXT

06 About this self tutoring module This interactive module is based on the New Zealand publication called “ An Operating Guide for Managing a Scout Group”.An Operating Guide for Managing a Scout Group It is designed for Group Leaders who are unable to attend a training course, or who prefer to learn at their own pace at home. There are 9 of these interactive modules in the series and they may be downloaded free of charge from this website: region1.scouts.org.nz/ Note: Click the and buttons to navigate through the module. BACK NEXT BACK

NEXT 06 Your principal role BACK The Group Leader’s principal role is to manage and grow the Group in such a manner that the leaders operate as an effective team and the youth members enjoy a fun filled educational programme based around small teams operating in the outdoors as often as possible. A detailed Position Description is found in the “An Introduction to Scouting New Zealand for Leaders”.

NEXT 06 Support from the Zone Team BACK There is a Zone Leader and team for each of the over 30 Zones in New Zealand. Their function is to support the Scout Group Leaders and the Group Section Leaders. The Zone Leader is in turn a member of the SCOUTS Regional Team led by the Regional Development Manager. Each Zone Team has between 10 and 20 Scout Groups to support and provide training for. The Group Leaders are supported by the Zone Leader. The Section Leaders in each Group are supported by the Zone Section Leaders. It’s worth noting that the level of support enjoyed, is dependant on the Leaders in the Group communicating regularly with the Zone Team members and not waiting to be contacted.

06 Other sources of support BACK Its’ worth repeating advice given in an earlier module: take note of other Group Leaders you have met at Zone meetings, events or at Training courses. Work out who are running successful Groups and pick their brains if they are receptive to an approach from you. The nature of most Leaders in Scouting is to share their knowledge, so it would be unusual to rebuffed. Where else are you likely to meet such people? A Regional Forum is a very good place to meet people who are prepared to share their knowledge and skills. Don’t miss these opportunities, they are really valuable. A side benefit from attending Regional Forums is you get to meet the National Commissioner, National Chairman, and the National Section Leaders who produce the National Programmes. You can talk to them and give them feedback as well as pick their brains. Regional forums are held in October and November most years. NEXT

06 Other sources of support BACK NEXT National and Regional Events You will also meet great leaders at events such as the Scout Jamboree, Kea day, Cub Day, and the National Schools. All these events need enthusiastic volunteers to run the activities. Click this link for more informationClick this link International events Attending a overseas Jamboree, forum or Asia Pacific conference is also a great opportunity to meet skilled and knowledgeable people and really learn about the international aspects of Scouting.

The Regional Administrator is focussed on day to day administration and this generally includes providing the following services for Zone Leaders. Processing Leader Warrant applications received from Zone Leaders. Maintenance of the National membership database. Maintenance of the leaders’ training records. Processing Service Award applications. Receiving membership enquiries and directing them to the appropriate Groups. NEXT 06 Regional Administrator BACK Taking booking for training courses. Taking bookings for campsites where applicable. Receiving membership enquiries from the ‘0800 SCOUTS phone and directing them to the appropriate Groups. Distribution of news and other information to leaders. Administrators are located in Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin and may be phoned on 0800 SCOUTS

NEXT 06 Training available BACK Training is available for Group Leaders and is generally carried out by the either the Zone Leader or the Zone Training Leader. The training scheme for Group Leaders is set out in the ‘Introduction to Scouts New Zealand’ booklet used for welcoming new leaders into the Movement. The training is run in Zone several times a year but if the date doesn’t suit, you are free to attend the same course when it is run in a neighbouring Zone. The ‘Initial’ and ‘Practical’ Training Workbooks are designed to be completed as home study courses if desired. At the end of each workbook is an assessment which the you complete and sends to the Zone Training Leader. Note: The 9 modules you are currently working through are a supplement to and not a replacement for the training described above. Click here Click here to access management modules 1.1 to 1.7 under ‘Adult Training.’

NEXT 06 Dual roles are not encouraged BACK The Group Leader’s role is a busy one and you should not be directly involved in a section. If you moved from a section, let go, and encourage the new leaders to ‘try their wings’. A burned out Group Leader is not going to help either you, the Group or the section. The leaders in the Group deserve your full support and by working in a section as well, you will end up short changing them and not being able to give them the support and mentoring they need.

NEXT BACK 06 Check your understanding receiving calls from the Zone Team members. communicating regularly with the Zone Team members and not waiting to be contacted. Click what you believe is the correct statement 2. These 9 training modules are: additional to the formal Initial and Practical training modules for Group Leaders. are all that is needed for Group Leader training. 1. It’s worth noting that the level of support enjoyed, is dependant on the Leaders in the Group:

NEXT 06 Check your understanding let go of their previous section and focus on supporting leaders in all the sections. be prepared to step in and run some of the sections in the Group on a regular basis to keep in touch with the programmes etc. Click what you believe is the correct statement 4. Group Leaders can develop their skills and knowledge by attending all the section training courses as well as those just for Group Leaders. attending Zone meetings and events, plus Regional forums so as to widen their support network. 3. Group Leaders should: BACK

Congratulations. You have completed the Group Leaders training module 5 Please click on this link and advise the Zone Training Leader.click on this link The modules in this series are: GLs Support – 1. Scouts is a value based organisation GLs Support - 2. The Group, the committee, the AGM and you GLs Support - 3. Recruiting and inducting adult volunteers GLs Support - 4. Supporting your Group team GLs Support - 5. Leading by example GLs Support - 6. You are not alone GLs Support - 7. Communicating effectively GLs Support - 8. Planning and development GLs Support - 9. Protecting SCOUTS assets EXIT BACK 06 This module is complete

Correct !!! Well done, you understand SCOUTS approach on this. BACK

Sorry! If you are waiting for a Zone Team member to contact you it may be a lengthy wait. Some of these Zone Section leaders are supporting leaders in 20 or more groups and it’s a case of the “squeaky wheel getting the oil”. If you are wondering about something, then contact them and seek their guidance. They won’t mind. In fact, if you contact them, they don’t have to remember to contact you to see how you are getting along. BACK

Sorry! These interactive modules give you a good grounding in the role while you wait for the scheduled formal training courses to start. The formal Initial training and Practical Skills workbook modules are far more detailed and valuable. Make plans to attend as soon as you can as your role will become much easier once you understand these details. If you cannot find time to attend the formal courses, down load the workbooks and complete them in your own time and then send the Zone Training Leader the assessment form at the back of each workbook.

Correct !!! Well done, you understand SCOUTS approach on this. BACK

Sorry! This is not the best answer, although understanding each of the sections would be an advantage in terms of supporting your leaders. As Group Leader you would get far more value from broadening your horizons and attending Zone meetings and Regional forums etc and building a personal network of people who can guide and advise you. BACK

Sorry! This is not the best answer. Unfortunately it’s likely you may have to step in and hold the fort from time to time if leaders are away. But this should be the exception and not the rule. Let go of any previous section involvement and focus on your GLs role. Your leaders will thank you for it. BACK