When you join the 41st, there is a variety of learning you’ll need to do within your first six months as a new volunteer, with Safety & Safeguarding completed within the first 30 days. It covers the basics of Scouts, safety, data protection and creating an inclusive environment.

Growing Roots is the essential learning for all new volunteers to complete within their first 6 months, with Safety and Safeguarding done in the first 30 days. It covers the basics of Scouts, staying safe, data protection, and inclusion.

Exemptions: Non-Member (Needs Disclosure).

Growing Roots

• Safety – Must be completed within 30 days of joining. Covers safety responsibilities, risk management, and incident reporting.
• Safeguarding – Must be completed within 30 days of joining. Explains how to recognise, respond to and report safeguarding concerns.
• Creating Inclusion – Recommended for all; auto-signed off if you’ve completed Module 7. Learn to make Scouts welcoming and inclusive for everyone.
• Data Protection in Scouts – Auto-signed off if GDPR module already completed. Teaches how to handle, store, and protect personal data securely.
• Who We Are and What We Do – Auto-signed off if Essential Information (Module 1) completed. Introduces Scouts’ values, purpose, and support systems.

Growing Roots for some people

• Delivering a Great Programme – Must be completed by new Section Team members. Covers planning safe, exciting, youth-led programmes.
• Leading Scout Volunteers – Required for new Team Leaders and Lead Volunteers (except Section/Sub-team leaders). Learn to lead teams, support volunteers, and ensure safe, inclusive Scouting.
• Being a Trustee in Scouts – Must be completed by all new Trustees. Covers Trustee responsibilities, risk management, and available support.

First Response

• Must be completed within 12 months for Section Team volunteers, Group Lead Volunteers, and 14–24 Team Leaders. Needs renewing every 3 years and covers first aid, CPR, common injuries, and major illnesses.

Group Events

These are only a few of the annual events open to all young people and leaders, ranging from our family camp, which attracts 100 members, leaders, and family members, to our monthly leaders social local in Loughton. These are subject to change, but they provide an overview of what we are planning at the group level. 

Events open to Members of the 41st

Events open to Adult Leaders of the 41st 

Other leader events and learning opportunities  

• Gilwell Reunion at Gilwell Park – With the UK Scouting Headquarters only a 10-minute drive away, Gilwell Reunion is an incredible weekend for leaders to network, gain new skills, and take part in some fantastic Scouting activities with Scout leaders from all over the UK and beyond. It usually falls on the last weekend of August each year.
• Essex Weekend – A fantastic opportunity for leaders, groups, and families to come together, mingle, and spend some time away from the young people doing the activities that we so frequently only see them doing! This usually occurs in May.