Young Leaders in Service
Encouraging children and young people between the ages of 8 and 18 to become involved in voluntary action within their community
The Young Leaders in Service scheme seeks to recognise and encourage young people in the area who are making, or want to make, a difference in our local community. The Young Leader in Service Awards recognise young people between the ages of 8 and 18 for their community service over 12 months, starting on the date of their first hour of community service and completing on the first anniversary of that date:
The scheme is designed to give recognition and something back to young people at a time when there are a lot of negative perceptions of young people. An award such as this on a C.V. can be a significant boost when applying for university places or career opportunities.
There are three award levels:
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The Bronze Seal Award for young people who provide at least 25 hours of service to their community.
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The Silver Seal Award for young people who provide at least 50 hours of service to their community.
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The Gold Seal Award for those who provide at least 100 hours of service.
Who is eligible to take part? The Lions Young Leaders in Service Awards recognise young people between the ages of 8 and 18.
How does it work? The Lions Young Leaders in Service Awards are sponsored by local Lions clubs. Clubs may recognise as many young people as they find eligible, inviting local schools and other youth groups to participate.
Each young person will be provided with a logbook in which to record their service activities. These activities are in a number of different categories - all the hours can be from the same activity or from a variety of services.
Examples of service activity include service to the young, the elderly, family members and the homeless and hungry. It could also include protecting our environment. Young people may also wish to assist their local Lions club in fundraising or welfare activities. All these activities count as hours towards the award.
You can contact at: info@harpenden-lions.co.uk
Project Examples
Service for children - Collecting and distributing toys or clothes, reading stories and helping with homework, Visiting children in hospital. As a Guide, helping with Brownies, Rainbows; as a Scout, helping with Cubs, Beavers, perhaps sewing on achievement badges, as a Cadets helping at meetings
Service for the elderly - Performing simple home repairs and jobs around the house; running errands; chatting and being a friend; helping older people with IT skills
Environment - Plant trees, weeding flower beds, clearing litter.
Service to the homeless/hungry - Collecting food, clothing and toiletries for donation to a local welfare centre; raising money to buy essentials for them to set up home; disaster relief
Safety training - Helping younger children learn about water safety, fire prevention, traffic awareness, bicycle safety.
Service to parents and family - Caring for a disabled family member, Shopping and cleaning, Entertaining, chatting and motivating, Looking after younger brothers or sisters; babysitting
Education - Helping a child or adult to learn how to read and write, mentoring. Reading to those visually impaired or record stories for them to listen to
Public Health - Assist with health screening, collect used spectacles and hearing aids for recycling, Create awareness of AIDS, teenage suicide and substance abuse
Taking a leaders’ role - Cadets; Boys’ Brigade; St John; Red Cross; Church; Youth Club; Community youth group; involvement with any community activity
Helping the Lions Fundraising for local charities - Fund-raising for local charities, welfare activities or disaster relief Planning a party for children; organising a treat for older people; working as a member of the Lions team in whatever they do.