Young leader talking with microphone

Young Leaders Development Programme

Equipping and supporting the leaders of tomorrow, today! We do this through holidays and events, sports, and local missions.
Read on to find out more!

A young woman leans in to listen to a child

Scripture Union is excited about investing in young leaders, so that young people can grow in their God given potential and reveal Jesus to others. We do this through three Leadership Development streams:

Every year, as part of our holidays and events programme, we create opportunities for young people in school years 10 to 13 (15-18 years old) to develop their leadership skills and volunteer alongside our event leaders.

We want to invest in Young Leaders through a series of training sessions and discussion groups, as well as practical support during events they choose to serve at.



We are committed to equipping and supporting these young leaders as they step into exciting adventures.

To start the conversation about becoming a young leader, click the button below.

Young leaders leading worship

The majority of our young leaders have attended SU holidays and events themselves, and serving as a young leader is a great opportunity for them to continue to be involved in something that has played a significant part in their own faith journey! But, what's great is that you don't have to have been on an SU holiday to jump in as a young leader!



While many find it exciting to be 'behind the scenes', it can be challenging to learn new boundaries, take on responsibilities and share their faith with others.

That's why we've created this programme – to make sure that these passionate individuals are equipped and supported to step into Christian leadership with confidence.

Young Leaders using Journals

What's involved?

To take part you need to:

  • Be in school years 10-13 
  • Willing to support a Christian event which aims to share the love of Jesus
  • Ready to get stuck in with helping with the event and keen to grow in your leadership and gifts
  • Willing to provide a references, and if you are 18 by the start of an event that you're wanting to serve on you may need to complete a DBS check.

What we offer you:

  • Opportunities to work alongside children and young people at a camp, mission or event  
  • Training and support, online workshops before the event, and designated young leader sessions during the event. 
  • A young leader's journal with top tips and space for you to reflect on your journey
  • Space to grow in your faith, ask questions, and experience Jesus’ love
  • The chance to be part of an amazing community of volunteers
  • A great volunteering experience to add to your CV or personal statement. 

Did you know, volunteering at one of our events can also be used as your Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award residential experience? 

Key training sessions

Better equipped to serve God and people

Rachel Blake

Rachel joined SU staff in 2023 as Young Leaders Enabler, with the specific aim of supporting and developing the future leaders of tomorrow.

"I'm so excited about the Young Leaders Development Programme. Investing into these young people will give them increased confidence in sharing the love of Jesus on the camps and missions, as well as growing them as disciples who we hope and pray will continue to reach out to other children and young people in their everyday lives. Camps and missions are significant training grounds where we see the Holy Spirit shape and change us, and by developing what we offer our young leaders, we hope that they will leave better equipped to serve God."

Rachel Blake, Young Leaders Enabler

Don't just take our word for it!

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Register your interest

If you’re aged 16-21 and want to develop your leadership skills, then why not consider taking part in our brand-new Young Leaders Development Programme? We'd love to hear from you!

Just get in touch with Rachel Blake, Young Leaders Enabler, and discover your next steps!

Support the leaders of tomorrow, today!

Investing in these young people and providing them with leadership skills enables them to put their faith into action as disciples of Jesus, and also helps us to develop future leaders for holidays and missions.

Will you support our young leaders to grow in their own faith as they help children and young people to discover that faith for themselves?

Young leader playing game with child

£10

A gift of £10 would provide a journal written to support their training, as they develop in their own faith and leadership skills.

Young Leader with child

£50

A gift of £50 will cover the costs of a young leader attending an event or holiday for one night.

Young leader talking with microphone

£83

A gift of £83 is enough to cover the costs of training for one young leader for the year.