About Explorers

‘What Scouting says to people is: Every child has the right to have an adventure. Life is about grabbing opportunities’ – Bear Grylls

With the support, direction and guidance of Unit leaders, Explorers are encouraged to lead themselves, design their own programme and work towards the top awards that Scouting offers. With exciting prospects like being a part of camps and expeditions both home and abroad; adventurous activities such as mountaineering, caving and canoeing. Explorers offers fun and adventure for all. Explorers also have the opportunity to be a part of The Young Leaders’ Scheme which develops their leadership skills and sense of responsibility.

Explorer Scouts are young people aged between 14 and 18 years old.

UK wide Scout website for Explorers: https://www.scouts.org.uk/explorers/

Structure and meetings

A group of Explorer Scouts is called a Unit and is part of the District’s provision of Scouting. An Explorer Unit and a Scout Group may work together under a Partnership Agreement, which should set out clearly the links between the Unit and the Group, arrangements for communication, use of equipment, facilities and resources.

The key to running a successful Explorer Unit is flexibility. Due to the other commitments that crop up in a teenager’s life, such as holidays and exams, it is important that the programme reflects this. For example, Units may not meet every week and carry out some of the activities at weekends.

Activities

Explorer Scouts are encouraged to take part in a wide range of activities as part of their programme. Traditional Scouting skills, such as camping and survival skills are taught. A wider spectrum of adventurous activities, including abseiling, hiking, canoeing, back-wood skills, archery and many, many more are also included.

The Explorer programme should be supplemented and complemented by events and activities organised and delivered by the District, allowing them the opportunity to socialize and work with other local Explorer Units.

In addition, there are a number of activity badges and ambitious top awards that Explorers can gain during their time in the section to recognize their achievements.