Click to visit our Districts Explorer Scout Website for more information

Introduction to Explorers

‘To anyone who hasn’t tried Scouting before, I’d say come on up and have a go! I think that most people don’t really know that Scouting is about activities, friendship and meeting people from other countries. I’ve been in the Movement since I was a Beaver and I still love it!’

With the support, direction and guidance of Unit leaders, Explorer Scouts 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, parascending and off shore sailing; 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, by helping to run meetings for younger sections.

Explorer Units are the fourth Section of the Scouting family after Beavers, Cubs and Scouts. Explorer Scouts are young people aged between 14 and 18 years old.  There is flexibility in the age range:  young people can join from age 13½, and can move to Network from age 17½.  Young people must have left the Explorer Scout section before the date of their 18th birthday.

Structure and meetings

A group of Explorer Scouts is called a Unit and is part of the District’s provision of Scouting.  An Explorer Scout 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 every week, or carry out the majority of activities at weekends.

Activities

Explorer Scouts are encouraged to take part in a wide range of activities as part of their programme including traditional Scouting skills, such as camping, survival and cooking, as well as a wider spectrum of adventurous activities, from abseiling to zorbing.

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

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

Further information can be found here.

The Scout Promise

On my honour, I promise that I will do my best

To do my duty to God and to the Queen,

To help other people

And to keep the Scout Law

The Scout Law

1.    A Scout is to be trusted.

2.    A Scout is loyal.

3.    A Scout is friendly and considerate.

4.    A Scout belongs to the worldwide family of Scouts.

5.    A Scout has courage in all difficulties.

6.    A Scout makes good use of time and is careful of possessions and property.

7.    A Scout has self-respect and respect for others.

The Scout Motto

Be Prepared

Uniform and flag

Explorer Scouts wear a beige shirt or blouse with a Unit scarf (or a Group one if there is a partnership agreement), and navy blue activity trousers or skirt with a Scout belt. They can wear an Explorer Belt and buckle or Young Leader Buckle if either of these has been awarded.

Flag

The Explorer Scout Flag is olive green, bearing the Scout symbol and Motto.