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!'

Explorers are the fourth section of the Scouting movement. Right from the time of Baden-Powell, there have been arrangements for young people who wanted to continue after their time in the Scout Section, and in 1967, Venture Scouts were formed from the existing Senior Scout and Rover Scout Sections.

During the late 1990s we decided that, to meet the changing needs of young people, there should be two sections for the over-14s: Explorer Scouts for 14 to 18-year-olds, and the Scout Network for 18 to 25s.

Explorer Scouts are young people, usually aged between 14 and 18 years old. They make up the fourth section of the Scouting family after Beavers, Cubs and Scouts.

Structure and meetings

A group of Explorer Scouts is called a Unit.

Not all Units meet every week, partly due to activities, holidays, exams and the other commitments that crop up in a teenager's life, and also because Explorers tend to get out and about at weekends more often than other sections.

Activities

Explorer Scouts often get the chance to work with other Explorer Scouts in their District, not just their own Unit, so can take part in an even wider spectrum of activities.

There is also a range of ambitious badges and awards, through which Explorers can demonstrate their proficiencies and expand their interests.

 

 

 

Explorer Scout badges and awards

There is a wide range of badges and awards available to young people in the Explorer Section.

 

Activity badges

 

Many of the badges available are activity badges, which represent the pinnacle of achievement in a particular field. Whether their interests lie in Hill Walking or Performing Arts, Aviation or Public Relations, Explorers are rewarded both for developing existing strengths and undertaking new ventures.

 

Additional badges and awards

 

In addition, there are a number of extra badges and awards, obtained by taking part in particular challenges or schemes.

Core badges

There are a number of core badges, obtained upon joining or moving on from the Unit, or for time spent in the Scouting movement.