Introduction
The Explorer Scout Section was formed in 2002 as a replacement for Venture Scouting. Open to young people aged 14-18 It now has a membership of over 30000 young people in 2000 groups across the UK.
Why get involved?
As Scouts young people have the opportunity to develop their skills in many areas including decision making. Explorer Scouts provides opportunities for young people to decide what they want to do and what they want to get out of Scouting. The opportunities will be there for them to take part in a wide range of activities and to gain a variety of skills and knowledge. They will get to learn more about themselves by not only taking responsibility for themselves, but for others as well.
How are Explorer Scouts organised?
All Explorer Groups exist at District level but are commonly formed in partnership with an existing Scout group.
Explorer Scouts also have the option to become Young Leaders. Young Leaders carry out a Leadership role in a Beaver Scout Colony, Cub Scout Pack or Scout Troop. Young Leaders have their own training scheme but can also take part in all other Explorer Scout Activities.
What do Explorer Scouts do?
Explorer Scouts have the opportunity to take part in adventurous activities, local conservation projects, creative projects, camps and expeditions, community support…the list is endless! Explorer Scouts can gain awards – from nationally recognised governing bodies (e.g. BCU for canoeing), to Scout Awards and Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.
Explorer programmes vary from unit to unit but broadly fall into the following areas:
· Outdoor and Adventure
· Skills
· Community Service
· Values and Relationships
· Global
· Physical Recreation
Explorer Scouting Outdoors
Scouting has a reputation as an outdoor organisation based on strong traditions of camping and other outdoor pursuits. Explorer Scouts will have the opportunity to camp and go away on expeditions that will challenge and test them. This is an essential part of Explorer Scouting and a good opportunity for them to organise activities and stretch their limits.
Awards
Even though the emphasis is on a Balanced Programme of activities, there are still badges and awards for Explorer Scouts to aim for during their time with the Unit in the form of Activity and Staged Activity badges. Badges and awards are given in recognition of the effort made by each young person at their own level. There is a wide range of awards and badges to appeal to all Explorer Scouts, whatever sort of Unit they are in. Awards are important as they offer challenge, achievement and recognition for young people.
The top awards for Explorer Scouts are the Chief Scout’s Platinum Award, the Chief Scout’s Diamond Award and the Queen’s Scout Award. All three are linked to the Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards (Bronze, Silver and Gold respectively).
The Awards are made up of four challenges:
· Skills
· Physical Recreation
· Community Service
· Expedition
For the Queen's Scout Award and the Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award there is also the requirement to complete a five-day residential experience.
The Queen’s Scout Award is The Scout Association’s top award. The Chief Scout presents Queen Scout Award Certificates at a National Presentation on a regular basis. Queen’s Scouts are also invited to the annual National Scout Service and Parade at Windsor Castle held in April each year. All those who have achieved the Award in the last year, plus their guests, are invited to attend.