Explorers

Who are Explorers?

Explorers are a go-getting group of young people aged 14 to 18. Together, they make up the fifth section of the Scouts.

Week in and week out, they gather in groups called Units to try new things, make new friends and conquer the small task of changing the world.

Who leads Explorers?

Each Explorer Unit is made up of young people aged 14 to 18, led by adult volunteers who are on hand to share their skills and keep everyone safe.

Within their Unit, Explorers are part of a Patrol – smaller groups of Explorers who look out for one another, and help each other grow. Explorers usually gather in their Patrols at the beginning and end of meetings. They might also stick together on expeditions or trips away, or during certain activities.

What do Explorers get up to?

Discovering the world

Being an Explorer is all about discovering the world on your own terms and making the most of what you have, wherever and whoever you are.

Alongside your new friends, you’ll master the skills that will make you feel stronger and happier in the long run, and try things you’d never get the chance to do at home or at school.

Whether you’re hiking to faraway lands or building a robot in your local town hall, you’ll have the freedom to choose what you’d like to do, and work together with adults to make it happen.

Starting small, thinking big

Explorers start small but think big. They stand up for what they believe in and make a difference on their doorstops, confident in the knowledge that their daily actions add up.

In a society that can often feel increasingly isolated and inward facing, Explorers build bridges and break barriers.

Seek out the answers to big questions

Explorers seek out the answers to the big questions, and to the smaller questions that don’t seem to matter but really should.

Most importantly, they say yes more often than they say no – whether they’re signing up for their first major hike across Europe, or writing their first line of code, or accepting the last of the toasted marshmallows.

Sound like fun? That’s because it is. All that’s missing is you.

Is Explorers suitable for me?

Explorers is for everyone. If you have any questions about accessibility, have a chat with your local leader. By being upfront about additional needs from the start, we can work together to make sure everyone can join in the fun on their own terms.

Is there a waiting list?

Lots of young people are itching to join Explorers, so you might need to wait for a space to become available.

If your local Troop has a waiting list, parents and other adults might be able to solve the problem. We don’t just need swashbuckling adventurers to lead expeditions. We also need listeners, tidy-uppers and tea-makers, for as little or as much time as they can spare.

What should I wear?

Once you’ve had time to settle in, you’ll get your own uniform to wear during meetings and on trips away.

Explorers usually wear a beige shirt or blouse with their badges sewn on, which they pair with their Unit or Group scarf. They might wear blue uniform trousers or a skirt, or they might save their uniform bottoms for special occasions like awards ceremonies and public events – choosing to wear something more casual with their shirt during the week.