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.
What do Explorers get up to?
Discover 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.
Start small, but think big
Explorers stand up for what they believe and make a difference on their own doorstops, confident in the knowledge that their daily actions add up.
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.
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.
Can young people become leaders?
Absolutely. If taking the lead sounds like something you’d like to try for yourself, sign up for the Explorer Scout Young Leader’s Scheme to get some hands-on experience volunteering with the younger Scout sections.
Become an Explorers volunteer
All of our leaders are trained volunteers, working to make sure Scouting is safe, inclusive and accessible. Some lead the Unit week in and week out. Others visit occasionally to help run a session or drop in to share their skills.
Uniform and badge placement
You don’t need a uniform to join. But once you’ve settled in, you’ll start speedily earning badges, and you’ll need to know where to put them!
If you have previously done the Duke of Edinburgh’s (DofE) Award, please let us know on our Duke of Edinburgh’s Award page.