Explorers
Who and what are Explorers?
Explorers is the fourth section of Scouts following on from the Scouts section. They are young people aged between fourteen and eighteen years old. 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. They will master skills that will make them feel stronger and happier in the long run. They will work towards badges including the top awards – the Chief Scout Diamond and Platinum Awards and the Duke of Edinburgh Awards.
What is the best thing about Explorers?
In Explorers we encourage young people to take responsibility for themselves and each other, with older members leading a small team. Scouting is about being with friends, as part of a team and participating fully in adventures and activities. As well as regular weekly meetings, Explorers enjoy:
- Developing leadership skills
- Helping people in their local community
- Exploring the outdoors
- Experiencing the culture of other countries
- Learning how to support other members of Scouting
- Adventurous and sporting activities – anything from abseiling to surfing
- Spending nights away – the summer camps are often the highlight of the year
- Attending County and National Events to meet other Explorers
What is an Explorer Unit?
Explorers in Lowry meet weekly for around two hours in a Unit. There are two Explorer Units operating within Lowry. The evening usually starts with opening ceremony, and a few games to burn off energy! After a few weeks of attending and learning about Scouting an Explorer will be invested where they will receive their necker and their badges relating to Scouting, County, District and the Unit. Within their Unit, Explorers are part of Patrols. A Patrol is a smaller group of Explorers, headed up by a Patrol Leader (PL) and an Assistant Patrol Leader (APL). PLs and APLs are Explorers who are chosen to take on leadership responsibilities and support.
Explorers also can volunteer as a Young Leader with another section. Here, they will learn valuable skills as they develop the ability to supervise and run activities of young people (sometimes as young as 6), gain confidence in dealing with behaviour, and become more confident in speaking and providing instructions. They will share their unique experiences with leaders older than them, in order to provide a programme that is current, exciting, and modern! A young leader is an integral part of any leadership team.
Activities with other Units
James is the 14-24 Team Leader and he is responsible for ensuring that all young people in Explorers enjoy and participate in activities and leave after 4 years with #SkillsForLife.
Sometimes Explorers will come together on activities and adventures across the County, and the UK. This opportunity enables a wider range of activities and gives the chance for Explorers to meet new friends, make connections, and of course offer some competition!
District activities have included camps, cooking and camping competitions, visits and activity days. We also take part in events such as St George’s Day celebrations and Remembrance Sunday Parades with all the other sections in the Scouting family from around the District.
How can I join Explorers?
To register your interest in a place within Explorers, please click here.
