Ask your own question about Explorer Scouting
Explorer Scouts are young people like you, who belong to the fourth Section, or age range, of Scouting in the United Kingdom. They are usually between 14 and 18 years old. Explorer Scouting is open to both males and females.
Explorer Scouting allows you to take part in a varied programme of activities that help you to develop and achieve your full potential. It is based on a set of values which are contained in the Scout Promise. You will make your Promise at the start of your time in the Section, along with the Scout Law.
The Scout Promise is made when you are invested as a Member of the Scout Movement. Everyone in Scouting makes a Promise. Although the Promise for Beaver Scouts and Cub Scouts is slightly different, whatever age you are, it is always made in front of other Members.
Making the promise demonstrates your commitment to Scouting. Once you have made your Promise, you are entitled to wear the uniform and the World Membership Badge. It is a pledge to give of your best in everything that you do. Of course everyone has different personal bests and we all have skills that make us better at some things than others.
When can I become an Explorer Scout?
You may already be one! Explorer Scouts are usually aged between 14 and 18. It is possible, however, to join at 131/2 and leave at 181/2. The flexibility at both ends of the age range allows you to join and leave when it suits you. You may want to join Explorer Scouts at the same time as your friends or you may wish to join at the start of the school year. If you are already a Scout, you may wish to join when you have finished a particular badge or activity. Likewise, you can move on to the Scout Network between the ages of 171/2 and 181/2, with your friends or when you complete certain activities or awards as an Explorer Scout.
During your time as an Explorer Scout you will have many new experiences both inside and outside Scouting. You might have to take important examinations at school and be asked to make choices about which subjects to study next. As an Explorer Scout, you will also be asked to make choices. You can choose which Explorer Scout Unit to join and what sort of activities you want to take part in. Whether it’s canoeing, abseiling, or parascending – with a little organisation and some forward planning, all these things are now possible!
All Explorer Scouts are members of a Unit. There are a number of different types of Explorer Scout Unit. Most are attached to your Scout District, others may be linked to an activity centre, for example. Which one you join is entirely up to you. Of course if you like different activities, you can be a member of more than one Unit. The choice is yours.
Can I make up my own programme ideas?
Of course you can. But they need to comply with any special rules, and all activities need to be done safely.
You can gain the Chief Scout Platinum Award, the Chief Scout Diamond Award and the Queens Scout Awards as well as several different Activity Badges and Staged Awards. You can also work towards your Duke of Edinburgh Award badges. See the Badges section for more information.
A Mentor is a person who helps you get the most out of your time in the Unit. They also help you to plan your Scouting. If you are in more than one Unit, only one Mentor will support you.
In your Explorer Scout Unit, one of the Leaders will be your Mentor. If you are a Young Leader, the Section Leader might be your Mentor.
When will I meet with my mentor?
Your Mentor will meet with you every so often. To see what support you need. You may want information about how to do a particular activity or you may just want to discuss a problem with them. You will also meet with your Mentor to complete your Certificate of AchievementCan Young Leaders still take part in the normal Explorer Scout programme?
Yes - you can still complete all of the badges and awards available to other Explorer Scouts. You will also be able to keep up to date with the Explorer Scout programme running in the District. Indeed, as a Young Leader you can also be a member of another Explorer Scout Unit as well.How do I become a Young Leader?
To be a Young Leader you need to complete some specific training. This will help you to function well in the Section that you will be working in. All Young Leaders must also complete the 'Getting Started' training module before working as a Young Leader in any Section. Your Unit Leader will tell you when this and other Young Leader training modules will be run in your DistrictCan I have my say in what goes on?
YES. In West District there will be Explorer Scout meetings and Committee meetings for you to take part in. They are your chance to shape the programme and to inform everyone of your views. So make sure you turn up and make yourself heard!Who can attend a forum meeting?
The District Explorer Scout Meeting is open to everyone connected with Explorer Scouting in the West District, all the Explorer Scouts and all the Leaders. Meetings occur at least once a year. They may also convene during another event or occasion.Who can attend the District Explorer Scout Committee?
The Committee is made up of Explorer Scouts from all the
different Units in the District and the District Explorer Scout
Commissioner. Members can either be elected or nominated. The Committee will
also elect a Chair and Secretary.
You can ask them to discuss the issues that are important for your
Unit. They will decide the programme for the District and any other
issues that affect every Unit.