Explorer Scouts (14-18)

Explorer Scouts are teenagers usually aged between fourteen and eighteen years old. Explorer Scouts make up the fifth section of the Scouting family.

Young people can join Explorer Scouts just after their fourteenth birthday. They can move to the next Section, Network, when they are eighteen.

This stage of Scouting is an incredibly exciting time for young people where they get to fully put into practice all they have learned as they progress through the stages of the Scouting family. And for those who have just joined the Explorer Scouts, there’s plenty of friendly assistance on hand to help new recruits grasp new skills and meet the challenges that are to come.

Whether that’s getting involved with water sports, deep sea fishing, shooting, mountaineering or caving, the Explorer Scouts are in safe hands with highly experienced leadership teams throughout the district.

At the heart of Explorer Scouts is the belief that young people really get a say in what activities will happen. They are encouraged to become Young Leaders and help with other sections such as Beavers, Cubs and Scouts.

For those who want to gain awards along the way, there are plenty of opportunities to get those shirts covered in badges!  The Platinum, Diamond Award can all be completed as can the Bronze, Silver and Gold Duke of Edinburgh Awards.

Please complete the form if you are an Explorer/Network and contact Guy.sheppard@dudleydistrict.org.uk as District Advisor for DoE.

For those looking to achieve the ultimate achievement in Scouting there is the King’s Scout Award.

There are Explorer Scouts meeting in groups across Dudley running their own unique adventurous programmes.

Want to join the adventure – what are you waiting for?!

What do the Explorers get up to?

As an Explorer Scout, you will get the chance to work with other Explorer Scouts in your District, not just your Unit. By doing this, you will get the chance to do many more activities, not just the ones your Unit organises.

All Units may not necessarily meet each week, because you will often be out and about at weekends or in the holidays doing activities. There will be times when you will be busy doing other things such as exams, and being an Explorer Scout will have to fit around these.

Explorers are encouraged to lead themselves in deciding the programme and direction of the Unit, with support and guidance from leaders. The section also includes the Young Leaders’ Scheme, where young people are able to take on a leadership role in one of the younger sections.

Scouts is open to people of all faiths and of none. That’s why we have different variations of our Promise, so that everyone’s included and can say a set of words that means something to them.

What Equipment do i need?

As an Explorer Scout, you will be doing all sorts of great things generally on camp – here is a sample kitlist:

The Explorer Promise is:

The Scout Promise for members who are Atheist or of no faith background

On my honour, I promise that I will do my best
to uphold our Scout values, to do my duty to The King,
to help other people
and to keep the Scout Law.

The Scout Promise for members who are Buddhist

On my honour,
I promise that I will do my best
to seek refuge in the Triple Gem, to do my duty to The King,
to act with compassion towards all life
and to keep the Scout Law.

The Scout Promise for members who are Christian

On my honour,
I promise that I will do my best
to do my duty to God and to The King,
to help other people
and to keep the Scout Law.

The Scout Promise for members who are Hindu

On my honour,
I promise that I will do my best
to follow my dharma and do my duty to The King,
to act with compassion towards all life
and to keep the Scout Law.

The Scout Promise for members who are Humanist

On my honour,
I promise that I will do my best
to uphold our Scout values, to do my duty to The King,
to help other people
and to keep the Scout Law.

The Scout Promise for members who are Jewish

On my honour,
I promise that I will do my best
to do my duty to God and to The King,
to help other people
and to keep the Scout Law.

The Scout Promise for members who are Muslim

In the name of Allah, the most beneficent and the most merciful,
I promise that I will do my best
to do my duty to Allah and then to The King,
to help other people
and to keep the Scout Law.

The Scout Promise for members who are Sikh

On my honour,
I promise that I will do my best
to do my duty to Waheguru and to The King,
to help other people
and to keep the Scout Law.

The Explorer Law is:

• A Scout is to be trusted
• A Scout is loyal
• A Scout is friendly and considerate
• A Scout belongs to the worldwide family of Scouts
• A Scout has courage in all difficulties
• A Scout makes good use of time and is careful of possessions and property
• A Scout has self-respect and respect for others

The Scout Motto is:

• Be Prepared