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. 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.
Explorers start small but think big. They stand up for what they believe and make a difference on their own doorstops, confident in the knowledge that their daily actions add up. 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.
14-18 years
Join now!
14-18 years
Join now!
Explorers Badges and Awards
Activity Badges & Staged Badges
Many of the badges available are activity badges, which allow Explorers to show their progress in existing pursuits, but also to try all kinds of new things and form new interests.
Staged Activity Badges are available to young people from Squirrels to Explorers, and cover a range of topics and skills. The stages have increasing levels of difficulty, and a Explorer can begin at whichever stage offers them an appropriate level of challenge.
Awards & Core Badges
Explorer Scouts in have the opportunity to earn various awards and recognition for their accomplishments and contributions within the scouting program. Here are some of the awards available to Explorer Scouts:
Chief Scout’s Platinum Award
This award recognizes a high level of commitment and participation in a variety of activities. It includes completing four platinum challenges, participating in residential experiences, and demonstrating leadership skills.
Chief Scout’s Diamond Award
This is the highest award available to Explorer Scouts and signifies exceptional dedication and achievement. It requires completing four diamond challenges, engaging in volunteering or service projects, and demonstrating leadership and teamwork skills.
Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards
This internationally recognized program allows young people to challenge themselves and develop various skills through volunteering, physical activities, skill development, and an adventurous expedition.
Explorer Belt
This award offers the opportunity for Explorer Scouts to undertake an international expedition, fostering cultural awareness, self-reliance, and teamwork. Participants plan and complete a challenging journey in a foreign country.
Young Leader Belt
This award recognizes the commitment and leadership skills of Explorer Scouts who serve as young leaders in the younger sections. It involves completing training modules and gaining practical experience in supporting younger sections.
For many of these awards progress towards them can be continued in Network, the section after Explorers, should an explorer turn eighteen before completing. In addition, there are a number of special badges, obtained upon joining or moving on from an Explorer unit, or for time spent in the Scouting movement.
