Explorers – 14 to 17 years
Our waiting list for Explorers is currently closed. Help us to give more young people the opportunity to join Scouting by volunteering.
Try more. See more. Do more. At Explorers, you’ll stand on your own two feet, and make memories to last a lifetime.
Who are Explorers?
Explorers are a go-getting group of young people aged 13.5 to 18. Together, they make up the fourth section of the Scouts. Week in and week out, we meet to try new things, go on adventures and make new friends.
What do Explorers get up to?
Discover
Being an Explorer is all about discovering the world and making the most of what you have, wherever and whoever you are. Alongside your new friends, you’ll try things you’d never get the chance to do at home or at school.
Whether you’re canoeing in faraway lands, rock climbing on real rocks or learning chef skills in our hall, you’ll have the freedom to choose what you’d like to do, and work together with adults to make it happen.
Adventure
We go on adventures not just in our city but beyond. In 2023, 5 explorers are going on the adventure of a lifetime, to the World Scout Jamboree, Korea. At the same time, 14 of our members will be travelling to Croatia with South London Scouts, whilst 3 will be on a Canoeing expedition in the Scottish wilderness. We also visit exciting places in the UK every year on various camps and trips.
Achieve
We support Explorers to enrol onto the Duke of Edinburgh’s award when they start year 9. The DofE is a life-changing experience, a fun time with friends, an opportunity to discover new interests and talents and a tool to develop essential skills for life and work. It’s a recognised mark of achievement; respected by employers and academic institutions.
Explorers also have the opportunity to become young leaders. If taking the lead sounds like something they’d like to try for themselves, sign up for the Explorer Scout Young Leader’s Scheme to get some hands-on training, experience and qualifications volunteering with the younger Scout sections.
Who leads Explorers?
Each Explorer Unit is made up of young people aged 13.5 to 18, led by trained adult volunteers who are on hand to share their skills, coordinate the adventures and keep everyone safe.
How to join
We meet weekly on Thursday evenings, 7.30-9.00pm. Explorers is flexible, especially when important things like exams roll around.
Explorers is for everyone, so if you have any questions about accessibility, have a chat with us. By being upfront about additional needs from the start, we can work together to make sure everyone can join in the fun on their own terms.
Once Explorers have had time to settle in, they can get their own uniform to wear during meetings and on trips away. This is a shirt with badges sewn on, with our Golden Hind scout scarf. Uniform shirts can be bought from the Scout Store.
If you have a question about Explorer Scouts, email our volunteer team at goldenhindesu@1stnewcross.org.uk.
