Who are 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.
Discover 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.
Start small, but think big
Explorers stand up for what they believe and make a difference on their own doorstops, confident in the knowledge that their daily actions add up.
Seek out the answers to big questions
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.
Action & Adventure
Adventure means different things to different people. But regardless of who you are, there’s an adventure out there waiting for you.
Gain skills for life
Scouts helps you gain skills for life and builds better futures for all. But don't just take our word for it.
Help others
We want to empower more young people to take a stand and gift them with the confidence and skills they need to recognise their abilities.
Who leads Explorers?
Each Explorer Unit is made up of young people aged 14 to 18, led by adult volunteers who are on hand to share their skills and keep everyone safe.
Within their Unit, Explorers are part of a Patrol – smaller groups of Explorers who look out for one another, and help each other grow. Explorers usually gather in their Patrols at the beginning and end of meetings. They might also stick together on expeditions or trips away, or during certain activities.
Can young people become leaders?
Absolutely. If taking the lead sounds like something you’d like to try for yourself, sign up for the Explorer Scout Young Leader’s Scheme to get some hands-on experience volunteering with the younger Scout sections.
The bigger Scout family
Explorers are part of the global Scout family. Closer to home, they’re part of their wider local Scout District, alongside Network members (aged 18 to 25). Some Explorer Units may have a close link with a Scout Group in a local area.
How to join
Interested in joining? Get in touch with your local leader using our finder tool. They’ll tell you more about where and when the group meets.
Not sure if you have time to fit Explorers into your week? Being a person is busy work, and being a teenage person is even busier. We get it. That’s why Explorer Units are generally more flexible than the other Scout sections, especially when important landmarks like exams roll around. Although most groups meet weekly, this isn’t always the case – some meet less frequently, or run their activities on the weekend so that you can keep your weeknights free for other things.
Explorers is for everyone. If you have any questions about accessibility, have a chat with your local leader. 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. More information on specific adjustments can be found here.
Lots of young people are itching to join Explorers, so you might need to wait for a space to become available.
If your local Unit has a waiting list, parents and other adults might be able to solve the problem. We don’t just need swashbuckling adventurers to lead expeditions. We also need listeners, tidy-uppers and tea-makers, for as little or as much time as they can spare.
Once you’ve had time to settle in, you’ll get your own uniform to wear during meetings and on trips away. Explorers usually wear a beige shirt or blouse with their badges sewn on, which they pair with their Unit or Group scarf. They might wear blue uniform trousers or a skirt, or they might save their uniform bottoms for special occasions like awards ceremonies and public events – choosing to wear something more casual with their shirt during the week. More information on uniform can be found here.
The cost of going to Explorers will depend on how your local Unit does things. Usually, a basic fee covering the cost of the hire and upkeep of the place where you meet will be collected weekly, monthly, termly or annually. Trips, camps and activities that take place away from the usual meeting place are usually charged separately.
Explorers is designed to be an affordable way to learn lots of new skills through a single membership. Nobody should feel excluded because of money worries. If they’re concerned about costs, adults should speak to their local leader in confidence, to see what they can do to help. In most cases, support is available to make sure nobody misses out. You can find out more about our grants here.
