Explorer Scouts are young people, usually aged between 14 and 18 years old. They make up the fourth section of the Scouting family after Beavers, Cubs and Scouts.
Structure and meetings
A group of Explorer Scouts is called a Unit.
Within the Plymouth District we have 7 units situated across the city. Not all Units meet every week, partly due to activities, holidays, exams and the other commitments that crop up in a teenager's life, and also because Explorers tend to get out and about at weekends more often than other sections.
Activities
Explorer Scouts often get the chance to work with other Explorer Scouts in their District, not just their own Unit, so can take part in an even wider spectrum of activities.
There is also a range of ambitious badges and awards, through which Explorers can demonstrate their proficiencies and expand their interests.
How do I join Explorer Scouts ?
If you want to take part in the fun of Scouting, either as an Explorer Scout, or as an Adult Leader or helper, contact Grazie District Explorer Scout Administrator (DESA)
Explorer Scout Section Report 2010 2011
Whilst the Explorers form part of a District provision we have a section of about 12 -15 of these 14-18 year olds meeting here on Sunday nights and the Group has signed an agreement to oversee, work with and share resources.
The Explorers also spent Summer 2010 at Tolmers in Hertfordshire but on a different camp to the Scouts and it was interesting to hear from parents who have children in both sections that it appears they went to completely different camps. It was an excellent week.
Other members of the Unit went to Serbia to undertake a challenge known as the Explorer Belt. This involved a 100 mile expedition in 10 days with a series of challenges and a limited budget. The first people linked to our group to gain this award and we should congratulate, Chris, Jamie, Matt, Andrew, Guy and Bryonie on their achievement and which prepares them very well for their future adventures. (Just don’t ask about getting their bags back!)
There was a Christmas party at Buckfastleigh Caving Centre following transformation in Jekyll and Hyde style from a fine team of Elves who entertained the District Beaver Scouts. They did a great job of buying all the ingredients for their meal in 8 minutes in Tesco as they stormed the store in elf suits in a time challenge. It took longer going through the checkout.
The leadership team have a good crew of older explorers and Network members who are sharing responsibilities to keep the programme interesting and varied. But it does become a very long weekend for the leadership team on ten tors training weekends and we would be interested in sharing the load?
At the time of writing we have 24 explorers and a waiting list. We had a great time in Sweden, Denmark and Belgium in the Summer but more of that later.
Andrew & Jo
Asst Explorer Leaders