Can Girls Join Explorers?
Since 2007 all Scout Sections in all Groups have been open to both Girls and Boys. We continue to see an increasing take up of Girls into all our sections in all Groups.
How old do I have to be to become an Explorer Scout?
Explorers is for young people in Scouting aged 14-18 years old. There is flexibility to join the Section between 13½ yrs and 14½ yrs. There is also flexibility at the ‘top’ end of the age range to move up into Scout Network between 17.5 yrs and 18 yrs. This ‘flexibility’ is something arranged locally with the District Explorer Scout Commissioner, also known as the ‘DESC’ (the person responsible for the management of Explorer Scouting locally).
How old do I have to be to become an Explorer Scout?
Explorers is for young people in Scouting aged 14-18 years old. There is flexibility to join the Section between 13½ yrs and 14½ yrs. There is also flexibility at the ‘top’ end of the age range to move up into Scout Network between 17.5 yrs and 18 yrs. This ‘flexibility’ is something arranged locally with the District Explorer Scout Commissioner, also known as the ‘DESC’ (the person responsible for the management of Explorer Scouting locally).
I am a Scout at the moment. Can I stay at my Scout Troop past my 14th birthday?
You may stay in your Scout Troop past your 14th Birthday but no later than your 15th Birthday. This extra year is intended to give flexibility for moving up into Explorer Scouts at the most suitable time for you as a young person, for example so that you can move up with a group of friends. The dates for moving up from Scouts to Explorers should be arranged locally with the District Explorer Scout Commissioner (DESC).
What sort of things do Explorers do?
A: Explorer Units take part in a wide range of activities. From working towards ‘Award Programmes’ such as Duke of Edinburgh’s Award or the Chief Scouts Awards, to social events and outings, and of course camps and expeditions too. Every Explorer Scout Unit is different, so before deciding which one to join it’s often a good idea to get a copy of the Unit Programme for a variety of local Units.
Who runs Explorer Scouts?
Explorer Scouts is run by a District leadership team, led by the District Explorer Scout Commissioner (DESC), who reports to the District Commissioner (‘DC’). Ware & District have have a number of local Units (2 currently, one based in Ware one in Buntingford), forming part of the District Explorer Section. Explorer Scouts are usually involved in making decisions jointly together with their leaders, such as when organising activities.
What is a Young Leader (YL)?
Being a YL involves helping out at a younger Section (ie, Beavers, Cubs or Scouts) as Young Leader and is a type of Explorer Scout. As a YL you will be expected to take part in Young Leader training that the District will arrange. Some Young Leaders also attend a regular Explorer Scout Unit as well.
How can I find out more?
Get in touch via The link is on the relevant Explorers page!
