Explorer Scouts
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Explorer Scouts (shortened to Explorers), a section of the Scout Association in the United Kingdom for 14 to 18 year olds, was introduced in 2003 replacing Venture Scouts (which was for 16 to 21 year olds). This was part of a greater change in programme, including the introduction of Scout Network for 18 to 25 year olds.
This section follows on from the Scout Troop (10-14 year olds) and Explorers will move onto the Scout Network at the age of 18.
Organisation
Explorer Scouts fall under the control of the Scout District, while Venture Scouts were part of a Scout Group.
Districts can have as many Explorer Scout Units (ESUs) as required. Some of these Units can be specialised activity Units, such as Sea Explorers or Air Explorers; other Units can be setup to provision for the Young Leader Programme; some simply focus on the core Scouting programme.
Ideally, each Unit has an Explorer Scout Leader (ESL), and a number of Assistants and/or Helpers.
The Units are managed by a District Explorer Scout Commissioner (DESC), who reports to the District Commissioner and to the Assistant County Commissioner (Explorer Scouts).
Young Leaders
The Young Leader Programme is run alongside the main Explorer Scout Programme. It is a formalisation of what was happening in many Groups and Districts across the country were older Scouts were returning to help the younger sections.
Young Leaders support the younger sections (although they are not a replacement for actual adult leaders) and they also provide a link between the sections. They are given training for their positions, and are expected to be involved in the planning of activities and evenings.
Young Leaders are de facto Explorer Scouts, but are not expected to participate in Explorer activities - although many of them do.
In principle, the Young Leaders of a District are considered to be in separate Unit, and are under the supervision of an ESL, although this may not always be the case, and then the DESC or District Commissioner take on this responsibility.
Awards
The Explorer Scout Membership Award
The Membership Award is only actually received by young people new to Scouting, whereas those Explorer Scouts who have joined from a Scout Troop will undertake the Moving-On Award.
However, the Awards cover the same basic principles, and many Units will have all new Explorers participate in the Membership Award, regardless of how they came to join the Unit.
Progressive Awards
Explorer Scouts continue the Scouting programme of Progressive Awards. The requirements of each stage become more challenging, reflecting the age and abilities of the young people undertaking the Awards.
The three stages of the Awards open to Explorer Scouts are (in ascending order):
- The Chief Scout's Platinum Award
- The Chief Scout's Diamond Award
- The Queen's Scout Award
The Duke of Edinburgh's Award works alongside the Scout Awards, and completion of certain sections of either Award can contribute to the other.
The Explorer Belt
The Explorer Belt is a long-standing Award for Scouts which has now been adapted for the new programme.
It is open to all members of Scouting between the ages of 16-25, and is aimed at promoting self-reliance, teamwork, and adventurous spirit.
The Explorer Belt requires participants to undertake a 10 day expedition in a foreign country, devoting some time to travelling around and exploring. Participants also have to undertake a major project of their own choosing, along with a number of smaller projects or challenges - some of which are not revealed to them until the start of the expedition.
Events and Activities
World Jamboree
Explorer Scouts are eligible for participation in the World Jamboree - the largest gathering of Scouts from around the world.
The Sun Run
The Sun Run is a massive event for Explorer Scouts in the United Kingdom held every year in July. Over a thousand Explorers camp in a field in Gloucestershire, and the weekend consists of a party on the Friday night, some activities through Saturday, and the main event, a 26.2 mile night hike (a full marathon) starting in the evening, through the surrounding hillsides. The party usually includes a DJ and some cover bands.
Gilwell 24
Another summer event, [Gilwell 24] comprises a set of activities and challenges over a 24 hour period.
The event takes place at the home of UK Scouting, Gilwell Park campsite. In 2006, over 1500 Explorer Scouts and Senior Section Guides took part in Gilwell 24. In the centenary year for Scouting (2007) Gilwell 24 will take place on 7th of July, making it 07/07/07; this date wont happen again till the start of the thrid Scouting centenary.
National Scout Air Rifles Competition
The Scout Association organises an air rifle competition at Bisley, Surrey every October.
This event is growing in popularity, with many categories for Scouts aged 12 and up.
Scouts have supplied Olympic, Commonwealth, and World champions in the past.
Other Activities
The Explorer Scout Programme includes many other activities - too many to fully list. The most common activities are:
- Hiking/Backpacking
- Rock Climbing
- Kayaking
- Sailing
- Caving
- Shooting
Further reading
External links
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