Explorers

Aged 14 - 16

Take the lead, embrace change

Friday 8:00 - 9:30

Our Explorer Scouts

Explorers form the fourth section of the Scouting movement and are managed by Districts, unlike the younger sections, which are part of individual groups.

As an Explorer Scout, you'll have the opportunity to engage in a wide range of activities, either with your unit or alongside other Explorers from the District or Area. These activities may include the Duke of Edinburgh Award, water- or land-based adventures, and continuing your journey through the Scouting progressive award scheme, including the Young Leaders’ Scheme.

Explorer Scouts Law and Promise

Being an Explorer Scout

Awards

Activity / Staged Badges

Becoming a Young Leader

The Young Leaders’ Scheme is a brilliant opportunity for young people aged 14–18 to build confidence, develop leadership skills and make a real difference by volunteering with younger sections in Scouts. Whether they’re helping to run games with Beavers, supporting activities with Cubs or encouraging younger Scouts to try something new, Young Leaders become an important part of the leadership team while gaining valuable experience for life.

Alongside volunteering, Young Leaders can complete a programme of training modules and practical missions designed to help them grow as leaders at their own pace. It’s a chance to learn new skills, take on responsibility, meet new people and give back to their community, all with support from experienced volunteers every step of the way. You can learn more about the scheme, training and missions on the Scouts UK Young Leaders’ Scheme pages.

The scheme also links brilliantly with awards like the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and King’s Scout Award, helping young people gain recognised skills and experiences while having fun and making an impact. For anyone thinking about getting started, the Your Young Leader journey starts here guide is a great place to begin.

Explorers Uniform

The Explorers long sleeve shirt is and an essential part of the uniform.

Explorers DofE Expedition

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) is all about helping young people discover what they’re capable of. Through fun, challenge and adventure, Explorers build confidence, learn new skills and make a difference in their communities, all while creating memories and friendships that last a lifetime.

Whether it’s trying a new sport, volunteering locally, learning something creative or heading out on expedition, the DofE gives young people the chance to step outside their comfort zone and grow at their own pace. Along the way, they’ll develop independence, resilience and teamwork skills that employers, colleges and universities really value.

At Scouts, we believe every young person should have the opportunity to gain skills for life, and the DofE is a brilliant way to do exactly that, with support from leaders, friends and fellow Explorers every step of the way.