Everything you need to know about Explorer Scouts: Ages, Activities and How to Join
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Thinking of joining, or moving on to Explorers? You’re in the right place. This guide covers everything you need to know before starting your next big adventure.
Below, we’ve answered some of your most frequently asked questions about Explorer Scouts, so you can feel confident and excited about the journey ahead.
Below, we’ve answered some of your most frequently asked questions about Explorer Scouts, so you can feel confident and excited about the journey ahead.
What are Explorer Scouts?
Explorer Scouts are the fifth Section of the Scouting family after Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs and Scouts. This section of Scouting is designed for young people aged 14 to 18 years old and offers a flexible and adventurous activity program that encourages independence, responsibility, and personal development in preparation for adulthood.
Did you know? The Explorer Scouts section was established in 2001, replacing the Venture Scouts Programme.
Why join Explorer Scouts?
Explorer Scouts give young people aged 14–18 the chance to experience adventure, learn practical skills, and make lasting friendships. From outdoor expeditions and camping to leadership and teamwork, Explorers build confidence and dream big, while having fun. Members can earn badges and awards, including the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, and develop skills that benefit them for life. For young people, Explorers offers challenge, growth, and belonging in a supportive environment.
“To anyone who hasn’t tried Scouting before, I’d say come on up and have a go! I think that most people don’t really know that Scouting is about activities, friendship and meeting people from other countries. I’ve been in the Movement since I was a Beaver and I still love it!'”
What age are Explorer Scouts?
The core ranges of Explorers are ages 14 to 18 years old, but you can join from the age of 13 ½. Membership continues until your 18th birthday, after which you can move to Scout Network or an adult volunteer role.
What activities can you do at Explorers?
Explorer Scouts are encouraged to take part in a range of activities which are designed to be adventurous, challenging and rewarding. These are flexible and youth-led, meaning the members can choose and organise activities which suit their own interests. These include:
- Traditional Scouting skills, such as camping, survival, navigation, and cooking outdoors
- Outdoor Adventures, including hiking and expeditions, which are often planned and led by explorers themselves
- Community Projects, which include volunteering and social action projects to make a positive difference locally
- Special Challenges such as the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award or working towards the Explorer’s Belt, which involves an extended expedition abroad
Many of these activities have associated Activity Badges, which Explorers wear on their uniforms to display their achievement and pride.
What badges and awards can Explorers earn?
Explorer Scouts can earn a wide range of badges, including staged activity badges, activity badges, and joining in awards and top awards. These encompass a wide range of skills, from leadership and fundraising, to marketing, and science and technology. Explorers can also get involved in the Young Leaders’ Scheme which offers a chance to volunteer alongside adult leaders in a Squirrel Drey, Beaver Colony, Cub Pack or Scout Troop.
To learn more about the range of badges on offer, take a look at Explorer Badges on the Scouts website.
What is the highest award Explorers can earn?
The King’s Scout Award is the highest award available for Explorers. It represents the pinnacle of youth achievement in Scouting and requires a significant amount of commitment over an extended period of time. To get it, you need to have already completed the Chief Scout’s Platinum and Diamond Awards. You also need to undertake a major expedition, which usually meets the standards of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award, and participate in a residential experience with people you do not normally live or work with. Finally, you prepare and deliver a presentation about your achievements to an audience. Since this is the highest award available, it must be completed before your 25th birthday.
- Find out more about the range of awards available for Explorers here.
Can you transfer badges from Scouts to Explorers?
When a Scout joins an Explorer Unit, they start working towards new badges and awards; however, some previous achievements will be recognised and may count towards future awards. Explorers can continue to wear the Chief Scout’s Gold Award as they progress from Scouts, but it must be removed when the Explorer earns the Chief Scout’s Platinum Award
What do Explorers wear?
Explorer Scouts uniform consists of a beige shirt, with navy blue activity trousers and a necker. They can also wear an Explorer Belt and buckle or Explorer Scout Young Leader Buckle if either of these has been awarded. Neckers are usually provided by the Scout Leader as they vary in design across districts. You can buy Explorers uniform from us here at Scout Store - the official retailer of UK Scouting uniform and merchandise.
UNIFORM
Scouts Activity Trousers - KidsUNIFORM
Scouts Activity Trousers - Men'sUNIFORM
Scouts Activity Shorts - Women'sUNIFORM - XS to 10XL
Explorers Long Sleeve Uniform Shirt with StretchUNIFORM - XS to 5XL
Explorers Long Sleeve Uniform ShirtUNIFORM
Scouts Activity Shorts - Men'sUNIFORM
Scouts Activity Shorts - KidsUNIFORM
Scouts Vegan Belt and Buckle SetWhat colour is the Explorer flag?
The Explorer Flag is a dark olive green colour, with a white Fleur-de-Lis symbol.
What age do Scouts move to Explorers?
Most young people move on to Explorer Scouts section when they turn 14. The transition can happen any time after their 14th birthday, and it should be planned and agreed upon between their Scout Leader, their new Explorer Leader, and the young person to make it stress-free. The latest you can stay in Scouts is until you’re 14 and a half, so you’ll need to join Explorers before then.
What comes after Explorer Scouts?
After Explorer Scouts, you can move onto the final youth section of Scouting - Scout Network, which is for ages 18-25. Scout Network offers opportunities for continued personal development, leadership, and adventure at an adult level. Network members can take part in local, national, and international projects, including community service, expeditions, and social activities.
How do I join Explorers?
If you are already a Scout, your Scout leader will usually arrange an introductory visit to your new Explorers group so you can meet the unit and get a feel for the programme before you start. If you haven’t been a Scout before, you can still join Explorers!