‘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!’

Explorers are the fourth section of the Scouting movement. Right from the time of Baden-Powell, there have been arrangements for young people who wanted to continue after their time in the Scout Section, and in 1967, Venture Scouts were formed from the existing Senior Scout and Rover Scout Sections.

During the late 1990s we decided that, to meet the changing needs of young people, there should be two sections for the over-14s: Explorer Scouts for 14 to 18-year-olds, and the Scout Network for 18 to 25s.

Basics

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. The Unit doesn’t always 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.

Explorer Scout Promise, Law and Motto

The Scout Promise

On my honour, I promise that I will do my best
To do my duty to God and to the Queen,
To help other people
And to keep the Scout Law

The Scout Law

1. A Scout is to be trusted.
2. A Scout is loyal.
3. A Scout is friendly and considerate.
4. A Scout belongs to the worldwide family of Scouts.
5. A Scout has courage in all difficulties.
6. A Scout makes good use of time and is careful of possessions and property.
7. A Scout has self-respect and respect for others.

The Scout Motto

Be Prepared

Uniform

Explorer Scouts wear a beige shirt or blouse with a Unit scarf (or a Group one if there is a partnership agreement), and navy blue activity trousers or skirt with a Scout belt. They can wear an Explorer Belt and buckle if this has been awarded. Uniform can either be bought from Early Years, or from Scout Shops, just visit www.scoutshops.co.uk

Drake Explorer Scout Unit

Drake Explorer Scout Unit meet on a Friday evening, term-time between 7:30pm and 9:30pm.

The Unit meet at our headquarters in the grounds of Shirley Heath Junior School, Coombe Road, Shirley. To get your son/daughter involved simply click on this link and fill out the application form http://www.drakeesu.com/joinus.html
You can also check out Drake ESU’s website at www.drakeesu.com