Explorer Scouts…
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.
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
A group of Explorer Scouts is called a Unit.
All Units meet every week, holiday times they may change there meeting dates. With exams and the other commitments that crop up in a teenager’s life, there is a day in a week that the explorer can attend.
There is also a Young Leader Section – where from 14-18 the Explorer can join another section and help out as a Young Leader – With support and training from the Young Leader Team
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. Activities incude Hikes, Camps, Bowling, Shooting Competition, Archery, Climbing and Cinema Going, Pus a wide range of community service activities – Including a Hospital Garden.
There is also a range of ambitious badges and awards, through which Explorers can demonstrate their proficiencies and expand their interests, including DofE – Bronze, Silver and Gold.
Milton Keynes Scout District operates 7 Explorer Unit currently based Cosgrove, Loughton, Great Linford, Bletcthley,and Oakgrove and other locations around Milton Keynes
