Blackwater Valley Explorer Scouts

Explorer Units are the fourth Section of the Scouting family after Beavers, Cubs and Scouts. Explorer Scouts are young people aged between 14 and 18 years old.  There is flexibility in the age range: young people can join from age 13½ but cannot move to Scout Network until 18.  Young people must have left the Explorer Scout section before the date of their 18th birthday.

Joining Explorers is a real milestone for the Young People involved in Scouting.  Joining the Explorer section means moving on from the group that they may have been part of as a Beaver, Cub and/or Scout.  When you start as an Explorer Scout you’ll start wearing a new District Explorer neckerchief to signify this change.

The District Explorer Scout Commissioner (DESC) is responsible for the Explorer Scout Section and can be contacted with any general enquiries about the section:

Email: desc@bvscouts.org.uk 

The Units

The Explorer Section in Blackwater Valley is made up of three Units which meet across the District in Aldershot, Ash and Farnborough.  You’ll get to take part in joint meetings, expeditions, camps and other events.  Our Units meet on either a Wednesday, Thursday or Friday evening.

Details of the meeting locations for each of the Units can be found here.

Subs are set by each Unit to cover the costs of national membership fees and insurance, the hire of weekly meeting venues and materials for many of the activities, although some adventurous activities and camps will attract an additional cost.  Subs are paid directly to the Unit.  For details of the current subs and how to pay, please speak to the Unit Leaders.

Wednesdays

Phantoms Explorer Scout Unit [Farnborough]

Email: phantoms@bvscouts.org.uk 

Fridays

Hybrids Explorer Scout Unit [Ash] 

Spitfire Explorer Scout Unit [Farnborough]

Uniform 

Explorer Scouts wear a beige Explorer Scout shirt, unless they have come from an Air Scout or Sea Scout Group in which case they may wear a blue Explorer Scout shirt.  The district scarf is red and yellow.  All items of uniform, as well as other items, can be purchased from the District Scout Shop based at Runways End Activity Centre.  All profits from the district shop go back into supporting the District.

Activities

Explorers are encouraged to learn by doing, so our Explorer Scout Programme is jam-packed with adventurous activities that will help develop their skills.

With the support, direction and guidance of Leaders, Explorer Scouts are encouraged to lead themselves, design their own Programme and work towards the top awards that Scouting offers.  This is referred to as Youth Shaped Scouting.

International

Explorers are encouraged to start having a look at some of the International Trips which are available to take part in.  Blackwater Valley is part of the Hampshire County who regularly run international opportunities which Explorers can participate in.  Information on current opportunities can be found at the link below:

https://international.hampshirescouts.org.uk/

Explorers can also take part in international activities such as the Explorer Belt – one of the Top Awards – a 10–day expedition that provides them with a real understanding of a different country, its culture and way of life.

Top Awards

Explorers get to start to work towards to top awards in Scouting, you can see details on them at the link below:

https://www.scouts.org.uk/explorers/awards/

Skills for Life

Explorer Scouts expand on and develop important life skills that will set them apart from the crowd as they enter adulthood and face the challenges that come along with it. These important character skills include:

  • The ability to work as part of a team
  • Leadership skills
  • Problem solving skills
  • Communication skills
  • A sense of responsibility
  • Independence

Peace of Mind

To ensure your child is safe, Leaders adhere to our anti-bullying, equal opportunities, safety and child protection policies.

Explorer Scouts take part in activities and learn new skills under the supervision of adult volunteers. They work effectively and safely with young people to deliver the Scout Programme and have access to training to support them in their role.

If you have any questions, get in touch with your Unit’s Leaders.