Once young people reach 14, they become eligible to join Explorers and continue their scouting journey there until they turn 18.

Explorer Units, as they are called, are slightly different from they younger sections – instead of belonging to a Scout Group, they are organised by the District (although many choose to meet at a scout hut belonging to a Scout Group).

Explorers have complete freedom to choose their programme of activities, and are encouraged to organise themselves as far as possible, with adult leaders present mainly to ensure safety!

Some Explorer-aged young people prefer, instead of joining an Explorer Unit, to help a younger section at a Scout Group by becoming an Explorer Scout Young Leader.  This can be thought of as being an ‘adult leader-in-training’.  Both the section and the Young Leader gain an immense amount from the experience.  Some Explorers choose to do both!