Being an Explorer
How to join
Interested in joining? Get in touch with your local leader using our finder tool. They’ll tell you more about where and when the group meets.
Not sure if you have time to fit Explorers into your week? Being a person is busy work, and being a teenage person is even busier. We get it. That’s why Explorer Units are generally more flexible than the other Scout sections, especially when important landmarks like exams roll around. Although most groups meet weekly, this isn’t always the case – some meet less frequently, or run their activities on the weekend so that you can keep your weeknights free for other things.
Explorers is for everyone. If you have any questions about accessibility, have a chat with your local leader. By being upfront about additional needs from the start, we can work together to make sure everyone can join in the fun on their own terms. More information on specific adjustments can be found here.
Lots of young people are itching to join Explorers, so you might need to wait for a space to become available.
If your local Unit has a waiting list, parents and other adults might be able to solve the problem. We don’t just need swashbuckling adventurers to lead expeditions. We also need listeners, tidy-uppers and tea-makers, for as little or as much time as they can spare.
Once you’ve had time to settle in, you’ll get your own uniform to wear during meetings and on trips away. Explorers usually wear a beige shirt or blouse with their badges sewn on, which they pair with their Unit or Group scarf. They might wear blue uniform trousers or a skirt, or they might save their uniform bottoms for special occasions like awards ceremonies and public events – choosing to wear something more casual with their shirt during the week. More information on uniform can be found here.
The cost of going to Explorers will depend on how your local Unit does things. Usually, a basic fee covering the cost of the hire and upkeep of the place where you meet will be collected weekly, monthly, termly or annually. Trips, camps and activities that take place away from the usual meeting place are usually charged separately.
Explorers is designed to be an affordable way to learn lots of new skills through a single membership. Nobody should feel excluded because of money worries. If they’re concerned about costs, adults should speak to their local leader in confidence, to see what they can do to help. In most cases, support is available to make sure nobody misses out. You can find out more about our grants here.