Redesigning our Explorer Programme: The story so far

Our Explorers programme has served young people brilliantly since its launch back in 2001, but Gen Alpha are growing up with different expectations, different challenges, and a different way of engaging with the world. 

That’s why we’ve been busy redesigning Explorers from the ground up, making it more relevant, empowering and youth-led than ever before.

Everything’s been shaped by real voices. During our ‘Test and Learn’ phase, volunteers and Explorers from over 90 Units across the Nations and British Scouting Overseas have been getting stuck in and testing our new programme.

Their feedback has been helping us test and refine everything. From badge tweaks to new award structures, every change is grounded in what young people say they want and need.

What’s new?

We’ve already designed and updated 31 Activity Badges. Some are old favourites with completely refreshed requirements, while others are brand new. These badges are clearer, more flexible, and easier to deliver, whether you’re a seasoned volunteer or just starting out.

We’re also testing five Challenge Awards to help young people build deeper skills and experiences. They’re being designed to work alongside the existing Top Awards. Based on feedback from volunteers and Explorers, we’ve now added a sixth award: Values. This makes sure faith, belief and personal principles are part of the journey too.

Our Test and Learn Units have been having a great time. We’re already seeing a rise in confidence, optimism, and empathy among Explorers taking part. Badges like Chef, Camper and Teamwork are proving popular, and volunteers are telling us the new structure is easier to deliver and more rewarding for everyone involved.

How’s it been going?

Overall, volunteers told us the new badge criteria feels far more achievable, especially for those new to Scouts, but is still providing a good amount of challenge. The Explorers themselves have been buzzing with confidence. One young person said, ‘I think I could earn all of these, like I did in Cubs!’

It’s been great to see how the redesigned structure is helping young people feel more engaged and capable.

One Unit tackled the Camper badge over summer, with the Explorers stepping up to run their own weekend camp. They did everything from planning the programme and cooking meals, to booking the campsite, managing the budget, and completing risk assessments. The young people reported feeling challenged, motivated and proud.

Their leader said, ‘It was a pleasure to support, and I was proud they chose this over a “turn up and play” camp’. The experience shows exactly what the new structure is all about – giving Explorers the chance to shape their own experience and feel a real sense of achievement.

Another Unit voted to try out the Hill Walker badge, using a short school term to try something new and focus heavily on one specific badge – something that wouldn’t have been possible with the previous requirements.

Over the five-week term, they worked hard. They were planning and preparing, training together, and building their confidence. By week five, several Explorers were ready to complete the badge, marking the first cross-section badge achieved in the Unit for some time.

Feedback from their volunteers showed that the requirements feel more achievable to complete, which directly led to the Explorers being more enthusiastic and motivated. The increased flexibility allowed them to get creative and take ownership over the process, which in turn inspired them to plan future events, including a District-wide cook-off.

Where we’re heading

We’re just over halfway through the redesign journey, with the launch planned for late summer 2026. We’ve now entered our final Test and Learn phase and we’ll soon start to use the insightful feedback we’ve received to shape the final version of the programme.

Throughout the roll out of the redesign, we’ll be keeping in touch with relevant volunteers. We’ll support them to make sure they’re updated and that they feel confident delivering the new programme locally.

This is more than just a programme update. It’s a chance to reimagine what Scouts looks like for the next generation, and make sure every young person feels seen, supported, and inspired.

Thanks for being part of it.