Running an Explorer Unit
Discover guidance and resources to help run your Explorer Unit
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Our new Explorer programme
The new Explorer programme has been redesigned with today’s young people in mind. Built with input from volunteers and young people, it focuses on helping Explorers build real-life skills, support their wellbeing, and make a positive difference in their communities.
With a mix of familiar and new Activity Badges, new Challenge Awards, all leading towards Top Awards, it offers a clearer journey and more choice. It’s flexible, youth-led, and built around experiences that feel relevant, giving Explorers the chance to shape their own programme and get more out of it week by week.
Young people should shape their own experience. These new badges are all about giving Explorers the tools, space and support to do just that.
Challenge Awards are all about going further. Explorers will choose something they care about, plan what they want to achieve, and follow it through over time.
Our Top Awards are designed to be challenging, relevant and rewarding, but, most of all, they should allow young people to have fun, make new friends and gain some amazing memories in Scouts.
Discover guidance and support for running your Explorer Unit, including transition, Youth Shaped Explorers and using Patrols.
Getting to grips with the basics? We’ve put together everything you need to keep your section running smoothly.
Programme updates
After the launch, we will continue to release more resources and updates for Explorers. Make sure you don't miss anything by keeping an eye on the programme and badge updates page.
Old programme
Take things at your own pace. If you’re not ready to switch just yet, the Explorer programme isn’t going anywhere.
It will remain available until 31 August 2027, giving you plenty of time to plan ahead.
Keep using the old Explorer programmeTell others about the new Programme
For Young People
Getting Started with the New Explorer Programme
Youth Shaped and Earth Tribe
The YouShape Award makes it even easier to embed being youth shaped into your programme. At the same time, it’ll help young people work with their volunteers to learn leadership skills that they’ll use for the rest of their lives.
The Earth Tribe Award is about helping us understand more about protecting our world. Find out how you can be a planet champion!
Explorer Scout Young Leaders are Explorer Scouts who volunteer alongside adult leaders in a Beaver Colony, Cub Pack or Scout Troop.
We have tools, tips and templates to help you with the recruitment of volunteers for your Explorer Unit.