There comes a point in every Scout’s journey when the familiar starts to feel a little too familiar.
You’ve camped under the stars. You’ve learned new skills, taken on challenges, made lifelong friends and probably discovered that you’re capable of far more than you first thought.
So, what comes after Scouts?
Moving from Scouts to Explorers
You become an Explorer!
Moving from Scouts to Explorers marks a stage where young people are beginning to have much more say in the activities they take part in, the challenges they want to tackle and the skills they want to develop.
Explorer Units are generally run at District level, which can mean meeting a wider group of young people and travelling a little further than you may have done for your Scout meetings. There is also a greater emphasis on being youth-led, giving Explorers the chance to take ownership of their programme rather than simply following a set list of activities.
That could mean getting involved in an expedition, learning to sail, taking on a climbing challenge or working towards an award. It could also mean volunteering with younger sections, developing leadership skills or helping to organise activities for the rest of the group.
Taking adventure further
Adventure has always been a huge part of Scouting, but becoming an Explorer opens up even more opportunities, from mountaineering to activities both in the UK and further afield.
Young people coming from Scouting already have a fantastic foundation for international adventure. They understand teamwork, know how to adapt when things don’t go to plan and have experience trying new activities and working towards a common goal. An overseas expedition gives them the chance to put those skills into practice somewhere completely new, whilst developing greater confidence and independence along the way.
Whether it’s exploring the mountains around Kandersteg, discovering Belgium’s rich history and culture or taking on an outdoor challenge amongst Norway’s spectacular landscapes, travelling abroad can turn familiar Scouting skills into completely new experiences. It’s all about getting involved, meeting new people, tackling challenges, and discovering what you’re capable of.
For an Explorer Scout, that can make international travel a natural next step – taking everything they’ve learned through Scouting and putting it to the test in a whole new environment.
It’s not all about adventure
Although the adventurous side of Explorers is a huge attraction, there is plenty more to the section than outdoor activities and expeditions.
Explorer Scouts can take on greater responsibility within their communities, including volunteering alongside adult leaders with younger Beavers, Cubs and Scouts. They can also work towards Challenge Awards and Top Awards, setting their own goals and developing skills that are important both within Scouting and beyond it.
Learning how to lead a group, organise an activity, support younger members or work towards a long-term goal can help build confidence in ways that extend well beyond the Scout Hut or campsite. These are experiences that can influence how young people approach school, future employment, university, travel and all the other opportunities that come with becoming an adult.
What happens when you finish Explorers?
For those who want to continue their Scouting journey, the next stage is Scout Network, which is open to young adults aged 18 to 25.
Network provides another opportunity to stay involved, take on leadership and community roles, develop new skills and continue enjoying the sense of adventure that brought them into Scouting in the first place.
But reaching the end of Scouts doesn’t have to mean immediately thinking about what comes next after Explorers. There is a whole stage of discovery in between!
Explorer Scouts is a chance to try something you’ve never done before, take on greater responsibility and start making decisions about the experiences you want to have. For some, that might mean becoming a leader. For others, it could mean completing a major award, planning an expedition or travelling abroad with their group.
So… what does come after Scouts?
If Scouts has given you the confidence to get outside, try something new and take on challenges, Explorers gives you the opportunity to take those experiences further, and perhaps that is the best way to think about the transition: you aren’t leaving the adventure behind… you’re expanding it.
So, if you’re coming towards the end of your time as a Scout and wondering what happens next, there’s plenty to look forward to!
Ready to Plan Your Adventure?
It’s time to explore the world with your unit! With tailor-made itineraries and expertly planned trips, Venture Abroad can help you create an unforgettable Scout adventure packed full of exciting outdoor activities, new experiences and plenty of opportunities to learn, grow and make new memories together.
