Pink Panthers Explorer Scouts Unit Fundraising for The Rock Trust

On Saturday 12th November the Pink Panthers Explorer Scouts Unit, part of South East Scotland Scouts, participated in the Rock Trust’s Under 18 Sleep Out, raising money to support the youth homelessness charity. At the point of writing this we have raised £1,610 – there is still time to donate if you can. Please.

A member of the Rock Trust had come and talked to the Explorers about nine months previously, so it was great to have the opportunity to raise funds for a cause the Explorers had heard a lot about.

The purpose of our U18 Sleep Out is to raise awareness of youth homelessness and specifically ‘hidden homelessness’. 1 in 4 people affected by homelessness in Scotland are aged 16-25 and in most cases, these young people are trapped in temporary accommodation like hostels and B&B’s or are forced to keep moving from place to place, ‘sofa-surfing’ and sometimes putting themselves at risk for a bed for the night. We want you to sleep out in plain sight for the young people hidden from view!

 

The whole event was a lot of fun; there was a silent disco enjoyed by the Leaders as they danced badly to the music and also by the Explorers when they escaped us and could enjoy themselves without being embarrassed by the Leaders! The Explorers all stayed in great spirit, with thanks in part to their experiences of camping in far worse conditions over the years at Scouts I’m sure. Being a group of teenagers, I for one was so proud of them for choosing to spend their Friday evening supporting a great cause and helping to raise thousands of pounds for charity. It was really such a great example of how we should never underestimate or judge young people. The Explorers also made the event so easy for us – being respectful of others and not complaining about the cold. We were one of three groups at the event, the other two being schools, and I felt quite pleased when one of our Explorers noted that the teachers at the schools did not seem to be having anywhere near as much fun as we leaders were with our Explorers.

 

All in all, it was a great event well run by the Rock Trust. As it is an annual event, I’ll be sure to encourage the Explorers to get involved again next year too.

Tess Dupont

Pink Panther Explorer Scout

What do you know about being an Explorer? Are you keen to become an Explorer or stay on in Scouts? You can try more, see more and do more at Explorers.

Explorer Scouts are always on the go! You’ll find there’s always something to get involved with whether it’s an international expedition, adventure camp or community project. Explorer Scouts have the opportunity to take on CV-boosting accolades, such as the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award or our own Queen’s Scout Award, and can develop leadership skills through the Young Leader Scheme.

If you are between the ages of 14 and 18 you can join Explorers! It does not matter whether you have been in the Scout section first. Explorers meet in a Unit which is part of the District, though many Units are linked with a Scout Group. In Explorers you can expect to do a lot of activities and achieve many badges and Awards – including the Chief Scout’s Awards and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards. There is also the updated Zodiac Award to encourage camping, which you can continue from Scouts or start from scratch.

If you are nearly 14 your Scout Leaders should be able to help you find a Unit. If you are not in Scouts, you can phone our Scout Centre on 0131 441 1878 or email info@sesscouts.org.uk to find where Explorers meet near you.