First published in November 2017 and updated September 2021.
DofE Bronze
DofE Bronze can be the main part of CSA Platinum, and leads on to DofE Silver.
CSA Platinum
The Chief Scout’s Platinum Award leads on to CSA Diamond.
DofE Silver
DofE Silver can be the main part of CSA Diamond.
CSA Diamond
The Chief Scout’s Diamond Award leads on to the Queen’s Scout Award.
DofE Gold
DofE Gold is the highest level of DofE and can be the main part of the Queen’s Scout Award.
QSA
The Queen’s Scout Award is the highest in Scouting.
Explorer Belt
The Explorer Belt is an expedition abroad for Explorers and Network aged 16-25.
SOWA
The Scouts of the World Award is for members of Network, working individually.
Get advice on awards
Chief Scout’s Award, Queen’s Scout Award and Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is complementary to the Chief Scout’s Awards and the Queen’s Scout Award, and both sets of awards fit perfectly within the Explorer Scout programme.
Scouting and DofE
The Adventure Begins
Two awards at the same time
The requirements of the two sets of awards are very similar: for example, an Explorer who completes DofE Bronze has only a few extra requirements to complete Chief Scout’s Platinum. The best explanation is given in The Adventure Begins. Many Explorers count being a Young Leader for the Volunteering section of DofE. All Explorers, including Young Leaders, are encouraged to do both DofE and the Scouting awards. Those who do DofE at school can ask their Explorer Leader to use it towards the equivalent Scouting award. Network members who are Leaders can count this for Volunteering or Service.
Expeditions
Expeditions are part of most of the Awards and there is a lot of advice available. Much of it provided by DofE but it is relevant to any expedition. See our Expedition Information page. All expeditions must be carried out in keeping with the requirements of The Scout Association, including Activity Permits and Nights Away; for Explorers this may involve the issuing of an Event Passport.
Scouting Awards
Reach the Top!
The Queen’s Scout Award
Please note that you must register for QSA to start, and have a mentor in place to help you. If you are an Explorer, your leader is likely to do this. Those over 18 should contact their District or the Region for help.
QSA and DofE Gold
It should be remembered that candidates have until they are 25 to complete DofE Gold and The Queen’s Scout Award, so they should not give up if they have not completed them when they leave Explorers. Any Network member can do the awards.
The other Awards
The Explorer Belt – an international experience
The Explorer Belt is not just for Explorers! In fact it can be done by Explorers aged 16 and over, by Network members and by members of Girlguiding aged 16 and over.
The Explorer Belt is a challenge of a lifetime. It is a chance to take part in a ten day expedition that brings you a real understanding of a different country, its culture and way of life. You will develop this understanding by travelling through your chosen country, working as part of a small team to complete a series of projects and most importantly by meeting local people. It is an experience and an achievement that you will remember for the rest of your life.
For full information and to register, see Explorer Belt on Scouts UK.
SOWA – Scouts of the World Award
Just for Network!
SOWA is an individual award, and the project can be completed at home or abroad. It does not require an expedition. Here is a summary of what is required:
- Be a member of Scout Network.
- Join the SOWA project on the Scout Network Website.
- Attend a residential weekend Scouts of the World Discovery, based on the three themes: development, environment and peace.
- With the support of your mentor, finalise your plans for your voluntary project based on the theme from your discovery weekend.
- Undertake Scouts of the World voluntary service, either in the UK or abroad, lasting a minimum of 80 hours, recording and evaluating your experiences in the participant handbook.
- Undertake a presentation locally.
For full information and to register, see SOWA on Scouts UK.