EXPLORERS
Challenge and adventure for young people 14 to 18
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. To find out more about Explorers see: Explorer Scouts (Scotland). For information about the programme for Explorers, see the Scouts UK page: Explorer Scouts.
Also see Explorer News from our Region.
14 – 18 video
Joining Explorers
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.
Young Leaders
If you are an Explorer you can be a Young Leader with Beavers, Cubs or Scouts! Find out more about the Young Leaders’ Scheme!
Parents and Carers
We encourage all parents and carers to take an active interest in what is going on with all sections, including Explorers. If you would like to help see our information for adult volunteers.
ARC (Explorers)
The Assistant Regional Commissioner (Explorers) is John Buchanan. He supports and coordinates Explorer Scouting across the Region. There are many aspects of the programme which are best delivered through cooperation between Units and Districts and ideas and suggestions are always welcome.
ARC Explorers
John Buchanan
FAQ for sections
Where do I buy the uniform/necker?
You should check with your section leader what you need and where to get it. Some sections arrange to sell uniform items directly to their members. Otherwise, if you are buying the uniform yourself, you can buy from the Midlothian District Scout Shop . Alternatively,...
Where do the badges go on the uniform?
The placement of badges on uniform varies between sections. The PDF diagrams below should help. Beavers Cubs Scouts Explorer Scouts Network Adult Leaders
Is there a waiting list at my local Group?
Waiting lists vary from location to location. Please go to: Scouts UK website "Get involved!". Enter your postcode first, click "go", click "Yes, contact me", fill in your details and finally click "send". This information will be sent to a Scout contact in our Region...
What are the age limits for Scouts?
Please go to the section information pages: Beavers Cubs Scouts Explorer Scouts Network
What does Scouting cost?
Prices vary from location to location. The usual practice is to collect this through a termly subscription with additional costs for activities, events, trips and camps. Speak with the local section leader to find out specific costs.
Round-up of Explorers activities in 2019
Explorers have been involved in all manner of activities with their Units and Districts, often well beyond the confines of their hall, with the assistance of their excellent and committed leaders. At a Regional level, interest in international Scouting continues to...
A proper expedition – not just tourists!
Two groups of Explorers formed from Braid and Craigalmond carried out an excellent DofE Gold expedition over four days at the end of August, walking from Corrour Station and completing their circular route at Rannoch. One candidate unfortunately had to drop out on...
Congratulations to Ben and Daniel, two Explorer Scouts on receiving the Young Leader Belt – one of Scouting’s top awards
Ben Galloway, Cramond Explorer Scout Unit, YL with 82nd Craigalmond Cubs Daniel Kleinjan, Douglas Brown Explorer Scout Unit, YL with 10th Craigalmond Yukon Beavers Congratulations to Ben and Daniel - two Explorer Scouts from Craigalmond District who have recently...
Duke of Edinburgh’s Award leaders meet Earl of Forfar
The Earl of Forfar (who is better known as Prince Edward), met a group of our leaders at a reception in the City Chambers on 4 July for DofE leaders from across Edinburgh and the Lothians. Simon Cocker of Meadows ESU, Sam Dickinson of Borestane ESU and Janet...
Explorer Scouts invested into their Unit afloat on Stand Up Paddleboards (SUP)
Two Explorer Scouts from Earlston were invested as Explorers standing atop Paddleboards which they had just learned to master, during the recent Borders water activity weekend. More photos and a full report in next month’s newsletter!REMEMBER: Were you involved in any...
Bore Stane and Meadows Explorers Help at ‘Walk for Autism’ event
On Sunday 19th May a number of Explorers from Bore Stane and Meadows ESUs volunteered to help at an inspiring event called the Walk for Autism. Whilst there, we helped at the food (sweets) and souvenir stall as well as helping to run the tombola. We watched as...
Applications Open for the National Scout and Guide Symphony Orchestra and Concert Band Course 2019
Applications for the 2019 National Scout & Guide Symphony Orchestra and Concert Band (NSGSO and NSGCB) course are now open. The course and concerts are based in Stourbridge, West Midlands and runs from Sunday 28 July - Sunday 4 August 2019. Last year 142 young...
A Scouting Welcome for Tattoo Visitors
Tourists visiting this year's Edinburgh Military Tattoo received a good Scottish welcome from a team of Explorer Scouts and Adult members who volunteered to sell programmes and merchandise to the international visitors attending the world famous event at Edinburgh...
Culzean Camp for Cramond Scouts
by Mike Treanor, Scout Leader 82nd Cramond (Craigalmond) Scouts Our 2018 Summer Camp was held at Culzean Country Park Scout Camp in Ayrshire. Given the weather had been glorious for what seemed like months and months we were looking forward to a dry camp. On...
Changes to Explorer Scout Young Leader Scheme
An Update From Kirsty Ireland, Regional Advisor - Explorer Scout Young Leaders As you may be aware the Young Leader (YL) scheme has recently started undergoing some changes including the release of new Explorer Scout YL (ESYL) logbooks. We are excited to announce that...