Birmingham Explorers

Right from the time of Baden-Powell, there have been arrangements for young people who wanted to continue after their time in the Scout Section, and in 1967, Venture Scouts were formed from the existing Senior Scout and Rover Scout Sections.

Explorers are the fourth section of the Scouting movement.

During the late 1990s we decided that, to meet the changing needs of young people, there should be two sections for the over-14s: Explorer Scouts for 14 to 18-year-olds, and the Scout Network for 18 to 25s.

Explorers updates

Our latest Explorers related news

Activities

There are a whole range of interesting and exciting activities and programmes that are running in Explorer Units, Districts and County. Here you will find activities that are available to Explorers within the County and further afield.

In addition to the activities listed there are Adventurous Activities such as Kayaking, Mountaineering and Climbing/Abseiling.

All of our activities are based on the principle that we need to provide activities that develop young people and offer excitement but not danger, adventure but not hazard.

History

Explorers are the fourth section of the Scouting movement. Right from the time of Baden–Powell, there have been arrangements for young people who wanted to continue after their time in the Scout Section, and in 1967, Venture Scouts were formed from the existing Senior Scout and Rover Scout Sections.

Structure & meetings

A group of Explorer Scouts is called a Unit. Not all Units meet every week, partly due to activities, holidays, exams and the other commitments that crop up in a teenager’s life, and also because Explorers tend to get out and about at weekends more often than other sections.

Explorer Scouts often get the chance to work with other Explorer Scouts in their District, not just their own Unit, so can take part in an even wider spectrum of activities. There is also a range of ambitious badges and awards, through which Explorers can demonstrate their proficiencies and expand their interests.

County activities for 2022

    • Six Summit Challenge

Register

National activities include

  • Gilwell 24
  • Sun Run and Malvern Challenge
  • Chase Walk

Explorer section team

It is the role of the District Explorer Scout Commissioners (DESC), District Explorer Scout Administrators (DESA), District Explorer Scout Leaders (DESL) and the Assistant County Commissioner (ACC) (Explorers) as a team to support the Districts in the delivery of premium activities and programmes within the County and promote Scouting to the community.

We strive to put together new idea’s and develop plans for the future, so if you have any constructive thoughts then speak to your DESC or mail Maria Stirrop, our ACC (Explorers).

The future

At the moment, the County Explorer programme is in its infancy, and we are hoping to develop it over the next few years. Should you have any suggestions or thoughts about what could be achieved, or would be interested in helping to run an event for the County, then please get in touch.

The team

County (ACC Explorers) |Maria Stirrop
County Scout Leader ( Explorers) | John Nelson
Sutton Coldfield East | Marcus Harington and Kelly Barnsley
Sutton Coldfield West | Position Vacant
Tame Valley | Steve Willetts (DESC)
Rea Valley | Ben Wilding (DESC)
Spitfire | Daniel Roberts (DESC)
Cole Valley South | Michael Bennett ( DESC) John Mills ( DESA)

More information

Take a look at the links below to find out more about what the Birmingham Explorers have been up to:

iceSCOUT

County Bivouac Survival Skills Badge Weekend

Shooting Comp photos from 2013

County Air Rifle Shooting Competition Flyer & Rules

Any questions?

Please contact Maria Stirrop ( ACC Explorers)

maria.stirrop@birminghamscouts.org.uk

Find a group

Find your local Scout group based on your post code to get involved today!

scouts.org.uk/groups/