Explorers are between the ages of 14-18.
We like getting out doing things and we hope you would like to join us. We also want to make your introduction into the Unit as easy as possible so here are some details about us and how we operate.
To contact us email: explorers@gamlingayandgransdenscouts.org
Our Explorer Unit normally meets on Mondays – 19:45 -21:30 during school term time. We usually meet at our Scout Group Headquarters, in Cinques Road, Gamlingay. We operate a varied programme and details are given in advance, particularly if we are to meet on other days or places. We will let you know the latest details when you come along.
In this time, you will meet the people in the Unit including more experienced Explorer Scouts. Unlike other sections in Scouting, Explorers are not always further divided into patrols, which is dependent on the size of the Unit.
When you decide that you like what we do and want to stay with us then it is time to become an Explorer by getting invested. To do this you will need a uniform. This consists of an Explorer Shirt (beige), our Scout Group neckerchief (which is plain maroon) and a leather woggle. Because Explorers are controlled at the District level, there is also an optional District Explorer neckerchief, which can be worn. Scout Activity trousers (blue), and a scout belt can be useful as well but are optional, (otherwise school uniform trousers). The uniform can be bought from our District Scout Shop, run by volunteers, which is open between 7.00 and 8.30 on Tuesday and Thursday evenings during term time at Boyd Field Campsite, Henlow. Contact 01462 638895. You can also buy uniforms online at http://shop.scouts.org.uk/
When you have settled into the Unit and you have your uniform, then you can be invested. We will arrange a suitable date, and we hold investitures at the end of our Unit nights so that parents or family can attend if they wish.
Details of where to place badges on your Explorer uniform can be found here.
It is good practice as well as Scout Association policy to have at least two adults present at all Unit events. Whilst we do have two permanent leaders, there may be occasions where we only have one Unit Leader available to attend. Therefore, we may occasionally ask parents to assist us in running meetings so that there are always other adults present during Unit nights. We hope that all parents are involved equally and it may mean attending one or two evenings per year at the most. You get involved as much or as little as you wish with the programme on the night. No special expertise is needed. Arrangements are made with us as and when the need arises.
Explorers is all about getting outdoors and camping if we can, as well as other outdoor adventures and activities . To do this the same Child Protection rules apply and so we may need some volunteers to help attend camp and other activities. As this means getting more involved it requires helpers to go through the Scout Association DBS authorisation process. We have some parents who have done this but other helpers are always needed and welcome. Let us know if you are interested.
We operate a balanced programme intended to give each individual the opportunity to learn new skills, try a broad range of challenges and find out about both teamwork and themselves. We do this in an environment where risks have been assessed and where training has been given, but overall, the emphasis is on each Explorer Scout to learn by doing, for themselves their Patrol and the Unit. And most importantly to have fun in the process.
Our Code of Conduct and disciplinary procedures for all of our age groups / sections are based on these core values of Scouting:
Integrity: We act with integrity; we are honest, trustworthy and loyal.
Respect: We have self-respect and respect for others.
Care: We support others and take care of the world in which we live.
These core values will be shared with members of each section as part of our annual programme in an age-appropriate open forum led by section leaders.
We expect all young members of our Group to follow these core values and principles at all times.
Explorers are expected to wear their uniform to all meetings unless otherwise instructed. Ideally wear a T-shirt underneath so that during games and strenuous activities they can take part comfortably out of uniform. When uniform is not required for a particular meeting, we will let you know beforehand.
We ask you to let us know by email if your Explorer Scout is not attending a weekly meeting; this will help us schedule out programme accordingly. It also helps us to understand attendance patterns and gauge that we are getting things right and engaging the young people. If we know your Explorer Scout cannot come to a particular meeting. we will record this as such, rather than mark them down as just being absent.
Parents/guardians dropping off Explorer Scouts are asked to drop off no more than 5 minutes before the meeting or activity is due to start. Parents/guardians should ensure that their Explorer Scout enters the building safely. Please remember that the area outside the HQ is a busy car park and is not an area where young people should be congregating or playing before or after a meeting or activity.
It is the Groups policy that at the end of any meeting or activity, leaders will ensure that Explorer Scouts leave the venue safely and where appropriate or necessary are met by their parents/guardians. We ask that Parents/Guardians pre-advise the section leader of any changes to collection arrangements of your Explorer Scout on a case-by-case basis. When collecting, we would also ask you to ensure that you are ready to collect your Explorer Scout from the HQ or place of activity promptly at the end of the session. For safety reasons, Explorer Scouts are asked to take great care when crossing the car park unattended to meet parents/guardians in their car.
We are aware that because of the age range of Explorer Scouts, you may wish to allow them to be able to walk to and from Explorers unaccompanied. We therefore request that if this is so, that you update their membership information via their section leader or via the Parent Portal on Online Scout Manager (OSM). Should these circumstances change again, we ask that you advise your section leader by email.
An explorer, adventurer and TV presenter, Dwayne's been seen in BAFTA nominated Channel 5 series Race to the Pole, on BBC Springwatch, Countryfile, National Geographic and Disney+.
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