By Kim Haskins

Scouting has got a lot to celebrate – not only has it been 100 years since the movement was formed, but the ever-increasing UK membership has now reached well over 440,000.

With such growing numbers, Scouting enables more children, young people and adults than ever to take part in an exciting range of activities, boost their personal skills, gain friends and make a positive difference to the world around them.

The Explorers

If you're interested in helping young and enthusiastic people reach their full potential - while having a lot of fun along the way - volunteering with the Explorer Scouts may be for you. Explorer Scouts are aged between 14 and 18 years-old and, unlike members of the younger Scouting sections (i.e. Beavers, Cubs and Scouts), are allowed to decide what activities they do within their individual units. This could include anything from powerboating to mountain climbing, socialising or performing your heart out in a gang show.

Adult volunteer Explorer leaders are needed to run individual Explorer Scout units. Their role includes planning and implementing a balanced programme for their unit that's in keeping with the desires of the members of their unit as well as the guidelines established by the Scouting Association. There are eight 'programme zones' in the Explorer Scouts which together comprise the balanced programme. Leaders must ensure that their Explorer Scouts experience activities from each of the following programme zones in the year:

• Outdoors;
• Physical recreation;
• Skills;
• Community service;
• Environment;
• International;
• Values;
• Relationships.

Leaders report to a District Explorer Scout Commissioner who provides any necessary support and guidance. They also receive ongoing support from Assistant Explorer Scout Leaders and other members of the Scout Fellowship in making sure the members of their unit get the most out of their Explorer Scout experience. In addition, the website Scoutbase offers plenty of advice and guidance to leaders, as well as updates on relevant laws and regulations.

Can I be an Explorer Leader?

Even if you've never worn a woggle in your life and are a complete Scouting novice, you can still volunteer as an Explorer leader. No specific skills or qualifications are initially required, although an enjoyment of working with young people and a sense of fun is essential. Once you've been accepted, you'll need CRB clearance as well as to earn a Wood Badge, which involves training courses in advanced leadership skills.

What else do Explorer Leaders do?

The roles and responsibilities of a leader can be extremely diverse. As well as arranging activities and camping trips, leaders also offer support to their unit's members in earning badges and working towards Duke of Edinburgh awards. Many of the skills needed as an effective leader can also be effectively transferred from your personal and professional life and vice versa; e.g. people management, team building, risk assessment and communication skills.

So what do Explorer Leaders get out of it?

Matt, 23: "Scouting is about empowering and challenging young people in all aspects of their lives. Because of this, there's a huge range of activities for leaders to get stuck into. I organise camping and travelling trips as well as encouraging the members to do stuff like writing blogs and joining in social events like going bowling. We even have a portable TV unit, so the young people can get some media experience.

"I can see myself doing this for years to come – I really enjoy helping others to do grow in confidence and do things they wouldn't normally do. Being a Scout leader is one of the best things I've ever done."

Tony, 31: "You certainly need an active brain to be a leader – there's always so much to think about. Being physically active and fit isn't essential, but the young people do respect you more if you join in activities like climbing and abseiling, even if you're not particularly confident in doing it. They respect you more that way. What's more, if you do want to become an expert in, say, canoeing, you can. There are so many opportunities to learn and improve skills that you wouldn't otherwise get the chance to in your normal everyday life.

"One of my high points of being a leader was when I received a letter from the parents of one of our members. Their son had never stayed away from home before, nor even been on a train. Yet he went on a camping weekend with us, and his mum and dad said that when he returned it was like he'd grown up two years in two days."

Jill, 32: "I used to be a Venture Scout when I was younger and as I'd had such a good time I wanted to make sure others didn't miss out either, so that's why I decided to become a leader. I feel such pride for the members of my unit when they achieve something through the Explorers. In particular, one of them recently earned a Queen's Scout Award, which is the highest you can get – it's really demanding and challenging to do, so not a lot of Scouts ever achieve it.

"I guess one of the best things about being a leader is the feeling of being part of a team. Also, some of the activities mean that I get to act a bit like a kid again!"

Search the do-it.org.uk database for Scouting opportunities in your local area, or apply via the Scouts Association website.

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