{"alias":"blogEntry","byline":"Lewis Dangerfield, UK Lead Volunteer for Programme","standfirst":"It\u2019s nearly 25 years since Explorers first launched in the UK. It was a new section designed for millennials, and I was lucky to benefit as one of the first Explorer Scouts.","content":{"layouts":[{"type":"singleColumn","areas":[{"items":[{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Cp\u003EThe world we lived in back in 2002 was very different to the one we know now: no smartphones, social media and the always-on digital world that now shapes teenage life. \u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThat\u2019s why this week\u2019s\u202Frelaunch\u202Fof Explorer Scouts for\u202Four 50,000\u202F14-18-year-olds is such a big moment. It\u2019s our response to the different needs of today\u2019s teenagers looking for a place to belong\u202Fand the skills they need for life and work.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","image":"/media/ikzocuoj/explorers-new-group-on-bench.jpg","width":7744,"height":6192,"altText":"A group of Explorers sit outside.","caption":"","link":null},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003EA new programme\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe new Explorer Scouts programme meets these needs head on. It offers badges for Communication, S.T.E.M., (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths), Leadership and Teamwork\u202F\u2013 all\u202Fskills sought after by employers.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIt supports young people to gain the transferable skills they need to navigate their lives, build great careers and enjoy fulfilling futures. There\u2019s\u202Fa\u202FLife Skills Badge, Personal\u202FSafety\u202Fand a new Democracy Badge\u202Ftoo, among many others. These will help them make informed choices about the way they engage with the world, especially ahead of changes that will allow 16 and 17-year-olds to vote in general elections.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","image":"/media/hgjnwl22/explorers-new-big-group-backs-logos.jpg","width":8256,"height":5504,"altText":"A group of Explorers sit on a log with their back to the camera.","caption":"","link":null},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003EA youth shaped programme\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EOver 3,000 young people, volunteers and sector partners shaped the Explorers programme redesign by taking part in our discovery phase. A dedicated youth panel was embedded into the core design team. Young people were not just consulted but actively led the research, tested ideas and informed decisions. The youth panel worked with volunteers to design the programme structure and pick out badge subjects as well as writing their descriptions.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe Test \u0026amp; Learn pilot took place over the summer and autumn terms of 2025, reaching 116 Explorer Units. This means over 2,000 young people and nearly 200 volunteers from across the UK and British Scouting Overseas tested the programme and provided baseline, mid-point and end of pilot data.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ETheir input directly influenced programme changes. They identified the need for increased flexibility in some requirements, fixing gaps in some of the more practical badges and emphasising the need for structure and support in the new challenge awards. Vitally, they made sure it all didn\u2019t feel too much like schoolwork.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""}]}],"config":null},{"type":"twoColumnWide","areas":[{"items":[{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","image":"/media/zwclrkw5/explorers-stem-activity-badge.png","width":1000,"height":977,"altText":"The STEM Explorers cloth activity badge ","caption":"The new Explorers STEM Activity Badge","link":null}]},{"items":[{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","image":"/media/l4dbgusc/explorers-democracy-activity-badge.png","width":1000,"height":977,"altText":"The Democracy Explorers cloth activity badge ","caption":"The new Explorers Democracy Activity Badge","link":null}]}],"config":null},{"type":"singleColumn","areas":[{"items":[{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003EA new brand for Explorers\u0026nbsp;\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EHow we present ourselves matters too. Our old Explorers brand was dated and uninspiring for young people today.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIt was clear we needed a new approach for a digital world, while remaining true to our roots as a movement most at home in the outdoors.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAs part of this work, we spoke with an additional 2,500 young people aged 13-17 both inside and outside Scouts, and from across our Nations. We wanted to hear their voices and get them to shape our new direction. We visited Units in person and held workshops to get first hand feedback. \u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","image":"/media/hugfqbsm/dscf1572.jpg","width":7744,"height":6192,"altText":"An Explorer wearing a hoodie and activity harness smiles while looking upwards","caption":"","link":null},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003EYouth shaped\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe result is a truly youth-shaped brand that all Explorers can feel incredibly proud of - relevant,\u202Fexciting\u202Fand\u202Finclusive, but which also allows for a strong element of personalisation. It was developed with our partner, Red Stone, who have huge experience developing resources for and with young people.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EExplorer Scouts in 2026 is space where all young people can belong, but nobody has to fit the mould. It\u2019s about having a go, learning, making, growing \u2013 growing in confidence, resilience and the skills they need to thrive. It\u2019s a place for young people to feel good about themselves and the future. Where connecting means getting outdoors together as well as in online spaces.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThere\u2019s a new approach to our tone of voice \u2013 which is real, relatable, ready and reflective. How we talk as Explorers is just as important as what we say.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","image":"/media/pwtd1su0/explorers-new-two-archery.jpg","width":7744,"height":6192,"altText":"Two Explorers with their backs to the camera take part in an archery activity","caption":"","link":null},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003EA new logo and visual identity \u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWe also have a new logo and visual identity, with a new set of colours that reflect the outdoors and the time Explorers spend in nature. The logo contains a compass element (also a play on the \u2018e\u2019 of Explorers), showing how Explorers navigate natural landscapes as well as their path into the future.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EHowever, it\u2019s still closely linked to our main Scouts brand, for example using the same free-to-use Nunito Sans Google font family for headlines and other text. It\u2019s designed to work seamlessly alongside our main Scouts logo and brand.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThis identity can also be seen on our new badge designs, which have also been developed with young people. They feel fresher, more contemporary and are more easily understood.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""}]}],"config":null},{"type":"twoColumnWide","areas":[{"items":[{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","image":"/media/vbknf4ms/explorers-employability-challenge-award.png","width":1000,"height":977,"altText":"Explorers Employability Challenge Award cloth badge","caption":"The new Explorers Employability Challenge Award","link":null}]},{"items":[{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","image":"/media/3ehpkn0h/explorers-values-challenge-award.png","width":1000,"height":977,"altText":"Explorers Values Challenge Award cloth badge","caption":"The new Explorers Values Challenge Award","link":null}]}],"config":null},{"type":"singleColumn","areas":[{"items":[{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003EPersonalisation \u0026nbsp;\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe logo can be personalised by Units free of charge using the \u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://scoutsbrand.org.uk/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Scouts Brand Centre\u0022\u003EScouts Brand Centre\u003C/a\u003E. That\u2019s where you\u2019ll also find our new Explorer Scout Brand Guidelines, new social media assets and flyers that can be adapted, badge artwork, an inspiring new video and photography. \u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAt \u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://shop.scouts.org.uk/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Scout Store\u0022\u003EScout Store\u003C/a\u003E you\u2019ll find a range of informal clothing that can also be personalised for local Units. Note that this isn\u2019t a new uniform, which remains the same. \u00A0\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","image":"/media/rnrn21te/new-explorers-karting.jpg","width":769,"height":613,"altText":"An Explorer wearing a helmet smiles while karting.","caption":"","link":null},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003ETaking the time you need to make the changes \u0026nbsp;\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhile the new programme, brand, resources and badges are being unveiled today, our new programme only goes \u2018live\u2019 at the beginning of the autumn term.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EUnits then have until September 2027 to adopt the changes. They should be made at a time that\u2019s right for you and your Unit.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EImportantly, we want to minimise additional costs to local Scouting, so please continue to use current badges and resources you have until they naturally come up for renewal.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","image":"/media/pvahtbjv/dscf1898.jpg","width":7744,"height":6192,"altText":"A group of Explorers build a campfire.","caption":"","link":null},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003EWhat to do now\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EFor now, please take some time to: \u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EFamiliarise yourself with the new programme, brand, badges and other assets.\u00A0\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EShare our new Explorers film.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ESpeak with your teams about when you might make the changes locally.\u00A0 \u00A0\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EAttend one of the \u2018Discover the New Explorers Programme\u2019 webinars. We\u2019re running \u003Ca href=\u0022/events/\u0022 title=\u0022Events\u0022\u003Enational calls which you can sign-up for\u003C/a\u003E or speak to your local programme lead for information on any sessions that are running locally.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003EThank you\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThank you to each and every one of the young people, volunteers, staff and partners who have worked with such passion and dedication on this project. It\u2019s truly a team effort and shows, once again, that together we can do so much.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAs we celebrate 25 years of Explorers in 2027, our\u202Fnew programme will\u202Fprepare young people\u202Ffor the challenges of tomorrow while helping them enjoy the fun, adventure and belonging of Explorers today.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""}]}],"config":null}]},"searchDescription":null,"pageType":null,"location":null,"versionDate":"25 June 2026","reviewDate":null,"furtherReading":[],"relatedLinks":[{"caption":"","title":"Running an Explorer Unit","url":"/volunteers/running-your-section/running-an-explorer-unit/","newWindow":false}],"id":90053,"nodeName":"Why the Explorers reboot is such a big moment","title":"Why the Explorers reboot is such a big moment","type":"blogEntry","image":{"url":"/media/ikzocuoj/explorers-new-group-on-bench.jpg?cc=0,0.29651162790697677,0,0\u0026width=800\u0026height=450\u0026v=1dcff3baf1efff0","caption":"Explorers New Group On Bench","type":"jpg","size":27563144,"width":7744,"height":6192,"altText":""},"assets":null,"headerOptions":{"headerTitle":"Why the Explorers reboot is such a big moment","headerSubTitle":null,"headerCta":null,"headerCtaText":null,"headerCtaLink":null,"headerBackgroundColour":null,"showSEOImage":false,"headerBackgroundImage":null,"quickLinks":null},"subHeader":"The relaunch\u202Fof Explorer Scouts for\u202Four 14-18-year-olds is our response to the different needs of today\u2019s teenagers.","browserTitle":null,"silktide":"eyJjbXMiOiJVbWJyYWNvIiwiZWRpdG9yVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly9wcm9kLWNtcy5zY291dHMub3JnLnVrLy91bWJyYWNvIy9jb250ZW50L2NvbnRlbnQvZWRpdC85MDA1MyJ9","canonicalUrl":"https://www.scouts.org.uk/news/2026/june/why-the-explorers-reboot-is-such-a-big-moment/"}