Explorer Scouts – Reimagined for a New Generation

When the Explorer Scouts programme was first developed between 2000 and 2002, the world looked very different. Smartphones didn’t exist, social media was in its infancy, and most teenagers shared a single family computer at home. Friendships were built face to face, and the idea of being constantly connected online was still years away.

 

More than two decades later, young people are growing up in a world shaped by AI, social media, instant communication, and an always-on digital culture. The pace of change has been extraordinary, but so too has the growth of Explorer Scouts.

A programme that has grown with young people

When Explorers launched, it welcomed around 14,000 members aged 14–17. Today, in 2026, that number has surpassed 50,000 members for the first time ever, making this the largest Explorer Scout membership in the programme’s history. Young women now make up 35% of Explorer Scout membership, reflecting the increasingly diverse community taking part.

That growth is something to celebrate. But it also comes with a challenge: how do we make sure the programme continues to meet the needs of teenagers whose lives, pressures and ambitions are changing faster than ever before?

 

Why Explorers needed a reboot

Today’s teenagers are navigating a complex landscape. Digital technology offers incredible opportunities for learning, creativity and connection, but it also brings new pressures around confidence, wellbeing, identity and belonging. At the same time, emerging industries and future careers are placing greater emphasis on STEM skills, adaptability, communication and resilience.

Yet despite all this change, the fundamentals of being a teenager remain surprisingly familiar.

Young people still want to: 

• belong to something bigger than themselves
• build strong friendships
• experience adventure and challenge
• gain independence while being part of a team
• develop confidence and discover what they’re capable of

That’s why Explorer Scouts is evolving, not by abandoning what made it special, but by refocusing it for a new generation.

The refreshed programme builds on everything that already makes Explorer Scouts successful while introducing new ways to support young people today. You can explore the full programme framework and resources on the Explorer Scouts programme pages.

 

Built for Gen Alpha: wellbeing, skills and adventure

The rebooted Explorer Scouts programme is designed around three core ideas: wellbeing, skills and adventure.

The new programme gives Explorer Units greater flexibility to shape experiences around the interests, needs and ambitions of their young people, while keeping adventure, challenge and personal growth at its heart.

It recognises that young people need more than just digital connection. They need spaces where they can switch off from pressure, try new things, take healthy risks, and build real-world confidence.

Explorers is a space where everyone can belong, but nobody has to fit a mould.

Whether it’s hiking, climbing, volunteering, leading a project, learning practical skills or simply spending time with friends outdoors, the programme is built to help young people grow at their own pace. 

Find out more about the new activity badges for the programme here.

 

Quote from Callum Holt, Lead Volunteer for Programme:

“Explorers has always been about giving young people space to grow, challenge themselves and find where they belong. That hasn’t changed. What has changed is the world they’re growing up in. Today’s teenagers are navigating constant connectivity, new pressures and a future that’s evolving faster than ever before.

That’s why this relaunch matters. We’ve taken everything that makes Explorers special – adventure, friendship and real-world experiences – and shaped it around what young people need right now: confidence, resilience, wellbeing and skills for life.

I’m incredibly excited about what this means for the next generation. Explorers has always been a place where you don’t have to fit a mould. Where you can try new things, take risks and discover who you are, all while having fun. It’s about helping young people feel ready for their future, whatever that may look like.”

More than badges: preparing for the future

The new approach also reflects the realities of modern life. Skills in technology, engineering and problem-solving matter more than ever, but so do the human skills that employers and communities value most: teamwork, leadership, communication, creativity and resilience.

New Challenge Awards provide a clearer structure for progression and help young people connect their experiences, skills and adventures to the top awards and wider programme journey.

Explorer Scouts gives young people the chance to develop all of these in a practical, supportive environment – one where mistakes are part of learning, and where success is measured by personal growth as much as achievement.

Quote from Jamie Gordon, Lead for Explorers:

“The world is a very different place since the Explorer Programme was designed some 25 years ago. It has been an exciting process as 116 units across the UK and BSO tested the new programme in live environments with over 1,000 documented pieces of feedback to help shape the final look of our new programme.

I am looking forward to seeing how units adapt, stretch or simplify activities to meet the needs of their individuals in their units. The introduction of Challenge Awards will help give our young people more structure and ideas in focusing on the top awards.

With new logo and branding it is an exciting time to be an Explorer Scout or Adult Volunteer with the section. From dial-up to AI, one thing hasn’t changed –  every young person needs adventure, belonging and the confidence to shape their future.”

A launch moment in Derby

The refreshed Explorer Scouts programme was officially launched in Derby, which brought together young people, volunteers and supporters from across the movement to celebrate the next chapter for Explorers.

The launch follows an extensive period of testing and feedback involving more than 100 Explorer Units across the UK and British Scouting Overseas, helping shape the final programme.

The event marked more than just a programme update – it’s a statement of intent: that Scouting will continue to evolve with young people, listen to their needs, and create opportunities that are relevant, exciting and meaningful in today’s world.

Adventure, friendship and confidence, without the pressure

At its heart, Explorer Scouts remains true to what has always made it powerful.

There’s no pressure to be perfect. No expectation to fit in. Just the chance to: 

• try new adventures
• make lasting friendships
• build confidence and independence
• learn practical and future-ready skills
• have fun and create memories that last a lifetime

Young people and volunteers can discover the new programme through the introductory Explorer activity designed to help Units explore the changes together.

For a generation growing up in a fast-moving, hyper-connected world, that kind of space matters more than ever.

The future of Explorers starts now

Explorer Scouts has come a long way since 2002. From 14,000 members to more than 50,000 in the UK today, the programme has already changed thousands of young lives.

Now, with a renewed focus on wellbeing, skills and adventure, it’s ready to do the same for the next generation, helping young people step into adulthood with confidence, resilience and a sense of possibility.

Because while the world may have changed, the need for friendship, challenge, belonging and adventure never has.

 

Useful Resources:

• Explore the refreshed Explorer Scout programme.
• Discover the new Challenge Awards.
• Meet the new activity badges and flexibility guidance.
• Try the introductory Explorer programme activity.
• Read the FAQs about the programme reboot.
• View previous Explorer programme resources.