With the support, direction and guidance of Unit leaders, Explorer Scouts are encouraged to lead themselves, design their own programme and work towards the top awards that Scouting offers. With exciting prospects like being a part of camps and expeditions both home and abroad; adventurous activities such as mountaineering, parascending and off shore sailing; Explorers offers fun and adventure for all. Explorers also have the opportunity to be a part of the Explorer Scout Young Leaders’ Scheme which develops their leadership skills and sense of responsibility, by helping to run meetings for younger sections.

Explorer Units are the fourth Section of the Scouting family after Beavers, Cubs and Scouts. Explorer Scouts are young people aged between 14 and 18 years old.  There is flexibility in the age range: young people can join from age 13½ but cannot move to Scout Network until 18.  Young people must have left the Explorer Scout section before the date of their 18th birthday.

A group of Explorer Scouts is called a Unit and is part of the District’s provision of Scouting.  The Excalibur Explorer Scout Unit (ESU) is part of the Pang Valley District Explorer provision, but it also works together with the 79th Reading Scout Group under a Partnership Agreement.  Many scouts who move up to Explorers do join the Excalibur ESU, but if Sunday evening is not a good time for you, do take a look at the other units within the district.