Moving on to Explorer Scouts

When your child reaches around age 14, they’ll be ready to take the next step in their Scouting journey: moving from Scouts to Explorer Scouts.

This is a normal and exciting part of their time in Scouting, designed to keep activities age-appropriate, challenging, and fun.

Why the move happens

Age-appropriate programme: Scouts is for ages 10½–14, while Explorers is for ages 14–18.

New opportunities: Explorers offer bigger adventures, international camps, and awards such as the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and the King’s Scout Award.

Leadership pathways: Young people can become Young Leaders, helping in Beavers or Cubs while developing skills for life.

Confidence and independence: Explorers gives young people more freedom to shape their programme and take on responsibility.

What the process looks like

Moving on isn’t a single night, it’s a planned transition:

Up to 12 months before: Scouts and parents hear about Explorers. Joint activities may begin.

6–3 months before: More visits and Explorer “taster” nights help your child get familiar.

Final 3 months: Leaders confirm the move date with you. Records are checked in Online Scout Manager (OSM).

The 4-week transition: For about a month, your child may attend both Scouts and Explorers, completing the Moving On Award.

At the move: They are officially welcomed as an Explorer, with their OSM record transferred securely.

0–3 months after: Explorer leaders follow up to make sure your child feels settled.

Who does what?

Scout Section Team Leader (SSTL): Prepares your child for the move, talks to you about Explorers, arranges taster sessions, and ensures records are accurate.

Explorer Section Team Leader (ESTL): Welcomes your child to Explorers, shares programme information, hosts joint activities, and provides a buddy at their first Explorer meeting.

Group Lead Volunteer (GLV): Oversees the process across the Group, ensuring it is fair, consistent, and in line with Scout policy.

Parents/Carers: Keep records up to date, encourage your child to attend taster activities, and share any needs or concerns with leaders.

Your Child: Joins in with joint activities, completes the Moving On Award, and plays an active part in shaping their move to Explorers.

Your role as parents/carers

Keep details up to date: Please check your child’s OSM record before the move so medical and contact details are correct.

Encourage participation: Support them in joining Explorer activities, taster nights, and events.

Stay informed: Ask questions, raise concerns, and talk with leaders if you or your child need reassurance.

Celebrate the step: Moving on is a milestone; recognising it helps your child feel proud and excited.

When Moving on happens

You decide when your child is ready to move on to Explorers.

Most young people move on just before or around their 14th birthday.

Some may move a little earlier (from age 13½) if they are ready.

Delays beyond 14 are exceptional and would only happen with a clear, documented reason agreed between parents, Section Team Lead, and the Group Lead Volunteer. An example would be as a reasonable adjustment to take into account an individual's specific needs or circumstances.

In summary

Moving on to Explorers is a positive, planned, and supported process. With your encouragement and our joint preparation, your child will feel welcomed, included, and ready for new adventures in Scouting.