Explorer Scouts from Stevenage will soon be taking on a fresh new programme designed to help teenagers build confidence, resilience and real-life skills in a rapidly changing world.

This is the first full redesign of the section since it lauched in 2002. Explorer Scouts, for 14–18-year-olds, first launched in 2002 when most families shared a single computer and social media didn’t exist. Fast forward to today, and teenagers are navigating smartphones, constant connectivity and growing pressures around wellbeing, education and future careers. The updated programme reflects how teenagers live now, blending practical skills with creativity, leadership and adventure.

  • 2,000 young people and 200 volunteers from 116 Units tested and shaped the new activities, badges, and programme. We’re proud to say that it’s truly for Explorers, designed by Explorers.
  • For our young people in Stevenage, this means:
  • New badges like Employability, Democracy and Content Creation – from building CVs to creating accessible digital content
  • 40 new and updated badges in total, including 11 brand new ones
  • Six brand-new Challenge Awards to support progression
  • More flexibility for Explorers to shape their own journey

It keeps everything our Explorers already love – adventure, teamwork and trying new things – while giving even more opportunities to build skills for school, work and everyday life.

A Stevenage Explorer said: “I think the new programme is really exciting because it feels much more relevant to our lives now. Things like learning how to create content or build skills for future jobs are things I actually care about. It’s also great that we still get to do loads of outdoor activities and adventures, it’s a mix of fun and learning things that will really help in the future.”

Chief Scout Dwayne Fields, said:  “As Chief Scout, I get to regularly meet our Explorers and I am constantly in awe of their resilience, curiosity and love of the outdoors. Despite the rise of smartphones and increasing pressures that I never faced as a teenager, 14-18 year-olds still want a place to belong, opportunities for independence, but most importantly, to have fun. That’s why I’m so proud to be launching the new Explorer Scout programme. This new programme reflects what our Explorers have told us they want – modern skills for life, with a whole load of adventure.”