Scouts from Melton to take part in revamped Explorer programme to help teens thrive and find a place to belong

Explorer Scouts from Melton 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. The updated programme has been designed to reflect how teenagers live now, blending practical skills with creativity, leadership and adventure.

Explorer Scouts in Leicestershire, 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.

Alongside the updated programme will be new badges, which include Employability, Democracy and Content Creation, helping Explorer Scouts build everything from CVs to creating accessible digital content. In total, 40 new and updated badges, including 11 brand new badges and six new Challenge Awards will give young people more opportunities to develop skills for school, work and everyday life.

To join up or volunteer visit scouts.org.uk/join

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.”

Joshua Bennett, Degree Apprentice at Rolls-Royce, said: “I stayed involved in Scouts all the way through, and as a former Scout and now a Cub Leader, I’ve seen first-hand the impact it can have. It gave me a solid foundation when applying for jobs, providing me with examples and scenarios I needed to excel in my interview, and I didn’t even realise until the time came to use them. That’s why partnerships like this are important as they help young people build the skills, confidence and experience they need to take their next steps into careers like those at Rolls-Royce.”