Explorers

14 – 18 years old

Meeting Details

The Explorer Scout unit meet most term-time Fridays at the Joan Strong Centre in Oundle.

Friday Evening: 19:15 – 21:30

However, we’re often away on expeditions or activities: Do check the programme first and let us know if you’d like to visit!

There is no expectation for Explorers to attend every session: We recognise that, particularly at certain times of year there are other demands on young people’s time, from exams to sporting fixtures.

Meeting Format

A “typical” meeting at the Joan Strong Centre will be structured as:

19:15 Flag break

19:20 Register & briefing

19:25 Programmed activity

20:30 Break

20:45 Programmed activity

21:20 Awards, notices & Flag down

21:30 Fall out

NB: The agenda is liable to change to suit the programme

• Please arrive for a prompt start
• If you arrive after Flag Break, or must leave early, it is courteous to salute the flag as you enter/leave the building. You must be in uniform as you do this; if you have to change beforehand, get dressed first and make your salute when you are ready to formally join the meeting
• Uniform shirts can be taken off to be kept clean during activities, if appropriate
• We may be able to run a “tuck shop” with soft drinks for the break; bring a small amount of cash

Equipment

Other than your uniform, it is recommended that you bring:

• Suitable coats, hats, footwear etc for the weather and activity
• A small notepad or piece of paper and a pen or pencil
• A small amount of cash for the “tuck shop”
• Relevant equipment for the programmed activity

Knives

Do not bring pocket knives or utility tools unless authorised and instructed in safe transport and use.

Note that the Joan Strong Centre is a public place and knife law applies accordingly.

Mobile phones

We recognise that mobile phones can be a useful tool in many Scouting activities, if used responsibly, and that many young people own or have regular access to one; however they can also be a cause or conduit for harm or distraction.

There is no requirement for young people to bring a mobile phone.

Any mobile phones carried by Explorers should be on silent / do not disturb and not used during the meeting except a) In emergencies or b) When insutructed / authorised to do so for the activity at hand. Taking photographs or videos shall not generally be permitted; where it forms part of an activity images shall not show any other person, whether a young person or adult, without their express consent and those images shall not be shared either on social media or otherwise.

No mobile phones should be present during Flag Break, Flag Down or other ceremonies without the express consent of the Leaders.

Duties

All Explorers have a duty to help with running the meeting. Please volunteer to help with getting equipment out and tidying up, sweeping etc after each meeting.

One Explorer will be selected as “Duty Scout” for Flag Break and Flag Down each evening, on a rota basis.

Flag Break

Flag Break is a solemn ceremony performed at the start of each meeting.. All participants must be in uniform.

• The Leader will call the Explorer Scouts to “Fall in”. The Explorer Scouts will line up at ease in front of the flag, with the Leaders and any other Members in unifom present lined up to one side
• The Leader will call the Explorers to alert, and to turn to face the flag (if necessary)
• The Duty Scout will walk smartly to the flag and break it, take one step back and make the Scout Salute to the flag
• At this prompt, all Scouts, Leaders and Members will make the Scout Salute to the flag
• The Duty Scout smartly turn and return to their place
• The Leader will call the Explorers to turn in (if necessary), and to stand at ease, and can then continue with the meeting

Flag Down

Flag Down is a solemn ceremony performed at the close of each meeting. All participants must be in uniform.

• The Leader will call the Explorer Scouts to “Fall in”. The Explorer Scouts will line up at ease in front of the flag, with the Leaders and any other Members in unifom present lined up to one side
• The Leader will call the Explorers to alert, and to turn to face the flag (if necessary)
• The Duty Scout will walk smartly to the flag and lower it carefully, securing it such that it does not touch the floor
• The Duty Scout will take one step back and pause, then smartly turn and return to their place
• The Leader will call the Explorers to turn in (if necessary), and will then dismiss the meeting

.