Young people from Wales attend launch of updated Explorer Scouts programme
THE UPDATED Explorer Scouts programme, launched this week at Rolls-Royce in Leeds, aims to give 14 to 18-year-olds across Wales greater opportunities to develop leadership, wellbeing and practical life skills, alongside the adventure and teamwork that Scouting is known for.
Wales was represented at the launch by Flintshire Explorer Scouts Jay and Michael, who attended alongside volunteer leaders Dan Campbell and Emma Williams, joining Scouts and volunteers from across the UK to mark the next chapter of the programme.
The refresh comes at a time of growing concern over the number of young people not in education, employment or training. Recent figures show that the number of 16 to 24-year-olds in the UK classed as NEET has reached one million for the first time, including a record 13,000 young people aged 16 to 18 in Wales.
Against that backdrop, Scouts say the rebooted Explorer Scouts programme has been designed to better reflect the realities facing young people today, with a stronger focus on wellbeing, leadership, employability and future-ready skills.
More than 1,300 young people aged 14 to 18 now take part in Explorer Scouts across Wales through 97 units stretching from Anglesey to Monmouthshire. Membership in Wales grew by 2% between January 2025 and January 2026, with young women now making up 36% of Explorer Scout membership.
Originally developed between 2000 and 2002, the Explorer Scouts programme was launched in a very different era, before smartphones, social media and the digital pressures that shape teenage life today.
The refreshed programme introduces 40 new and updated badges, including opportunities to develop skills in employability, democracy, content creation, exploration, personal safety, problem solving and STEM. New Challenge Awards will also encourage young people to work as teams, test themselves and take on new experiences.
Jon Williams, Chief Volunteer for ScoutsCymru, said the refreshed programme was about helping young people thrive in a rapidly changing world.
He said: “Young people are growing up in a world that is changing faster than ever before. Technology, artificial intelligence and social media are creating new opportunities, but they are also bringing new challenges.
“Explorer Scouts gives young people something that remains as important today as it was when the section first launched more than 20 years ago – friendship, belonging, adventure and the chance to discover what they are capable of.
“This refreshed programme combines those experiences with practical skills that will help young people navigate modern life. Whether they are developing leadership skills, exploring democracy, creating digital content, volunteering in their communities or taking part in outdoor adventures, Explorer Scouts is helping them develop the confidence, resilience and skills they need for the future.
“It is fantastic to see young people from Wales represented at the national launch of the refreshed programme. Jay and Michael’s involvement reflects the enthusiasm, ambition and potential we see in Explorer Scouts right across Wales.”
Emma Williams, an Explorer Scout Leader from Ynys Môn, said the movement continued to offer experiences young people would not find elsewhere.
She said: “Explorer Scouts gives young people the chance to do things they simply wouldn’t get the opportunity to do elsewhere. Whether it’s taking part in expeditions, learning new skills, volunteering, leading projects or working towards top awards like the King’s Scout Award, there’s always something new to challenge and inspire them.
“The refreshed programme builds on everything that’s great about Scouting while keeping it relevant for today’s young people. It helps them grow in confidence, make friends, develop leadership skills and create memories that will stay with them for years to come.”
Michael Medinca, 16, an Explorer Scout from Flintshire, said being part of Explorers had helped him grow in confidence and make lasting friendships.
He said: “I love Explorers because it gives you the chance to try things you wouldn’t normally get to do. I’ve made some amazing friends through Scouting and it’s helped me grow in confidence.
“I really enjoy going away on camp, taking part in expeditions, volunteering, and working towards awards like the King’s Scout Award and DofE. There’s always something different going on.
“The new programme looks really good because it still keeps the adventure and fun that everyone enjoys but also helps us learn skills we’ll use in everyday life.”
Scouts leaders say that in a world increasingly dominated by screens and social pressures, Explorer Scouts continues to offer young people something different – real experiences, real challenges and real connections.
