Why the Explorer Scouts Refresh Matters for South Ribble

Explorer Scouts are entering an exciting new chapter.

As Explorer Scouts approach their 25th anniversary, Scouts UK has introduced a refreshed programme and brand, shaped by thousands of young people and volunteers from across the UK. The changes are designed to ensure Explorer Scouts continue to meet the needs of today’s 14–18-year-olds while staying true to the adventure, friendship and personal growth that have always been at the heart of Scouting.

Here in South Ribble, we’re excited to see what this means for our Explorer Scouts and for the young people who will join us in the years ahead.

Built with young people, for young people

The refreshed Explorer programme has been developed alongside young people, ensuring their ideas, ambitions and experiences have helped shape what comes next.

It introduces new opportunities to develop practical life skills, explore personal interests, take on leadership opportunities and enjoy even more adventure. Alongside new and updated Activity Badges and Challenge Awards, Explorers will continue to experience camping, expeditions, outdoor activities and community projects that help build confidence and resilience.

A place where everyone belongs

At the heart of the refresh is Scouts UK’s vision of creating A Place to Belong.

Explorer Scouts is a space where young people can be themselves, try new things, make lasting friendships and discover what they’re capable of. It’s a place where individuality is celebrated, everyone is welcome and every young person is encouraged to shape their own journey.

That’s something we’re proud to champion here in South Ribble.

Skills for life, now and for the future

Today’s young people are growing up in a rapidly changing world. The refreshed programme recognises that, combining the adventure Scouting is known for with opportunities to develop leadership, communication, teamwork, wellbeing and employability skills that will support young people throughout their lives.

Whether it’s leading a project, volunteering in the community, learning a new skill or taking on an outdoor challenge, Explorer Scouts continues to prepare young people for whatever comes next.

A new logo and visual identity

We also have a new logo and visual identity, with a new set of colours that reflect the outdoors and the time Explorers spend in nature. The logo contains a compass element (also a play on the ‘e’ of Explorers), showing how Explorers navigate natural landscapes as well as their path into the future.

However, it’s still closely linked to our main Scouts brand, for example using the same free-to-use Nunito Sans Google font family for headlines and other text. It’s designed to work seamlessly alongside our main Scouts logo and brand.

This identity can also be seen on our new badge designs, which have also been developed with young people. They feel fresher, more contemporary and are more easily understood.

What this means for South Ribble

Across South Ribble, our Explorer Units are looking forward to bringing the refreshed programme to life.

We’re excited to offer even more opportunities for young people to challenge themselves, gain Skills for Life and make a positive difference in their communities. We also hope the refreshed programme encourages even more young people to discover everything Explorer Scouts has to offer.

If you’re aged 14–18 and looking for your next adventure, or you’re interested in volunteering with one of our Explorer Units, we’d love to hear from you.

Together, we’re helping more young people develop the confidence, skills and friendships they’ll carry with them for life—while creating a place where everyone belongs.