Explorer Scouts are young people, usually aged between 14 and 18 years old. They make up the fourth Section of the Scouting family. There are many types of Explorer Scout Units, some may be linked to their local Scout Group, others may be based around different activities.

Not all Units meet each week, because they will often be out and about at weekends or in the holidays doing activities. There will be times when they will be busy doing other things such as exams, and Explorers will have to fit around these.

As an Explorer Scout, they will get the chance to work with other Explorers in their District, not just their own Unit. By doing this, they will get the chance to do many more activities, not just the ones their own Unit organises.