The Explorer Belt is an award available to both Explorer and Network members. It involves an expedition abroad, where you will learn about the culture of the place you are visiting and complete your challenges.
The requirements are listed below or available on scouts.org.uk/explorerbelt.
You must register online at scouts.org.uk/explorerbelt.
Award participants must be aged between 16 and 25 years old and be an Explorer or Network member.
Undertake a 10-day expedition as part of a team* outside of the UK with a minimum travelling time of 50 hours over the 10 days, by foot, cycle, horse, canoe, boat or dinghy. Your team must start with a minimum of three young people and at least two must complete the expedition for the team to qualify.
If aged 16–18 years old, you may only participate in an organised expedition supported by an in-country leadership team, rather than being self-led.
The use of public transport is acceptable as part of the travelling time, where opportunities to meet people would otherwise be missed.
The team must show competence in several areas such as navigation skills and team building, agree a budget for the entire expedition and keep a record of what is spent. A Logbook should be created to record visits, routes, project work and thoughts.
As you go, teams must complete at least 10 minor projects and 1 major project.
When the expedition is done, the team must take part in a debrief with your mentor and leadership team. Ideally this should be within 24 hours of the 10th day of the expedition or within 24 hours of return to the UK.
You must make a presentation to deliver to the assessment panel and other invited guests which covers your expedition.
Your expedition, project work, and presentation will be assessed by an assessment panel including your mentor to determine if you have successfully achieved your Explorer Belt. The final sign off of the award is to be done by the relevant commissioner.
