Explorers

Recently a following a review with input from 14-18 year olds, revisions were announced within Scouts Explorers effecting awards and resource materials

The core Explorer Scout (ages 14–18) uniform remains the classic beige/stone-colored button-down shirt or blouse. While a major rebrand and introduction of new badges (focusing on AI, digital skills, and mental well-being) were recently launched, the official uniform requirements haven't fundamentally changed, maintaining the traditional base layers.

Core Uniform ElementsTop: The classic beige long or short-sleeved shirt (or blouse) with an embroidered Scouts Fleur de Lis on the sleeve. Stretchy cotton-polyester blends are available to improve comfort and fit.

Scarf (Necker): Paired with your specific Unit or Group scarf.Bottoms: Official navy blue Scout activity trousers or skirt.Belt: Official Scout leather or vegan belt with the brass buckle.

The emphasis on planning for your awards such as the Kings Award and the more individual style of the unit does aid that awkward transition from school or college to employment both by what the individual has done and by being able to see planning, taking responsiblility and achieving when they mention this in interview.

The Girl Guide Annual

I spent much of 1982/3 outside school on various trips and parades where you encountered the species, the Girl Guide who was the female equal of a Scout.

As with all branches within Scouting and much else to do with children and young people back then you had annuals which you'd get for Christmas so we'll take a look at one.

The "This annual belongs to bit" is quite important as back then we did share things so you'd stick your name and maybe that of who gave it  as a reminder. As was normal then you always sent a Thank You note to that person!

Annuals of this sort are meant to be inspiring so we have an article on the Silver Fish Award, Ice Craving,looking after Tropical fish (I had tropical fish-keeping them and cats apart was fun!), brass rubbing, trees and the history of bicycles with tips to stay safe.

As you might expect there is a couple of inspiring stories but not as many as you'd get in a Brownies annual reflecting the girls ages and unlike Scouts annuals tehre are tips on making making your own clothes, hair and personal care, weaving and cookery.

There is a article about Guiding in The Gambia as with Scouts, Girl Guiding does operate beyond the U.K. and transitioning to Rangers, the 14-18 program back then looking at what you'd expect.

It is well pitched for the age group and does reflect what Gitl Guiding was about them whereas today there is more around environmental activism and girls rights.

Llandudno

 

There are few places in the UK that really match the polished but not uber commercialized appeal of Llandudno, North Wales with something for those of all ages, the attractive hotels overlooking the beach, the geographic features of the Great and Little Orme and even Alice in Wonderland.

Here we can see the Cenotaph listing the war dead with flower displays in front.

Rainforest Day

 

This week in Scouts we're think about the Rainforest  which is one the most important climates on planet earth for us and to which over the last few decades has been decimated for highways, agriculture, specifically cattle raising for fast food and building new settlements often at the expense not just of the enivoronment which matters a lot but also for the natives of this part of Brazil.

Losing your land, your food source and culture as yours going back thousands of years to a mainly european imported one from the sixteenth century that has survived through isolation from the mainstream is sad.

In scouts many will be encouraged to play in a game role playing and through that learning about what's happening, how that impacts all and what can be done about it.

Rainforest-rescue

Knots

 

Knots are one thing that most of us recall being taught in Scouts and Guides as "Gorilla Glue" as useful as that is today has it's limits so know how to make each knot and what each is best for so we make the right choice.

This is a lovely colourful collection of properly made knots.

Swimming

 In scouts we do swim and this is very popular with cubs which is as well as an Island country with many lakes and canals being able to swim really is important to your welfare.

Swimmer Staged Activity BadgesThe badge requirements scale as the Cubs get older and more capable:Stages 1 & 2: Focus on basic water confidence, entering and exiting safely, blowing bubbles, and moving short distances with aids.

Stage 3: Requires independent swimming (15 metres on front/back), treading water for 15 seconds, and safe diving or entering.

Stages 4 & 5: Progressively increase distance (e.g., up to 200m or 400m depending on the stage), refine strokes, and teach advanced survival skills.

Many groups hold sessions or Gala's which you can take part in at the appropriate and age and level in your district competing for cups which I did as a youngster.

It also is an equalizer for those with physical disabilities as one your in the water nothing can stop you.

Peeping out

 

Wherever the soil and conditions are right things will grow and this is true of lane that run alongside the canal where there is soil so these flowers just shot up a few days agoin among other vegetation.