West Oxfordshire Sea Explorer Scout Unit (WOSESU)

Explorers are a go-getting group of young people aged 14 to 18. Together, they make up the fifth section of the Scouts. Week in and week out, they gather in groups called Units to try new things, make new friends and conquer the small task of changing the world. 1st Standlake and Cokethorpe (Sea Scouts) hosts WOSESU and integrates them into our activities.  Join our waiting list

For some its the natural progression after Scouts or Guides, for others its

a first taste of Scouting. Either way you can expect a mix of activity, both mental and physical and designed to challenge. Each group of Explorers, known as a Unit, will have its' own programme of activity and culture. At the heart of Explorers is the opportunity to meet people and socialise with other young people of a similar age.

 Explorers differs from Scouts in that Units are normally run by the District rather than by individual Scout Groups, although each District will have its own way of doing things and Units are often sponsored by Groups.

Although each Unit and District will have its own programme, activities are also put on at a County and National level allowing Explorers to mix with others their age from a wider area.

One of the highlights of the National calendar is Gilwell 24, 24 hours of solid activity.

As well as all this, Explorers have the opportunity to complete awards including Activity badges, The Chief Scout's Award, The Queen's Scout Award, The Duke of Edinburgh's Award and The Explorer Belt Award many of which are externally recognised (by potential employers, etc).

Winter Meetings

Winter (Sept - April)

During the winter months we run a more traditional scouting programme based at Cokethorpe School Shed and in the local communities.

Full uniform is required for winter meetings. All scouts must bring a bag of scruffs - clothing to change into that is warm and that they don't mind getting messy!

Summer Meetings

Summer (1st week of May until beginning of Sept)

In the summer we focus on water activities and sailing skills. We are based at the West Oxfordshire Sailing Club with the Scout Troop.

Uniform is not required in the Summer as Explorers should arrive ready to go in the water with appropriate wet clothing. A barbeque is run by parents so that Scouts, Explorers and their families can finish the evening with a warm meal and time with scouting friends.

Uniform

The girls uniform tends to be a bit more fitted but the explorers may wear either style. I leave it to their own personal preference.

In addition to this you must wear smart black trousers, dark socks and dark shoes.

Girls Uniform

Boys Uniform

The Sea Explorer Shirt can be purchased from https://shop.scouts.org.uk for around £24. You will be given a necker when you are invested however a replacement will cost £10. 

Parental Support

As you will understand, our leaders are all volunteers. It will help the group and Explorer Unit if you are prepared to give up your time for a night a year, particularly running the barbeque during summer meetings. Without your help we cannot run the activities that the scouts most enjoy.

Subscriptions are £15 per Month ideally paid direct to bank by standing order.  Please contact the Treasurer for details of the Group bank account. You can also sign up for Gift-aid to further aid the group. Details are in OSM

Online Scout Manager

We use OSM to help us administer our Explorer Unit. We ask that all parents login and keep details up-to-date. We rely upon OSM for accurate information about medical, allergy and contact information. You can also use OSM to see badges and progress, see our programme and sign-up for camps and other events. This is also where we will show when we would like parents to volunteer. Explorers can also sign-up to access their own information and unit programme.

Explorer Awards

Explorers start small but think big, always challenging themselves to do more and be more. It all starts with an award. Explorers start with the Diamond Award and Platinum, Award. The King's Scout award is the highest award in scouting.

Duke of Edinburgh's Award

The Duke of Edinburgh's Award gives you a chance to do all this, achieving personal goals and working as a team.

The award has 3 levels, bronze, silver and gold. Each has similar requirements, but a progressive level of skill and dedication. The Chief Scout's Platinum Award, the Chief Scout's Diamond Award and the Queen's Scout Award have similar requirements and can be completed alongside The Duke of Edinburgh scheme. You can complete any of these awards until your 25th birthday.

Activity and Staged Badges

Master something you love, or try something shiny and new. If it spurs you on or stirs your interest, we’ve probably got a badge for it.

The Explorer Belt

The Explorer Belt is an international challenge for Explorers over 16 years old and members of the Scout Network.

The belt involves undertaking an international expedition of at least 10 days to find out about another county, its people and culture. Whilst there you complete a main project pre-agreed before leaving and a series of short mini projects which may be surprise projects set just before you leave.

Young Leaders

If you're 14-18 you can become a young leader, assisting with Scouting in a Beaver Colony, Cub Pack or Scout Troop sharing some of the skills you've learnt. 

As a young leader you can also go to Explorers, but even if you don't, you can still take part and get involved in Explorer Activities, including all the activities on the event pages of this website. Training is provided for young leaders, normally within District. Factsheets and information about the various Young Leader training modules can be found here: http://www2.scouts.org.uk/explorers/resources/YoungLeaders.htm