EXPLORERS

Young people keep in the Scout movement after the Scout section by joining Explorer Scouts. This will be either joining an Explorer Unit with regular meetings and activities, or being part of the Young Leader Scheme.

It is important to register interest in becoming an Explorer well before leaving: look here for details

WHEN TO MOVE ON

Scouts will move on from the Troop at 14.0 (14th birthday) unless the Troop agrees to an extension: look below..

The following are guidelines, based on what works for Aquila Scout Troop.

1) We are extremely unlikely to have Scouts in School Year 10 remaining in Aquila.

2) Scouts are very unlikely to move to Explorers in School Year 8.

3) Scouts who are 13.5 and in Year 9 can in principle move to Explorers and this might be appropriate in some cases.

4) Currently, Scouts are extremely likely to have moved on by 14.5 years.

5) Generally, if Scouts are not going to move on to Explorers, including the Young Leader programme (that is, they leave scouting), they will leave the Troop on the same basis as above.

EXTENDING STAY IN AQUILA AFTER 14.0

Scouts, who wish to continue in Aquila Scout Troop after their 14th birthday, may be able to do so, but need to request this well in advance. This is a decision ONLY by the Troop leaders: there is no certainty that it is possible until agreed by the leaders.

Possible reasons why we might try and accommodate over 14s are shown here.

1. It is likely that scouts that we agree to stay on will be part of Senior Patrol. Look at specific requirements for this here.

2. Extent of a scout's commitment to and experience of the Troop programme, including participating in camps and our other activities, as well as playing an active, positive role in Troop meetings and activities.

3. The likelihood of a scout completing the Chief Scouts Award. That is, only a few bits are left to complete.

4. Contribution to the Troop, in terms of leadership, example and behaviour, whatever formal position held.

5. We will also consider the extra load on the leadership team.