About Voyager ESU
Whether you’re moving on from a local Scout Troop or you’re completely new to Scouting, we’re delighted to share more information about Voyager Explorer Scout Unit. Explorer Scout Units are managed by Royal Kingston Scout District and are not officially part of the Scout Group structure although we have a partnership agreement with 1st Malden. Voyager ESU meets at 1st Malden Scout HQ and currently offers place to Scouts from local Scout Troops including 1st Malden, 2nd Malden and 7th Malden as well as welcoming members who are new to Scouting when there’s space in the Unit.
Voyager ESU meets weekly during school term time on Fridays from 7.30pm to 9.30pm.
There are several other Units in Royal Kingston Scout District: Centura, Endeavour, Eris, Leander, Sealion, Sky Cube, Horizon and Titan. We appreciate that Voyager’s meeting time and place may not be ideal for everyone so if you are interested in joining another ESU then you can contact desc@royalkingstonscouts.org.uk for more information.
Who are Explorers?
Explorers are young people aged 14 to 18 who embrace adventure, independence, and teamwork as they navigate the transition to adulthood. Our Explorer Unit is a vibrant, inclusive community where everyone is welcome, regardless of background or ability. Explorers engage in a wide range of activities designed to challenge, inspire, and equip them with life skills. From expeditions and outdoor adventures to leadership opportunities and international events, every Explorer’s journey is as unique as they are.
We believe that diversity enriches our group, and we celebrate the unique strengths and perspectives that each Explorer brings. This supportive environment helps young people develop confidence, resilience, and a real sense of belonging.
What do Explorers Do?
At Voyager ESU, we help you master the skills that help you feel stronger and happier in the long run, and try things you don’t always get to do at home or at school. Whether it’s hiking at night, inventing a board game or cooking, Explorers have the freedom to choose what they do by working together to plan their programme of activities and the direction of the Unit, with support and guidance from leaders. Weekly meetings consist of games, activities and plenty of time spent outdoors. Explorers develop skills like map reading and cooking and there are plenty of opportunities to use these skills with camping weekends, hikes and expeditions to look forward to.
Spending time outdoors and engaging in meaningful activities also has proven benefits for mental health. Explorers have the chance to connect with nature, unwind from daily pressures, and build friendships that provide emotional support. These experiences foster a sense of calm, improve self-esteem, and help you develop resilience and a positive outlook on life.
Key highlights include:
- Adventure and Exploration: Take part in camping, hiking, climbing, kayaking, and survival skills training.
- Skill Development: Learn valuable skills like managing money, first aid, navigation, and project planning.
- Community Impact: Lead service projects, volunteer locally (eg as a Young Leader), and make a difference in the world.
- Personal Growth: Work towards top awards like the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and the King’s Scout Award.
Each year we join up with Explorers from local Units in Royal Kingston and Wimbledon and Wandle Districts to go on a joint summer camp. Locations so far include Wales, Dorset, Gilwell Park and international camps further afield in Germany and Switzerland. With 75 to 100 young people taking part each year, these events are a great way for Explorers to build friendships outside of their own Unit.
Being an Explorer is about discovering who you are, forming strong friendships, and gaining the confidence to take on whatever comes next.
Explorer Badges
While many Explorers focus on achieving their Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards (see below), there are still a variety of badges available for those who enjoy setting personal challenges and earning recognition for their efforts. By trying new activities and developing skills, Explorers can work towards Challenge Badges such as (Skills, Outdoor or Teamwork Challenge). These badges contribute to the ultimate goal of achieving the King’s Scout Award, the highest honour in Scouting, which represents dedication, resilience, and leadership. Explorers can also earn Activity Badges, reflecting their individual interests and talents. With such a wide range of options, there’s something to inspire every Explorer. Whether it’s a personal passion or a chance to try something new, badges offer an opportunity to challenge yourself and celebrate your achievements.
Young Leaders Scheme
The Young Leader Scheme helps Explorers develop leadership and communication skills by volunteering with a younger section (Beavers, Cubs or Scouts). Once complete they receive a Service Award which looks great on university or job applications.
Duke of Edinburgh Awards
Are you looking for a challenge and a chance to learn new skills? The Duke of Edinburgh Award (DofE) gives you a chance to do this, achieving personal goals and working as a team. There are three levels of awards: Bronze, Silver and Gold. Enrolling for the DofE through Scouts is excellent value and we have access to very experienced leaders across the Greater London South West (GLSW) County who deliver high quality expeditions at a reasonable price. In Summer 2025, registering for the award costs £29 (Bronze and Silver) and £36 (Gold). Please see the GLSW website for more information on registering for DofE https://glswscouts.org.uk/dofe/
In 2024/25 the cost of completing expeditions with GLSW Scouts was around £100 for Bronze, £150 for Silver and Gold. Sign-ups for expeditions with GLSW open in Autumn each year and all the details you need are on the GLSW website.
Voyager ESU has leaders who will support and encourage you on your DofE journey.
The Explorer Promise
Explorer Scouts follow the same Scout Law and Scout Motto as the Scout section and adult members of the Scouting movement. These universal principles guide the values (integrity, respect, care, belief and cooperation) and actions of Scouts of all ages.
Scout Law
- A Scout is to be trusted.
- A Scout is loyal.
- A Scout is friendly and considerate.
- A Scout belongs to the worldwide family of Scouts.
- A Scout has courage in all difficulties.
- A Scout makes good use of time and is careful of possessions and property.
- A Scout has self-respect and respect for others.
Scout Motto
“Be Prepared”
The Promise and Law encourage Explorers to live with integrity, courage, and respect for others, while the motto emphasizes readiness to face life’s challenges and opportunities. These values remain central to the Explorer Scout experience as they grow into leaders and active members of their communities.
Uniform
You need to wear your Explorer shirt or Voyager hoodie (which we provide free of charge) and your Royal Kingston scarf for weekly meetings. For investiture, you will need a beige Explorer shirt. You won’t need full uniform very often. This consists of navy blue Scout activity trousers or similar smart, dark trousers and a Scout belt (or Young Leader belt or Explorer belt once these have been achieved). You will only need to wear this on special occasions, like Remembrance Sunday. An Explorer Scout scarf and badges will be provided when you get invested and we can order you a Voyager hoodie. All Explorer Scouts in Royal Kingston District wear the same blue, red and yellow scarf.
Drop Off and Collection
We expect most Explorers to walk or bike to meetings and we can store bikes securely in our bike rack during meetings. Where using the car is unavoidable please try to arrange lift-shares with other parents and always park considerately in our neighbouring streets without blocking any drives.
Membership Fees
The Scouts is a non-profit charity. However, as a member of the Unit, you will be expected to help contribute towards the cost of facilities and activities. Camps will normally be charged separately. Subs are currently £61 per term and payments are collected through Online Scout Manager. This covers your membership fee (including insurance, use of the hall, a Voyager hoodie and some activities). It is always our aim that Scouting should be available to everyone. As such, if you find the cost prohibitive, please contact one of us in the strictest confidence to come to an arrangement.
Gift Aid
You will be asked to sign up for Gift Aid for membership subscriptions through OSM. Thank you to everyone who does this and allows us to reclaim 25p for every £1 paid.
Communication
You can contact Voyager ESU by email explorerleaders@voyageresu.org.uk
The Unit is organised using the Online Scout Manager (OSM) system (www.onlinescoutmanager.co.uk) and parents and Explorers can use the system to update personal details, view the programme of activities planned for the Unit, reply to invitations to events, pay for subs or camps. You will be sent an email asking you to sign up for OSM and we expect Explorers and parents to create an account for ease of access.
Email: Explorers and their parents will receive emails from OSM. Please make sure the ‘Member’ email entered is the young person’s email and not a parent email.
Facebook: Explorers and parents are welcome to follow the unit’s Facebook page “Voyager Explorer Scout Unit”.
Instagram: Pictures and videos are shared on our @voyageresu account.
WhatsApp: Explorers are invited to join the unit’s WhatsApp which is for young people and Leaders only. Leaders will not engage in 1:1 messages with young people and any members of the WhatsApp are expected to behave appropriately.
We expect Explorers to check OSM and emails regularly as there may be important information relating to the next, or future meetings.
Behaviour
At Voyager ESU, we expect all Explorers to maintain a high standard of behaviour, fostering an environment where everyone feels safe, respected, and included.
We understand that young people are still learning and growing, and we are committed to supporting them in making positive choices. However, persistent poor behaviour that shows no sign of improvement may result in a meeting between Leaders, the Explorer, and their parents or guardians to address the issue.
It goes without saying that drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, and vapes have no place at Explorer meetings or events. Any Explorer choosing to ignore this rule will face serious consequences, which may include being asked to leave the Unit.
By working together, we aim to create a supportive and respectful community where everyone can enjoy the opportunities Voyager ESU offers.
Who Leads Explorers?
The Scouts is a voluntary organisation and Voyager ESU has a team of regular adult volunteers (Holly, Nicola and Jane) lead by Josh (josh@voyageresu.org.uk). We also have a team of helpful Voyager ‘alumni’ who help out when their work and university commitments allow.
We sometimes need to ask for parental help, especially when we are not meeting at our HQ to give support to Leaders and to make sure we meet the Scout Association’s safety standards. Regular helpers would need to complete a DBS check and some training. There are lots of opportunities for parents to get involved just let us know if you’d like to help.
