Gloucester District Explorers

Your space to try new things, gain independence, and choose your own adventure.

Gloucester Explorers brings together 14 to 18-year-olds from across the district to do things you’d never get the chance to do at home or school. Whether you’re interested in night hikes, kayaking, and axe throwing, or escape rooms, film nights, and international camps—you and your team call the shots.

It’s also one of the best places to complete your Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) and gain Young Leader experience to stand out on CVs, college, and university applications.

Never been in Scouts before? No problem! You don’t need any previous Scouting experience to join in.

We have 8 Explorer Units across Gloucester. Each Unit meets on a different night of the week at a different venue, so you can pick the location and night that fits around your life, studies, or where your friends go.

Browse the Units below, find the night that works for you, and get in touch to find out what we get up to!

Im too old for Explorers, what’s next?

Scout Network is for our members aged 18-24. gloscouts.org.uk/Network

How do I get involved?

Tip: use our interactive map to find your local unit!

Where to Find Us

Details are not saved by Gloucester District Scouts

This webpage shows Explorer Scout Units within the Gloucester District, however your closest unit maybe elsewhere in the County. Use the Scouts UK group finder for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to have been in Scouts before, or can I join fresh at 14?

You don’t need any previous Scouting experience at all! Whether you’ve been a Scout since Beavers or have never set foot in a campsite before, you are completely welcome. Many of our Explorers join for the first time in secondary school or college.

How much does it cost?

Membership Fees vary slightly by Unit to cover venue hire, insurance, equipment, and weekly activities. Trips, camps, and special outings are usually priced separately. We believe cost should never be a barrier to adventure, so confidential financial support is available if needed.

Do Explorers wear a uniform?

Yes, Explorers wear a khaki Scout shirt or blouse with a necker and badges, usually paired with comfortable trousers or jeans for activities. You don’t need to buy a uniform for your first few taster sessions, and some units have casual wear too!

How do I choose which Unit to join?

Each of our Units meets on a different night of the week and at a different location across Gloucester. You are free to pick the Unit that best fits your schedule and location, or whichever night your friends are going! Check our map and table above to find the right fit.

Can I go to a taster session before committing?

Absolutely! We encourage you to come along for some free taster sessions to meet the leaders, make some friends, and get a feel for the activities before making a final decision. Just get in touch with the Unit leader beforehand so we know to expect you.

What kind of activities do Explorers actually do?

Because Explorers help plan their own program, no two weeks are the same! Activities range from night hikes, firelighting, kayaking, and axe throwing, to video game tournaments, escape rooms, cook-offs, and international summer camps.

Can I do the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) or Young Leaders through Explorers?

Yes! Explorers is one of the best places to complete your Bronze, Silver, or Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards. We also offer the Young Leaders Scheme, where you can volunteer with younger sections to gain leadership experience, boost your CV, and earn UCAS points for university applications.

How are Explorers supervised and kept safe?

All Explorer Units are overseen by experienced adult volunteers who hold full Scout Association DBS checks, safeguarding training, and first aid qualifications. While Explorers are given independence and ownership over their activities, safety and wellbeing are always our top priorities.

Gloucester District Young Leaders

Step up, get stuck in, and make a difference! As a Young Leader you’ll build confidence, learn new skills, and help shape amazing adventures for younger Scouts — all while having fun and boosting your future opportunities.

To get started, sign up for your Young Leader training and be ready to make an impact — just follow the steps below!

Download and fill in this Form

Module_A_application_form_online Download

2. Email it to the Paddy Langham and James Stephens Click here to send the email (james.stephens@gloscouts.org.uk and paddy.langham@gscouts.org.uk)

3. Join the Gloucester Young Leaders Facebook group to keep up-to-date with the module training dates! These in person training sessions run on the 3rd Monday of the month, at Murray Hall from 1930 until 2100.

What do Explorers get up to?

Discover the World

Being an Explorer is all about discovering the world on your own terms and making the most of what you have, wherever and whoever you are. Alongside your new friends, you’ll master the skills that will make you feel stronger and happier in the long run, and try things you’d never get the chance to do at home or at school. Whether you’re hiking to faraway lands or building a robot in your local town hall, you’ll have the freedom to choose what you’d like to do, and work together with adults to make it happen.

Start Small, but Think Big

Explorers stand up for what they believe and make a difference on their own doorstops, confident in the knowledge that their daily actions add up.

Seek Out the Answers to Big Questions

Explorers seek out the answers to the big questions, and to the smaller questions that don’t seem to matter but really should. Most importantly, they say yes more often than they say no – whether they’re signing up for their first major hike across Europe, or writing their first line of code, or accepting the last of the toasted marshmallows. Sound like fun? That’s because it is. All that’s missing is you.

Phoenix ESU	Where? Brown Lodge, Churchdown, GL3 2ER When? Mondays 2000-2130 Get in touch with Phoenix ESU
Double2 ESU (meet along side Gladiators ESU)	Where? Northgate Hall, Gloucester GL1 2AN When? Thursdays 1930-2100 Get in touch with Double2 ESU
Falcon ESU (Temporarily Closed – volunteer needed!)	Where? Lonsdale Rd Methodist Church, Elmbridge GL2 0TA When? Tuesdays 1930-2100 Get in touch with Falcon ESU
Gladiators ESU (meet along side Double2 ESU)	Where? Northgate Hall, Gloucester GL1 2AN When? Thursdays 1930-2100 Get in touch with Gladiators ESU
Javelin ESU	Where? Hucclecote Scout Hut, GL3 3NA When? Fridays 1900-2100 Get in touch with Javelin ESU
Longlevens ESU	Where? Longlevens Community Centre, GL2 0AJ When? Tuesdays 1915-2115 Contact:
Nutty Badgers ESU	Where? Upton St Leonards Village Hall, GL4 8AG When? Fridays 1930-2100 Get in touch with Nutty Badgers ESU Website: nuttybadgers.org.uk
StAaB ESU	Where? Vaughan Lodge, Brockworth, GL3 4JW When? Mondays 1800-1930 Contact:
Unmentionables ESU	Where? Murray Hall, Tuffley, GL4 0NU When? Tuesdays 2000-2130 Get in touch with Unmentionables ESU
Young Leaders Unit	Where? Murray Hall, Tuffley, GL4 0NU When? 3rd Monday of the month 1930-2100 Find out more info below!
District 14-24 Team Lead	14-24@gloscouts.org.uk The 14–24 Team helps all volunteers in Explorer, Young Leader, and Scout Network Section Teams. We help Teams plan and deliver great programmes for young people.
Your Name Here?	Gloucester Explorers are looking for new leaders to help run our meetings and events – if you’re interested in volunteering speak to Fraiser, or your local unit directly!