Explorer Scouts from Suffolk Help Relaunch National Programme at Rolls-Royce Headquarters Alongside Chief Scout Dwayne Fields

Explorer Scouts from Eye, Suffolk, joined young people from across the UK at Rolls-Royce's headquarters in Derby on Thursday to help relaunch the Explorer Scout programme, alongside Chief Scout Dwayne Fields.  

Launch Video - Facebook

The refreshed programme has been developed to better reflect the challenges and opportunities facing young people today, including constant connectivity, artificial intelligence, changing workplaces, exam pressures, wellbeing, and an increasingly uncertain future. Against this backdrop, many young people are asking where they fit and how they can prepare for adult life.

Speaking at the launch, Chief Scout Dwayne Fields said:
"The answer cannot simply be to tell them to try harder. It is our job, as adults, to make sure they have the right opportunities, the right encouragement and the right skills for the modern day."

Juliet Grimes, Lead Volunteer for Stowmarket Scout District, said:
"Being a member of Explorer Scouts in Suffolk is more popular than ever. Explorer meetings provide young people with a place to belong, something that is especially important in rural communities where there are often limited opportunities for teenagers and young adults.
The relaunch of the programme is a fantastic opportunity to ensure our members develop essential life skills. Whether it's speaking up, working as part of a team, solving problems, managing money, understanding democracy or presenting themselves confidently in an interview, these experiences can shape the direction of a young person's life. These skills do not appear by accident; they need to be learned, practised and developed over time. That's where Scouts has always had something important to offer."

Gary Burden, Lead Volunteer for Suffolk Scouts, added:
"Life and our programme may look different in a digital world, but the fundamentals of what members learn remain the same: confidence, resilience, curiosity, teamwork, kindness and the courage to try.
The updated programme recognises how the world is changing. New badges include Employability, Communication, STEM, Leadership and Teamwork, alongside Democracy, Content Creation, Life Skills, Personal Safety, Money Skills and Problem Solving.
These practical, relevant skills can help young people write a CV, produce a podcast, understand how decisions are made, speak with confidence and take their next step into employment, training or further education."

Explorer Scout Alfie Noble, from Eye, reflected on his visit to the Rolls-Royce Training Centre:
"We watched a demonstration from two apprentices on how to use virtual reality welding simulator which they use as part of their training.  I was lucky enough to have a go and I discovered I'm actually really good at it! It was a fantastic opportunity to learn about the huge range of career opportunities available at Rolls-Royce, which recruits almost 1,000 apprentices each year."

Lucy Atkins added:
"The Rolls-Royce Explorer Unit came together for 24 hours to support the relaunch of the Explorer programme. We took part in traditional Scouting activities such as tomahawk throwing and archery, but we also built a renewable energy camp gadget and took part in a mini election to vote for our favourite biscuits. It was a brilliant mix of fun, teamwork, making new friends and learning new skills."

You can find out more about the Explorer Programme here : Explorer Scouts | Scouts (click link)