Explorer Scouting
Explorers differ from the younger age groups as they are organised at a pan-district level. This means that the individual units interact with each other in their programme of activities and when off camping.
Explorers being that little bit older than scouts are expected to be more involved in the planning of a programme and even running some of their own ‘you, yes you’ activities. In return for this greater involvement the young people get to tailor their programme to what they want to do.
This means that in recent years explorers have:
- Taken part in international camps such as Kent International Jamboree and national camps like Gilwell 24
- Raced Go-Karts
- Climbed high rock climbing
- Played soldiers in lazer quest
- Showed off their moves ice-skating and snow boarding
- Created fanciful cuisines in cooking competitions
Details of all of our 8 Explorer Units and the groups that tend to feed into them are below, come join in!
when we meet
| Day we meet | Unit |
|---|---|
| Monday | Ridgeway Explorer Unit |
| Tuesday | Band Explorer Unit (after band practice) |
| Corpus Christi Explorer Unit | |
| Wednesday | Central Explorer Unit |
| Sea Explorer Unit | |
| Friday | Hildenborough Explorer Unit |
| Low Weald Explorer Unit | |
| Other | Young Leader Explorer Unit |
Central Explorer Unit
The Central Explorer Unit began as part of a national trial for the Explorer section in 2001 and has been highly active ever since. Formerly based in the center of Tonbrige, the unit is now meets in the Hadlow scout hut off School Lane on Wednesdays.
Groups that tend to feed into the Central Explorer Unit are the 6th and 17th Tonbridge groups.
Where we meet
The Scout Hut
School Lane
Hadlow
TN11 0EH
Contact the group
desa@tonbridge-explorers.org.uk
Corpus Christi Explorer Unit
Corpus Christi Explorer Unit is partnered with the 3rd Tonbridge Group. The unit meets on Tuesdays in New Fisher Hall off Lyons Crecent in the centre of Tonbridge.
Groups that tend to feed into the Corpus Christi Explorer Unit are the 1st and 3rd Tonbridge groups.
Where we meet
New Fisher Hall
Lyons Cresent
Tonbridge
TN9 1EY
Contact the group
desa@tonbridge-explorers.org.uk
Hildenborough Explorer Unit
The Hildenborough Explorer Unit is partnered with the 8th Tonbridge (Hildenborough) Group. The unit meets on a Friday in the Scout hut off Riding Lane.
Groups that tend to feed into the Hildenborough Explorers are the 8th and 7th Tonbridge groups.
Where we meet
The Scout Hut
Riding Lane
Hildenborough
TN11 9HY
Contact the group
desa@tonbridge-explorers.org.uk
Low Weald Explorer Unit
The Low Weald Explorer Unit is partnered with the 11th Tonbridge. The unit meets on a Friday in the Paddock Wood Primary School.
Groups that tend to feed into the Low Weald Unit are the 9th, 11th and 15th Tonbridge groups.
Where we meet
Paddock Wood Primary School
Old Kent Road
Paddock Wood
TN12 6JE
Contact the group
desa@tonbridge-explorers.org.uk
Specialist Units
The district is proud to include three specialist units. These perform special functions in addition to the normal explorer programme and aid young people by providing specialist opportunities in the fields of music and seamanship.
Band Explorer Unit
The Band Explorer Unit is part of the 17th Tonbridge Scout and Guide Band and meet after band practice at Hayesbrook School off of Brook Street in Tonbridge. Their programme is tailored to include a larger musical emphasis.
Where we meet
Hayesbrook School
Brook Street
Tonbridge
TN9 2PH
Contact the group
desa@tonbridge-explorers.org.uk
Sea Explorer Unit
The Sea Explorer Unit is partnered with the 14th Tonbridge Group. The unit meet at the Weir View District HQ on Wednesdays and have the additional option of sailing on Thursdays through the summer months. The Sea Explorer Unit are often found out on the water around the Tonbridge area.
The group that tends to feed the Sea Explorer Unit is the 14th Tonbridge Group.
Where we meet
Weir View HQ
River Lawn
Tonbridge
TN9 1EN
Contact the group
desa@tonbridge-explorers.org.uk
Young Leader Explorer Unit
If you want to become a young leader but not affiliated with any other Explorer Unit there is a virtual unit set up and run by the District to keep young leaders informed of district and national events while allowing them to enjoy their young leadering.
To get involved in young leading please contact: desa@tonbridge-explorers.org.uk.
