What is an Exploration?
An exploration is a purpose with a journey. The exploration should involve travelling for at least ninety minutes to reach the destination, by foot, cycle, public transport or other agreed means. Scouts could explore somewhere in the UK or abroad. Having reached the destination, at least five hours of investigation should be carried out over the two days, following up on previously undertaking research.
Group size: Four or more
Time: Two days (90+ minutes travel to destination and at least five hours of investigation over 2 days, following previous research)
Night away: One night away
Accommodation: Campsite, bunk house, hostel, or similar
Location: Countryside, town or city area not well known to team
Transport: Foot, cycle, public transport, or other
Route planning: Rest and meal stops, and timings
Equipment: Appropriate for terrain, mode of travel, and to deal with emergencies (If camping, Scouts are not required to carry camping equipment)
Navigation: Timetables, street map, A-Z, compass, GPS
Emergencies: Emergency plan
Catering: Cooking and eating at least one hot meal themselves (using kitchen, lightweight stove, campfire, or similar)
Purpose: An investigation of an area
Report back: Report, performance, video, presentation, blog, website
You can read more about Expeditions an Explorations here
How to earn your badge:
- Take part in either an expedition or an exploration over two days with at least three other Scouts. This should include a night away at a campsite or hostel, and should be in an area that’s not well known to you.
- Take an active part in planning the expedition or exploration:
- Planning a route, including rest and meal stops. Being able to work out how long it should take you to travel that route
- Navigation and using things like maps and timetables for your expedition.You might want to brush up on using an Ordnance Survey or similar map, a compass, a GPS device, a street map or A-Z, and rail or bus timetables
- Choosing suitable equipment for your journey.You might consider tents, stoves, rucksacks, walking equipment, emergency equipment, first aid kit, wet weather gear, appropriate food and a camera
- Knowing what to do in an emergency
- During the expedition or exploration:
- Play a full part in the team.
- Use a map or other navigation device to keep track of where you are.
- Cook and eat at least one hot meal.
- Do a task, investigation, or exploration as agreed with your Leader.
- Produce an individual report or presentation within the three weeks following your expedition or exploration. You could present your work as a project, performance, video recording, oral presentation, blog or website.
