What is the Explorer Belt?

The explorer belt is a team (teams of two) expedition in a country abroad where the team undertakes a number of 'projects' on route. It's not a competition or a test, it's a challenge requiring initiative, resourcefulness and interdependence as well as co-operation with another team member.

The explorer belt is:

• A challenging exploration of a different country of your choice.
• Finding out about other people and their way of life
• About meeting other people abroad
• An International expedition for teams of two Venture Scouts
• Travel - by foot, cycle, or canoe - it's up to you!
• Open to all Venture Scouts
• An opportunity not to be missed
• Fun!
  

Each Explorer Belt team completes a major project of their own choice and a number of other set projects. The Explorer Belt is awarded under arrangements made by the Scout Network Committee.

How Does it Work?
Teams of two organise their own expedition. You are required to keep a log of your experiences and progress during the Expedition. After the expedition you will meet with an Adviser to assess together whether you have achieved the aims you set yourself at the start and whether you reached a 'personal best' in meeting the requirements.

You will also make a presentation about you expedition to your Network, or a wider audience. Finally the Scout Network Committee will award you the Explorer Belt if they consider you have met your aims. The Explorer Belt is worn with Scout Network uniform. It can also be used to meet the requirements of the Queen's Scout Award.

The team must complete the following in order to gain the Explorer Belt:

• Plan and train for the international event.
• Travel to another country of your choice
• Cover a distance of at least 160 km on foot within a minimum of 10 days.
• Complete a self-selected major project, approved before hand by the Scout Network Committee
• Complete about 10 minor projects set under arrangements made by the Scout Network Committee
• Keep a notebook during the expedition containing project notes, a daily diary, personal impressions and details of expenditure.
• Complete a personal evaluation with an independent adviser.
• Plan and make a presentation of the expedition to your Network, or another audience agreed by the Scout Network Committee.

For More information about the Explorer belt and how to organise your own expedition, projects and assessment please click here.