Explorer Belt 2024 – Sweden

The Explorer Belt is the challenge of a lifetime

It’s a 10-day expedition that will bring you a deeper understanding of one of our European neighbours, their culture and way of life. It’s an independent exploration of a foreign country in a small team. The Explorer Belt is one of Scouting’s most challenging Top Awards.  Read about Skåne and some important pre-requisites below.  Then click the link to register for an Explorer Belt Information Session.

The Explorer Belt is the best thing I did as part of Scouts.

Dates: 10th-23rd August 2024

Skåne, the southernmost province of Sweden, is an enchanting destination that offers a captivating blend of history, natural beauty, and vibrant culture, making it an ideal expedition for young adventurers. With its picturesque landscapes, charming coastal towns, and bustling city life, Skåne has something for everyone. Explore the medieval streets of Malmö, a cosmopolitan hub brimming with trendy shops, innovative architecture, and a thriving music scene. Discover the ancient ruins and stunning castles that dot the countryside, transporting you back in time. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Skåne’s diverse landscapes, from the rolling fields of golden rapeseed to the pristine sandy beaches that stretch along the coast. Embark on exhilarating outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and even wildlife safaris, where you can spot majestic creatures in their natural habitat. Don’t forget to indulge in Skåne’s delectable culinary scene, renowned for its farm-to-table ethos and exquisite seafood dishes.

You’ll travel through Skåne as a small team of 4 or 5 Explorer Scouts or 3 to 5 Network members for 10 days. You’ll meet local people, talk to them and complete a series of projects. During your expedition, you’ll select your own route and cover about 150 km on foot. After your expedition you’ll make a presentation to gain your Explorer Belt.

Important pre-requisites

• You must be either an Explorer Scout aged 16 or over before the start of the expedition, or a Scout Network member.
• As a guide, you should have hiking, lightweight camping and expedition experience at Chief Scout’s Diamond / Silver DofE award level.
• Ideally, you will have formed a team and will register as a team for the first training weekend in November. Explorer teams must have 4 or 5 members, Network teams can be 3, 4 or 5.
• You must attend the two training weekends, on 18th & 19th November 2023 and 16th & 17th March 2024. They will be held in Surrey and south west London.
• Between the two weekends, you will be expected to conduct specific training and team-building activities individually and in your team.

More details are available on the GLSW website HERE

If you’re interested in the 2024 Explorer Belt, please sign up to attend one of the two information sessions (held on Zoom on Sunday 24th September @ 6 pm & Wednesday 4 October @ 7.30 pm) using this link.