Explorer Scouts

Another Explorer Scout Unit who were busy over the Easter break were the Altitude Explorers who took part in a weekend activity camp at Fordell Firs.  They tried new and exciting activities like the 3G swing shown in the picture.  The youngsters are attached to two cables which allow them to swing.  They are then pulled up and released, first a drop and then a massive swing – enough to scare most taking part!  They also took part in (slightly less scary but just as thrilling), a climbing wall, a Zipline and a vertical ladder.  After a busy day, they slept in the new purpose-built, heated, eight-bed pods.  

Over the Easter break, six Explorer scouts from Carron Valley Explorer unit used their free time to practice their Silver DofE expedition on Loch Lomond. As part of the expedition, they have to plan their route, what equipment and food they need and navigate throughout.  Most expeditions are completed on foot, but they chose to travel by canoe and camped on the islands.  They had a great time with two days of beautiful, flat calm weather and one day of wind, waves and hailstones - all on the same weekend!  They now have to plan their qualifying expedition, in canoes again, but on a different loch. 

Members of the Antonine Explorer Scout Unit visited Orkney for an early Easter adventure at the beginning of April. The explorers enjoyed a trip to the Ring of Brodgar and Skara Brae.  A dip in the icy water was quickly followed by a sauna experience thanks to the kindness of the local community. They finished off their trip with the long journey back, stopping at Forsinard Flows to understand Scotland’s unique landscape. Another amazing adventure enjoyed by all.  Explorer Scours are aged 14 – 17 years.  For more information about the many Explorer Scout Units in the District go to www.falkirkscouts.org.uk

North Star Explorers hosted a youth-led Science Night showcasing initiative and independence.

From constructing slingshots to testing structural integrity, participants engaged in lively physics challenges. They also discovered non-Newtonian properties by creating oobleck, all while ensuring every aspect of the event was organised by young leaders. A station dedicated to static electricity offered hands-on experiments with balloons, sparking both curiosity and delight. By planning and facilitating the programme themselves, the Explorers learned the value of responsibility, problem-solving, and real leadership. Adult leaders provided guidance but let the youth lead, highlighting the power of active learning in cultivating confidence and stronger teamwork.

This week the members of the Stirling Gang Show, one of only six gang shows in Scotland, are taking to the stage at the MacRobert Centre.  Seventy members of the Scout Association are taking part in the main gang show and thirty youth members in the junior gang.  Although mainly consisting of Stirling District members, four members from Falkirk District join them with some members from Clackmannanshire and Perth & Kinross Districts.  John and Freya Wilson from the 3^rd Bo’ness group, Sophie Olivera from the 27^th Bonnybridge and Kirsten Harrower from Carron Valley Explorer Unit are all treading the boards for four nights.  Dare we say, ‘break a leg’, folks!