Explorer Scouts

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!        

Last week we read of the Antonine Explorers’ trip to Kandersteg. The trip was packed with new experiences with many learning how to ski for the first time. Douglas, one of the explorers said, “Visiting Kandersteg was a truly fantastic experience – the international aspect was amazing.  I don't think there was one day I went without laughing, every time becoming a treasured memory. I will be forever extremely grateful to the Leaders and my fellow Explorers for making the range of activities so memorable.  It was a truly fantastic experience. I had a brilliant time and can't wait to see what we do next! "

After a journey of 2 hours by plane and a 3-hour train ride through the beautiful mountains of the Swiss Alps a group of 15 Explorer Scouts and 5 leaders from Antonine Explorer Unit travelled to Kandersteg International Scout Centre in Switzerland over the festive period.  The photograph shows the explorers all set for a once in a lifetime adventure.  They met scouts from all over the world.  During an international evening, they bonded with new friends during a torch-lit trail walk and campfire and celebrated with them as they brought in 2025 in style.
It was an unforgettable trip for all involved!

Falkirk District Explorer Scouts from three different units – Antonine (Falkirk town centre),  Kinnaird (Stenhousemuir) and Altitude (Maddiston) came together on Sunday 15th December for a District Christmas Dinner. A full Christmas dinner with all the trimmings finished off with Christmas pudding and Yule log was enjoyed by all.  Following the meal, the  fun continued with a Christmas quiz.  After a busy year for the explorer units, the leaders  from the three units (in the photograph) sat down, with the explorers, to enjoy their well-deserved meal, joining in all the fun of the evening.