Shackleton Explorer Scouts

DofE Silver Practice Weekend – New Forest

5th May 2026 by Sean Edwards

Well done to all Shackleton ESU teams who completed the Silver practice expedition in the New Forest. The weekend provided valuable experience and clear learning ahead of the Qualifying Expedition. Key lessons included the importance of strong teamwork and morale, especially in challenging moments, and the value of clear roles such as navigation, timekeeping, and campcraft – while remaining flexible if plans need to change. Navigation skills need further development, so we will make sure we provide further training opportunities through the summer! Personal care and kit management were highlighted, particularly looking after feet, carrying blister treatment, and ensuring rucksacks …

Shackleton ESU Celebrates Scout St George’s Day in Crawley

27th April 2026 by Sean Edwards

Yesterday, Shackleton Explorer Scout Unit was proud to take part in the Scout St George’s Day celebrations in Crawley town centre, joining Scout groups of all ages from across the Crawley District. Explorers, Scouts, Cubs, Beavers and leaders came together to mark this special occasion in the Scouting calendar, celebrating our shared values of community, teamwork and service. The event was a fantastic opportunity to see the strength of Scouting across Crawley, with units parading together through town and showing their pride in being part of the Scout movement. Members of Shackleton ESU enjoyed supporting the wider district, catching up …

Shackleton ESU – Climb When Ready Training Summary

25th April 2026 by Sean Edwards

Leaders from Shackleton ESU attended an Artificial Scout Climbing and Abseiling course delivered by Climb When Ready (where Sean also instructs!). The training focused on developing the practical, safety, and leadership skills required to support and supervise climbing and abseiling activities within a scouting context. During the course, leaders developed skills in the correct use of personal protective equipment, rope handling, belaying, basic system setup, and safety checks. The training also covered communication methods, group supervision, and safe practices when managing young people on artificial climbing and abseiling facilities. The course was facilitated by experienced instructors who provided clear demonstrations, …

Shackleton ESU: Building Pioneering Structures That Pack a Punch

21st April 2026 by Sean Edwards

Last night’s Shackleton ESU meeting was a brilliant showcase of creativity, teamwork and problem‑solving as members took on a challenging pioneering activity: designing and building a device capable of firing a bean bag. Working in small groups, Explorers were given limited materials and a clear goal, then left to plan, build, test and refine their ideas. The results were impressive, with a wide variety of designs on display — from tension-powered launchers to cleverly engineered lever systems. Some devices performed more reliably than others, but every group demonstrated determination, learning from each attempt and making improvements along the way. Throughout …

Shackleton ESU Sleepover Camp at 4th Worth

19th April 2026 by Sean Edwards

Last night saw Shackleton ESU enjoy one of our most relaxed and sociable camps of the year with a brilliant sleepover at 4th Worth. A refreshing contrast to our usual mountain and expedition-based camps, this one was all about fun, friendship and taking things at an easy pace. The afternoon began with a mix of light outdoor adventure and skills. Explorers took part in geocaching, putting their navigation and teamwork to the test as they searched for hidden caches around the area. As the evening drew in, attention turned to fire lighting, giving everyone the chance to practice their skills …

Summer 2026 Programme

9th April 2026 by Sean Edwards

This term is packed with a wide range of exciting activities designed to challenge, develop skills, and most importantly, have fun. From outdoor adventures and sports to practical expedition preparation and team games, we’re looking forward to another varied and active term together. Date Time Activity Lead / Notes 13/04/2026 19:30 – 21:30 Hunted Jack 20/04/2026 19:30 – 21:30 Pioneering Phil / Sean 27/04/2026 19:30 – 21:30 Fire Lighting @ Stanford Ben S 04/05/2026 19:30 – 21:30 May Bank Holiday – No Explorers — 11/05/2026 19:30 – 21:30 Orienteering @ Tilgate Niki 18/05/2026 19:30 – 21:30 Volleyball Jack 25/05/2026 19:30 …

Expedition Skills

16th March 2026 by Sean Edwards

Our Explorers recently took part in an engaging Expedition Skills Evening at Shackleton ESU, designed to build the knowledge and confidence needed for successful expeditions. The session focused on the key practical skills that every explorer should develop before heading out into the hills. Throughout the evening, Explorers rotated through a number of activity bases, each covering an essential part of expedition preparation. One of the core skills covered was writing route cards. Explorers learnt how to carefully plan a route by recording important details such as grid references, bearings, distances, timings, and checkpoints. Understanding how to create a clear and accurate route …

Shackleton ESU at Monopoly Run Live 2026

8th March 2026 by Sean Edwards

Shackleton ESU took part in Monopoly Run Live 2026 yesterday, joining thousands of Scouts and Explorers across London for a full day of navigation, strategy, and teamwork. Five Shackleton teams: The Grizzly Androids, Earthquake, Bootle, Ammer, and Boston competed across different game boards, visiting real‑world Monopoly locations, completing challenges, and answering themed quiz questions to earn points. All teams represented the unit exceptionally well, showing strong cooperation, problem‑solving, and commitment throughout the event. Leaders also briefly met Chief Scout Dwayne Fields, who was visiting teams across London, a fun bonus to an already busy day. Below is a factual summary …

Expedition Cooking Challenge

3rd March 2026 by Sean Edwards

At last night’s meeting, members took part in a timed cooking challenge designed to develop expedition skills. The session began with a 15-minute quick fire quiz. Explorers were then split into groups of five or six and assigned roles. Three members from each group went to Tesco to purchase ingredients. They were required to shop sensibly, return with a receipt, prioritise quick-cook options, and consider reduced items as the meal was being prepared the same evening. The remaining group members set up tables and Trangia stoves, beginning preparation of any base ingredients requiring longer cooking times. A total of 20 …

Traitors Challenge

24th February 2026 by Sean Edwards

Last night, Shackleton ESU put our teamwork, strategy and problem-solving skills to the test with an action-packed Traitors Challenge Night – and what a brilliant evening it was! Inspired by the TV show The Traitors, Explorers took part in a series of exciting challenges, all while trying to work out who they could (and couldn’t!) trust… Throughout the night, teams tackled a range of fast-paced and brain-teasing activities. Our Code Breakers challenge put communication and logic to the test as teams raced to crack hidden messages. The Tower Building challenge saw groups competing to construct the tallest and most stable structure under pressure – with plenty of …

Kandersteg Fundraising Disco

24th February 2026 by Sean Edwards

Last weekend, Shackleton ESU hosted a fantastic Squirrel, Beaver and Cub Fundraising Disco at 4th Worth – and what an afternoon it was! The hall was filled with energy, excitement and plenty of dancing as our young people came together to support the Shackleton ESU expediom fundraising. With music pumping and disco lights flashing, Squirrels, Beavers and Cubs took to the dance floor with enthusiasm, showing off their best moves and encouraging one another along the way. The afternoon was packed with fun games that kept everyone smiling and laughing. From lively challenges to group activities, there was something for …

First Aid Training Evening: Ready for the Season Ahead

9th February 2026 by Sean Edwards

As expedition season approaches, Shackleton ESU members gathered for an essential first aid training evening, reinforcing the skills and confidence needed to keep teams safe in challenging environments. Expeditions, by their nature, take us away from immediate help. Whether we’re supporting remote travel, endurance events, or adventurous training, the ability to respond calmly and effectively in a medical emergency is a vital part of what we do. This session was about refreshing core knowledge, practising practical skills, and making sure we’re ready—just in case. Managing Heat-Related Conditions With warmer months and demanding activity ahead, we began by covering heat-related illnesses. …

Safeguarding and Safety in Scouting

Reporting safety incidents, illness and emergencies

Reporting safeguarding concerns