Welcome to Taunton Deane Explorer Scouts Web Site

Welcome to the web site of TDES.
Taunton Deane Exploer Scouts are part of the Scout provision across Taunton Deane, Somerset, England. We are a registered charity 305633

If you are between the ages of 14 and 18 why not join Taunton Deane Explorer Scouts.

We have meetings in various locations around the District
Taunton on Monday and Wednesday,
Bishops Lydeard on a Friday

Wiveliscombe on Tuesday and
Wellington on Wednesday

Explorer Scouts are young people, usually aged between 14 and 18 years old. They make up the fourth Section of the Scouting family. There are many types of Explorer Scout Units, some may be linked to your local Scout Unit, others may be based around different activities. . In Taunton Deane they are organised to be available to everyone in the District.
Not all Units meet each week, because you will often be out and about at weekends or in the holidays doing activities. There will be times when you will be busy doing other things such as exams, and being an Explorer Scout will have to fit around these.
As an Explorer Scout, you will get the chance to work with other Explorer Scouts in your District, not just your Unit. By doing this, you will get the chance to do many more activities, not just the ones your Unit organises. You will also be able to complete your Duke of Edinburgh Award at Bronze, Silver and Gold level

How did Explorer Scouting begin?

Scouting has always been a dynamic and forward-looking Movement. In the early days of Scouting, Lord Baden-Powell saw the need to provide a programme for young people who wanted to continue after their time in the Scout Section. Senior Scouts was developed to meet this need, and the Section continued to evolve over the years.
In 1967, Venture Scouting was formed from the existing Senior Scout and Rover Scout Sections. During the late 1990s, it was decided that, in order to meet the changing needs of new generations, two new Sections should be created for young people over the age of fourteen. Explorer Scouts for 14 to 18-year-olds and the Scout Network for 18 to 25-year-olds were created.

The 100th birthday of Scouting was celebrated during 2007 with a World Jamboree at Hylands Park in Essex. 40,000 Scouts attended including some of the Taunton Deane Explorers.

http://www.wsj.scouting2007.org/english/index.php