In the Explorer Patrol the older Scouts of the Troop carry on a program of their own, in addition to their service to the Troop as Troop Leaders and Troop members.

Starting An Explorer Patrol

Such a Patrol often grows out of the Troop Leaders' Council which, in all Troops using the Patrol Method, meets regularly to plan the activities of the Troop. Eligible members of this group form the natural nucleus for the establishment of an Explorer

Patrol. Other Scouts of Senior age will then be invited to meet with this group at a regular meeting night, after the Troop planning activities are over, to discuss the establishment of an Explorer Patrol.

Generally, the Scoutmaster is the man to join with the Explorers as their leader, provided he has the time to give to the added activities. Or he may invite, on their behalf, an Assistant Scoutmaster or someone from the sponsoring institution or the Troop Committee to serve as Explorer Leader or Assistant Scoutmaster in charge of Explorer Scouting—fixing the title to suit all concerned.

It has been found desirable to add one or more men to the membership of the Troop Committee to represent and deal with the Explorer Patrol of that Troop and institution, unless the Committee is large enough to designate some of its present members for this job.

Explorer Troops

While the Explorer Patrol would satisfy most of the demands for the Senior program, the Patrol may eventually grow to such size that the establishment of an Explorer Troop is indicated.

Such a Troop may carry on the Explorer activities more intensively, specializing from time to time in various phases of them, than would be expected of a Patrol.

Generally, an Explorer Troop should be sponsored by the same institution that sponsors the Troop, and closely cooperating with the Troop activities.

Some Suggested First Steps

1. Scoutmaster recognizes need for a program for the older Scouts of the Troop.

2. Scoutmaster discusses the subject With the Troop Committee and secures its approval to start Explorer Patrol (Add one member to the Committee or designate present member to represent Explorers.)

3. A leader is selected (acceptable to Explorers and at least 21 years of age).

4. Scoutmaster and prospective leader meet with older Scouts after Troop Leaders' Meeting or Troop Meeting: (a.) Scoutmaster tells of Senior Scouting.

(b.) Scouts discuss the possibilities of Exploring.

(c.) They decide to try Explorer Scouting.

5. Leader takes special training offered by Local Council. Secures and studies Guide Book of Senior Scouting and Adventuring for Senior Scouts (Available through Local Council and National Supply Service).

6. First meeting of the Explorer Patrol. Fill out individual applications (Form 1100). Start probationary period.

7. Complete admission requirements.

8. Register as an Explorer Patrol (Form No. 1120).

9. Plan later meetings.

Explorer Patrol Organization

The Explorer Patrol is officered out of its own membership. The Assistant Explorer Leader is the active leader of the Explorers, one of their own number, selected by them. The Patrol may want a second Assistant Explorer Leader, as well as Secretary and Treasurer (Log Keeper and Purser) to keep the "log" or record of the Explorers.

Three Committees have proved very useful: PROGRAM COMMITTEE—to plan a program of action in conference with all concerned and then present it for acceptance or revision.

SERVICE COMMITTEE—to watch for and unearth chances for the Explorers to render needed service in their communities.

SOCIAL COMMITTEE—to plan for and make necessary arrangements for various social events for the Explorers and their friends.

The Assistant Explorer Leader should be a member of each Committee, but not the Chairman. He is an advisor.

The Explorer Program

As already mentioned (in Chat 16) the main program changes which may be found necessary to hold the older boy are constituted by:

1. More rugged hiking and camping (wilderness adventuring).

2. Extended responsibilities and service.

3. Increased social activities.

4. Specialized advancement Program.

Adventuring

As the name implies, Explorer Scouting consists largely of advanced outdoor activities. Because of their experience as Scouts, learning to take care of themselves in the open, Explorers are prepared to enjoy a real man-sized activity in the open.

Explorer Expeditions

Instead of hikes, or just camping trips, Explorers engage in expeditions. An expedition involves hiking and camping, of course, but in addition to this there is usually some objective to be attained.

Special kinds of exploration hikes where Explorers can do unusual things may involve explorations for camp sites, surveying, nature lore in its many ramifications, physical endurance. The program for such expeditions can be based upon samples given in the Chat on Hiking (Chat 28), particularly the suggestions on Historical Hikes, Exploration Hikes, Long Distance Hikes, Mountain Climbing Expeditions, Starvation Hikes, Bee Line Hikes and Obstacle Hikes.

Scouting is a virile masculine program that constantly arouses "the man in the boy" to seek ever-increasing high adventure.

Wilderness Camping

Scoutmasters in all parts of the country have found advanced camping to be one of the strongest answers to their older boy program. In New Jersey a group of older Scouts built a cabin for all-year camping. Out West a Troop has developed a tradition of having a trip into the mountains with pack horses, every year.

After having mastered the regular Patrol and Troop Camping, Explorers may take up Indian Camping, involving the making of Indian tepees and gear, and studying and imitating the activities of the Redman; Robinson Crusoe Camping, using simple shelter and cooking equipment; and Og Camping, with no equipment whatever, except "bear skins" (blankets). In some Local Councils Explorer Scouts have successfully carried through Wilderness Canoe Trips in summer and "North Pole" Camping Trips in winter with snowshoeing and skiing. Such features, of course, necessitate expert leadership and thoroughly camp-trained Scouts.

The Explorer Log

Most Explorer Patrols find it wise to keep a history of their activities in a "Log." This Log should be made by the Explorers themselves. It would contain clippings, photographs, sample programs of special events, etc.

Special Responsibilities And Service

As boys grow older they enjoy the opportunity of assuming some kind of special responsibility. This may be in connection with their old Troop, with a Cub Pack or with the community.

Here are a few suggestions:

1. Leaders of hikes and camp. Explorer Scouts can plan and execute special trips for the whole Troop. This involves the selection of new camp sites and planning the trips.

2. Troop tournaments may be sponsored and run by Explorers, using such features as archery, swimming, signaling, first aid, fire-making, etc.

With his growing background of experiences and knowledge he becomes a real leader. He may take charge of Nature Lore at Camp.

3. Develop a Troop chorus and train it in songs for camp fires and special events.

4. Publish the Troop paper, including writing, editing, art work, printing and distribution. (Explorer Scouts responsible for this project will no doubt want to belong to the local Boy Scout Press Club.)

5. Establish and run a Troop library of Scoutcraft books and boys' fiction.

6. Visit other Troops for the purpose of putting on special features and getting new ideas for their own Troop.

7. Accept positions as Den Chiefs in Cub Pack.

8. Develop the Explorer Patrol into an Emergency Service Corps and give the Troop the rating of an "Emergency Service Training" (see Chat 43).