Explorer Belt 2026 – Bavaria
Explorer Belt –Bavaria 2026
Between: 23rd July 2026 – 9th August 2026 Location: Southern Germany
Sections: Explorer Scouts, Scout Network
Ready for the challenge of a lifetime?
The Explorer Belt isn’t just an expedition — it’s a 10-day adventure across one of Europe’s most stunning regions. It’s Scouting’s best Top Award —one of the toughest and most rewarding. It’s a real test of your skills, teamwork, and everything you’ve learned in Scouting.
In 2026, we’re heading to southern Germany. You’ll explore Bavaria on foot, meet its people and dive into its culture and way of life.
Want in? Register your interest here for a place at one of our online info sessions:
- Wed 24 Sep, 7:30pm
- Mon 29 Sep, 8:00pm
- Sat 4 Oct, 7:00pm
What’s Bavaria like?
Bavaria’s full of contrasts. One moment you’re in a quiet forest or tiny village with cows and church bells. The next, you’re in a buzzing town. One day you’re hiking along the frontier of the ancient Roman empire or exploring a fairy-tale castle, the next it’s all hi-tech and ultra-modern society.
Bavarians are proud of their traditions and they’re excited to share them. Full of character and perfect for an adventure, that’s why Bavaria’s made for Explorer Belt.
What’s the Explorer Belt all about?
You and your team will plan and complete a 10-day fully independent expedition. Here’s what you’ll be doing:
- Walking around 150km
- Planning your own route and accommodation
- Meeting locals, completing projects, and getting to know Bavaria’s culture and way of life
- Sharing your experiences through a final presentation
The Explorer Belt is a challenge. It’s also seriously fun and an unforgettable experience.
Why do it?
Everyone who’s taken on the Explorer Belt says the same thing: It’s the best thing they’ve ever done in Scouting. One Explorer put it like this: The whole expedition was a massive confidence boost. After completing my Explorer Belt I thought if I can do that I can do anything! A Network Scout said: This really is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. You’ll never do anything like this again
And they’re right. You’ll take on something big, You’ll build skills for life and come back with more confidence, more skills and loads of memories you’ll talk about for years
What you need to take part
You must:
- Be 16 or over before the start of the expedition (23rd Jul 2026)
- Either be an Explorer Scout or in Scout Network
- Have some experience with hiking and expeditions (like Chief Scout’s Diamond or Silver DofE)
- Attend two training weekends: 15th and 16th Nov 2025 and 21st and 22nd Mar 2026
- Complete a one day First Aid course (or already hold a recent Scouts First Response first aid certificate)
- Organise two weekend training expeditions (between Dec 2025–and Apr 2026)
- Be free between 23rd July – 9th August 2026
- Scouts from across the UK are welcome. UK Guides are welcome too. Places are limited, so we give some preference to Surrey Scouts
Meet the leaders
Josh Goodwin – Explorer Belt Leader
Josh has led Explorer Belts to Poland, Spain, Sweden, Belgium—and more. He’s supported Scout adventures all over the UK and Europe.
Josh says “The Explorer Belt isn’t just about travel or hiking. It’s about connection—with people, places and yourself”.
Andrew Carvell – 14–24 Programme Lead
Andrew is an experienced youth expedition leader in the UK and to Switzerland, Norway and Iceland among others. He’s been a member of the Explorer Belt Leader Team for the last four years.
Andrew says “This is your chance to truly explore. To go way beyond the guidebook and being a tourist”.
How to get started
- Register your interest here and choose an info session date
- Form your team: We’ll give you hints and tips at the info session on how to form your team. Teams need to be 4 or 5 Explorer Scouts or 3 to 5 Network Scouts
- Prepare for training :You must attend both training weekends and complete your first aid course and practice expeditions
This is your moment
The Explorer Belt pushes you. But it also opens doors—to new friends, new places, and new parts of yourself.
Bavaria