Explorer Belt Preparations are Underway
With fewer than 100 days to go, excitement is building as 23 Scout Network members from across Northern Ireland prepare for the expedition of a lifetime. Later this summer, the group will head to France and Belgium to take on the challenge of the Explorer Belt – one of Scouting’s most respected Top Awards.
Over the past year, the team has been training hard, building friendships and sharpening the skills they’ll rely on overseas. From weekend camps to long hikes and step-counting challenges, every activity has been about getting ready to go further together.
What is the Explorer Belt?
The Explorer Belt is one of the most demanding and rewarding opportunities in Scouting. Open to members aged 16–25, it challenges participants to complete a ten-day expedition abroad, travelling for a minimum of 50 hours while carrying everything they need to be self-sufficient.
Along the way, teams immerse themselves in local communities, completing one major project and ten minor projects, all linked to cultural understanding and global citizenship. It’s about curiosity, teamwork and stepping outside your comfort zone.
Participants put a wide range of skills into action, from navigation, lightweight camping and budgeting, to first aid, communication and cultural awareness. Every experience is recorded in a logbook and, once home, each team presents their journey to an assessment panel.
The Explorer Belt is a true test of resilience and cooperation and a chance to represent Scouts NI with pride on an international stage.
Training for the challenge
Preparation has been key, and the past year has been packed with activity:
- Training Hike – June 2025
The journey began with a group hike from Belfast to Greenisland, giving members their first chance to meet, connect and start building momentum as a team. - Training Weekend – September 2025
A full weekend of camping, hikes, team-building and Taskmaster‑style challenges helped bring the group together. Members also heard first‑hand insights from previous Explorer Belt teams and began detailed planning for the expedition ahead. - Step Challenge – January 2026
Competitive spirits came out in January as participants took on a step-count challenge. Together, the group clocked up over 2.5 million steps. A huge well done to Jack Fry, who topped the leaderboard. - Training Weekend – March 2026
Another action‑packed weekend focused on developing Explorer Belt knowledge and practical skills. A big thank you goes to Derrylorn Scouts for hosting the group and supporting the programme.
Each session has helped the team grow in confidence, strengthen friendships and get a real feel for what the Explorer Belt demands.
Looking ahead
As departure gets closer, spirits are high and the preparation is paying off. The teams are ready to take on long days, new cultures and unexpected challenges, all while learning more about themselves and each other!
We’ll be sharing updates after the expedition, including stories, photos and reflections from France and Belgium. The Explorer Belt is an international opportunity like no other and we can’t wait to see where it takes our Network members next.
Callum, Caleb and Emma
Story submitted by Callum McCloskey