HUNDREDS of teenagers across Salisbury and south Wiltshire will soon be taking part in a revamped Explorer Scout programme designed to equip them with modern life skills while keeping adventure at its heart.

The updated programme, aimed at 14 to 18-year-olds, introduces new badges in areas including employability skills, democracy, content creation and exploration, alongside traditional outdoor activities such as camping, climbing, sailing and expeditions.

Around 200 young people currently attend seven Explorer Scout units across the district, including Salisbury, Amesbury, Wilton, Alderbury and the newly formed Bourne Valley unit.

Explorers already enjoy activities including Duke of Edinburgh’s Award expeditions, hiking, sailing, shooting, climbing and the popular Monopoly Run challenge.

A local Explorer Scout said: “Explorer Scouts gives me a place where I feel like I really belong, which is so important. I think the new programme is really exciting because it feels much more relevant to our lives now.

“Things like learning how to create content or build skills for future jobs are things I actually care about. It’s also great that we still get to do loads of outdoor activities and adventures, it’s a mix of fun and learning things that will really help in the future.”

The changes mark the biggest refresh to the Explorer programme since it launched in 2002, recognising how teenage life has changed dramatically over the past two decades.

Chief Scout Dwayne Fields said: “I get to regularly meet our Explorers and I am constantly in awe of their resilience, curiosity and love of the outdoors.

“Despite the rise of smartphones and increasing pressures that I never faced as a teenager, 14-18 year-olds still want a place to belong, opportunities for independence, but most importantly, to have fun.

“That’s why I’m so proud to be launching the new Explorer Scout programme. This new programme reflects what our Explorers have told us they want – modern skills for life, with a whole load of adventure.”

The programme launches in September with Scout leaders also encouraging more adult volunteers to get involved.