Explorer Belt

The Explorer Belt is an award in many Scouting organisations which promotes adventure and self-reliance in an international context.

Within the Verband Christlicher Pfadfinderinnen und Pfadfinder, the Explorer Belt Expedition is open to members from 16 to 24 years of age.

Teams have to prepare a presentation, dealing with a subject in the country visited (cultural, historical, social...).

[1][2][3] Pairs of Rover Scouts are dropped off at an undisclosed location and are required over the course of ten days to return to basecamp.

The teams must complete a daily log as well as personal and group projects to an acceptable standard while living on a limited budget.

Following the assessment phase, Rover Scouts deemed to have met the conditions of the award are presented with the Explorer Belt at a ceremony held at the end of the expedition.

2001 Kenya 2004 Iceland 2014 Romania 2016 Italy 2018 Andorra, Spain, France The 3 week expedition is open to senior scouts from 16 to 20 years old.

They shall then maintain a diary and conduct a number of small projects that promote contact with local people.

Before the reward is granted, the participants have to make and conduct a presentation of their experiences for their own local scout group.

In order to achieve the award, the group must spend 10 days in a foreign country and work towards a major project of their choice.

The group must complete all plans and organisation for the expedition, and are also asked to take part in a debrief and then provide a presentation.

They do not need to walk during the expedition (alternatives are horse riding, cycling or canoeing and may use public transport.

Since the focus is on learning about the country the candidates are visiting, only an average of 5 hours of travelling is required per day.

The Explorer Belt in Portugal consisted in two weekends of selection, one of pairing, and other two for preparation, and finally the journey through Slovakia.

In August 2018, 18 Rovers split in teams of 2, successfully completed the challenge of the 10 days and 200 km, also in Slovakia.