“Bograts” are Sea Explorer Scouts. Being Sea Explorers means the programme should have more water based stuff in it. Having said that, the Bograts themselves decide what goes in the programme, so put in what you want to do. We have plenty of opportunity to do water based activities however, because we have a great headquarters on the river with integral boathouse. You get to use kayaks, open canoes, rowing boats and sailing dinghies, plus we have a fast rescue boat!
Recently, our Bograts also went mountain biking, conducted first aid training, tried their hand at plumbing, electrical work and bricklaying, and even gutted then cooked fresh fish on an open fire. During the winter, Explorers hired a bunkhouse in Snowdonia and went hillwalking. Then, in the summer holidays they charted two yachts for a sailing expedition to France and Holland.
To be a Bograt you have to be aged between 14 and 18 years old. As an Explorer Scout, you will get the chance to work with other Explorer Scouts in your District, not just your Unit. By doing this, you will get the chance to do many more activities, not just the ones the Bograts organise.
Explorer Scouts also take roles as Young Leaders within the other sections, passing on their knowledge to the younger generations. Such experiences are a vital part of the Duke of Edinburgh scheme which we support and both the Chief Scout & Queen Scout awards. Everyone within the Unit should be working towards one of these accolades.
There are many types of Explorer Scout Units, some may be linked to your local Scout Group, others may be based around different activities. Not all Units meet each week, because you will often be out and about at weekends or in the holidays doing activities. In addition, there will be times when you will be busy doing other things such as exams and being an Explorer Scout will have to fit around these.
If you are interested in joining the Bograts Explorer Unit, please email info@batchworth.org.
