MANY people will have fond memories of the fun and laughter, probably frustration and tears too, they had when members of the Explorer Scouts - but those memories may not be made for much longer.

Unless help comes in the way of someone who actually quite likes paperwork, enjoys working with young people, or is an outdoorsy person, likes trips, camping, hiking, outings and visits, Crediton’s group will close in a few weeks.

With 18 youngsters aged between 14 and 18, Crediton’s Explorer group is the largest in the Mid Devon Scout family, it is probably the longest established, but having a hiccup.

Since Christmas there has been only one Leader. It had been hoped it would not be too hard to find someone to take the place of the Leader who has moved away because of her job.

Dan Jones joined the team 18 months ago as Crediton Last Resort Explorer Scout Unit Leader. There were then nine teenagers as members.

“I do not want this Unit to close, I will do what I can to make it continue but these young people are missing out on a lot because there is only me,” he said.

Phil Morris is District Explorer Scout Commissioner. He said: “In a perfect world we could do with someone who is quite good at paperwork as well as someone who likes doing out of doors things such as hiking and camping.

“It works well with a male and a female, we have girls as well in the Unit.

“We have a Facebook page that needs keeping up and that anyone can look at. Then there is our Run to the Fun, the big international Scout jamboree being held at Haldon Racecourse at the end of July.

“We wouldn’t be able to go without at least one more Leader. Ideally two new Leaders would be good, sharing the work and ideas, although our members usually come up with the ideas of what to do and where to go, but it means you are covered if anyone is ill or away on holiday.”

Explorers are supposed to more or less run themselves but an adult has to be around, preferably two, sometimes to meet with criteria such as for camping, there has to be two otherwise they could not go.

Dan added: “I put what they want to do into a structure and these guys take it over. Scouting is mostly about being out doors, camping, camp fires, and these guys are missing out because we cannot go with just one Leader.”

Anyone interested can find out more from either Phil on 01647 252375 ([email protected]) or District Commissioner Trevor Waycott on 07777 664 144 ([email protected]).

Training is provided, there is plenty of support from others in the Scout family. Despite its name, Last Resort, the Explorer Scout Unit is the fourth out of the five sections of Scouting for Young People.

In the Mid Devon Scout area there are 63 Explorers. There is Tigers ESU at Cheriton Bishop, North Dartmoor ESU at South Tawton, Chulmleigh ESU and Crediton’s Last Resort.

Being older people, it is managed by the District team. You need to have been a Scout to join but apart from that, it is open to all young people aged 14 to 18.

Sue Read