Why is an Exploration Society Talking About Volunteering?
It’s a compelling question, but British Exploring has been involved with volunteering for over 80 years. Our new Explorer Miles Social Action program is a natural progression for the society.
Youth Development Through Volunteering
We are more than an exploration society; we’re deeply committed to youth development. By providing opportunities for young people, aged 16-25, to gain confidence and resilience, we enhance their worldview through adventures in remote environments with inspirational leaders. The character traits we nurture are akin to those developed through social action, making us natural champions of volunteering.
The Role of Volunteer Leaders
Since our first expedition to Newfoundland in 1932, we’ve relied on volunteer leaders. This year alone, our professional leaders will contribute over 2,110 hours, valued at over £250,000. Volunteering allows them to leverage their skills and passions towards a cause they believe in, enhancing their own leadership and resilience.
Introducing Explorer Miles
The #iwill campaign inspired us to embed volunteering into our participants’ journeys. Explorer Miles rewards hours spent volunteering with expedition cost reductions. This initiative is supported by our bursary fund, which helps young explorers struggling with fundraising. Our goal is to cover expedition costs entirely with Explorer Miles.
The Journey to Expedition
Preparation, fundraising, and training are as crucial as the expedition itself. As Ben Saunders, our patron, states, “The periods of planning and preparation have taught me invaluable lessons about optimism, ambition, and resilience.”
Benefits of Explorer Miles
- Skill Development: Participants gain new skills and enhance existing ones, building determination for future opportunities.
- Expedition Preparedness: Social action ensures explorers value their experience, arriving “expedition ready.”
- Accessibility: Explorer Miles makes expeditions more attainable, empowering young people to achieve their goals.
Join Us
Volunteering is in our DNA, contributing to social action ensures our young explorers are ready and makes expeditions more accessible. Sign up, volunteer, and explore with us!
Discover the wonders of volunteering
Find out more and get involved at British Exploring.