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Leading The Way

By Verity Beards-Jones,
Fundraising Comms & Membership Engagement

Meet four of our 2026 volunteer Leaders

Our young people are supported by a wonderful and inspiring group of volunteer Leaders.

Before they left for the wilderness, we asked four of them what they were most looking forward to about expedition and adventure, what their role will be and why they volunteer with us.

What are you most looking forward to?

“Today’s society can lack the sense of community, but expeditions force us to be a villager within our Fires and the wider team; something I find particularly valuable…There is so much to learn from everyone on the expedition.” Rose, Knoydart 2026

“Disconnecting and spending time getting to really know our Fire out in nature and under the stars. You can really see everyone’s confidence grow in different ways throughout the expedition, and how supportive everyone is of one another.” Claire, Kyrgyzstan 2026

“Sharing an extended period of time with a group of Young Explorers, enabling them to plan and undertake an adventure which will allow them to be immersed in a wild and beautiful location.” Helen, Cairngorms 2026

“Leaving my normal daily routine behind and spending time living with all I need being carried on my back, while guiding others through the same experience.” Jack, Kyrgyzstan 2026

 

Rose was inspired to lead following her own experience as a Young Explorer.

“When I was a Young Explorer myself back in 2009, my trip was one of the biggest and most important development experiences of my younger years. I grew up on a small Scottish island, and although I was used to being around nature, I was not used to being around a large group of people I did not know. The social aspect of the expedition was a big development opportunity. I have always felt a need to give back what was given to me, so I was always going to come back to British Exploring Society, it was just a case of when!”

 

Jack shares his favourite memories from previous expeditions.

“Some of my favourite moments from past trips were boiling up hot chocolate with Young Explorers over a steam vent in Iceland, as well as being out on the hills in Georgia as some herdsmen were passing by – and later in the same trip, seeing a cloud inversion as we camped by a glacier.”

Has Leading changed your life back home?

Is this a community you’d like to be part of?

There is no ‘right’ type of person to be a volunteer Leader. As long as you have a love of nature and adventure and the ability or potential to inspire, motivate and encourage young people, we’d love to hear from you.

As a British Exploring Society Leader, you’ll receive comprehensive training, support and practical benefits before, during and beyond each Expedition or Adventure.

WHATEVER YOUR STRENGTH, YOU BELONG HERE.

 

LEAD WITH US

“A massive thank you to the whole British Exploring Society community for helping make these experiences happen, from Board members, funders and office staff working behind the scenes, to the basecamp team, volunteer Leaders and Young Explorers who bring so much energy and insight in the field. I can’t wait for Kyrgyzstan to begin!” – Claire

Alongside our wonderful volunteer Leaders, who donate their time to support young futures, British Exploring Society relies on the generosity of individuals and organisations to make these transformative adventures a reality.

 

SUPPORT US

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