‘More relevant than making fires’: Explorer Scouts launch badges for AI and digital age

The Scout movement introduced new Explorer Scout badges focused on content creation, digital communication, and online safety on June 25, 2026, marking the first significant update to its program in nearly 25 years. These badges were developed after surveying approximately 3,000 teenagers who expressed a desire for skills relevant to navigating an AI-dominated, digitally interconnected world. The curriculum for 14- to 18-year-olds will involve studying how digital communities influence public opinion, developing online campaigns, analyzing digital footprints, and creating resources to promote online safety. The initiative aims to equip young people with practical skills for the modern digital landscape, with the organization acknowledging potential adjustments needed in light of upcoming social media restrictions.