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Who are the Sloths ESU?
Who are the Sloths ESU?
Sloths Explorer Scout Unit was founded on 8 July 2021 in the heart of the Waltham Forest District. What began as a team of 11 enthusiastic young people has quickly grown into a thriving community of over 40 Explorers, each bringing their own energy, creativity, and sense of adventure.
Unlike the younger sections of Scouts, Explorers is youth-led. That means the young people shape the programme—whether it's hiking and camping, taking on leadership challenges, running community projects, or exploring new creative ideas. You choose the adventure.
Our role as leaders is to support, empower, and inspire—not to dictate. In our very first year, the unit not only picked its unique name, the Sloths, but also planned incredible activities, made unforgettable memories, and set exciting goals for the future.
At Sloths ESU, we believe in pushing boundaries, having fun, and developing skills for life—together.
When and where do we meet?
When and where do we meet?
Sloths ESU meets Fortnightly Wednesday evening, combining indoor sessions with outdoor adventures throughout the term.
Indoor Meetings
We meet at the 14th Walthamstow Scout Hut - 205A Wood Street, Walthamstow, E17 3NU
We run two indoor sessions to better support different age groups and needs:
Session 1 (14–15 year olds): 18:30 – 20:00
Session 2 (16–17 year olds): 20:15 – 21:45
(New members will be placed in the session that best suits their age and experience.)
Outdoor Meetings
Our outdoor evenings usually start at 19:00 and run until 21:30. These take place in local parks, woodlands, or other adventurous locations—and details are always shared in advance via OSM.
From night hikes to fire-lighting, and team challenges to navigation games, no two weeks are ever the same!
Your Volunteers
Your Volunteers
Gareth W
Gareth W
Team Leader
Lucy N
Lucy N
Team Member
Elle C
Elle C
Team Member
Tom S
Tom S
Team Member
Sloths ESU is run entirely by a team of passionate volunteers, each bringing their own unique skills and experiences to the unit. Our leadership team comes from a wide range of backgrounds—including teaching, retail, the railway industry, and more. What unites us is a shared commitment to supporting young people, creating opportunities, and helping Explorers develop the confidence and skills they’ll carry for life.
What does the uniform look like?
What does the uniform look like?
We wear two types of uniform depending on the occasion. For regular Explorer meetings, members are expected to wear their official Explorer shirt and unit Scarf, showing pride in the movement and our unit. For camps, trips, and more active or informal events, Explorers can wear their casual unit gear and Scarf —such as a polo shirt, hoodie, or other branded clothing—designed for comfort and flexibility while still representing the Sloths in style.
Uniform
Uniform
The formal uniform is the regular Explorer shirt along with our section scarf. Our section scarf is made up of 3 Key colours, royal blue, white and gold. These colours were specifically selected to pay tribute to our host group, The 14th Walthamstow, whose scarfs are royal blue with gold tips.
Casual uniform
Casual uniform
The Casual uniform is an Grey polo shirt with the section logo. These were selected to allow the explorers to feel comfortable during outdoor meetings and events while still being recognisable that it the Sloths ESU.
Membership Costs
Membership Costs
Sloths ESU costs just £13 per month, which covers the national HQ membership fee and helps fund our regular weekly meetings.
What does the Monthly Fee cover?
Capitation (HQ Membership fee, Insurance)
Hall Rental costs
Materials & Resources
Badges
Larger events like camps and adventurous activities may have additional costs, but we’re actively planning fundraising events to help reduce these where possible. We're also eligible for Gift Aid, which means if you're a UK taxpayer, we can claim an extra 25p for every £1 you give — at no extra cost to you
All payments are collected through Online Scout Manager (OSM) using GoCardless to set up secure Direct Debits
To view our Payments and Refunds Policy, click here.
Communication
Communication
Whatsapp
Whatsapp
To allow quick and direct communication, we have a WhatsApp community. A closed WhatsApp group is available containing Parents and Leaders. There's also a closed WhatsApp group used to communicate with the Explorers. From time to time, we may create event-specific WhatsApp groups. The link to join this WhatsApp community can be found on the notice board of the parent section in Online Scout Manager.
Email
Email
Emails will be used to send out event information and invitations. It is important that we have an up to date email address listed. Your Explorer can add their own email too.
OSM
OSM
All personal details for Explorers are contained within the Online Scout Manager system, which is also used to generate emails, manage events and handle payments for subs, camps and activities.
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