About Us

Dragon ESU's aim:

To provide young people with experiences, opportunities and enjoyment and help them achieve their full potential

Who we're for:

Young people aged 14-18
Girls & Boys
All backgrounds

We're here for young people!
Explorer Scouts are the 4th sector of the scout association - the largest voluntary uniformed organisation in the World.
Dragon ESU is run by a team of volunteers (all CRB checked & 1st aid trained)

Meet the team:

Susie Lyus - ESL

I was born into scouting & guiding with both my parents heavily involved in the organisations. I went up through rainbows, brownies and guides before becoming a guider. I worked with both guides and brownies at home and at University. From age 16 I volunteered at Thriftwood Scout Campsite and where I qualified as a climbing, archery, kayaking and rifle shooting instructor. On returning home from University and hearing that the local explorer scout unit was going to close, naturally my parents volunteered me and the rest is history!

Likes: Horse riding, Dogs, Music, Outdoor Activities & Africa :)
Dislikes:  Ignorance, Spiders & cleaning

Jen Adams - AESL

Rob Lyus - AESL

After 8 years redefining what it meant to be a beaver, cub and scout at 2nd Upminster I was a hot commodity. I could have been an explorer scout anywhere, I chose to come to Dragon ESU or as it was known back then "The Upminster Explorer Scout Unit" because they met just around the corner from my house and also because it was my destiny as the chosen one. But with great power comes great responsibility I knew that as the chosen one I had to pass on some of my numerous skills so I became a young leader at 3rd ups scouts. However I quickly grew older and I had to give up being a young leader and become an ASL. Whilst continuing to be an ASL in a style similar to Aquaman, The Martian Manhunter or any of the Justice league I have recently returned to Dragons and plan to channel my unbelievably incredible awesomeness into making sure the dragons programme is stuffed full of razzmatazz, camping, playing with fire and much more. Outside of being the chosen one I have just finished a pharmacology degree and am currently retired.

Favourite Foods: Enchiladas, Lasagne, BBQ ribs and Steak

Weaknesses: None

James Chapman - AESL

I started scouting aged six at 3rd Upminster Wesley Beavers, I went through Cubs, Scouts and then became a Dragon Explorer myself. I was a youngleader at 3rd Ups Wesley Cubs for over five years before becoming an Assistant Cub Scout Leader. Now at University I realised I could do more with more weekends than just go to the pub and instead try and organise as many camps for the Explorers as possible. So far Rob and I have organised the September Hike and the Southern Fifty but we have a lot more planned over the coming months!

Achievements: Queen's Scout Award, Gold D of E, Fastest 50 mile novice team!
Best moment in scouting: Without a doubt Gambia 09!