About SuperNova
History of the Unit
SuperNova was formed in February 2003. The Unit was originally known as the Brislington or Eastwinds sub-unit of Creation Explorer Scout Unit. This was the name given to the collective sub-units that were initially formed at that time as part of the old Bristol South East Scout District. There were initially four sub-units; Brislington, Newfoundland, Stockwood and Whitchurch.
SuperNova started with 14 Explorers, most of which came from Scout Troops based around the area. The majority were 15 or older, as they had been waiting for the new section to commence. Before 2003, Scouts stayed at their troop until they were 15½ years old and then moved on to Venture Scout Units. Under the new structure Scouts now leave their troops at 14 and come to a district based Explorer Scout Unit, until they are 18 and then move onto a county based Network Unit.
In the summer of 2003 the Explorers decided to identify themselves as SuperNova, as they felt that “Brislington” did not reflect the fact that over half the Explorers came from outside of the local area. In the summer of 2004 both the Stockwood and Whitchurch sub-units closed in quick succession and SuperNova inherited half a dozen new Explorers from the closures.
In September 2005 the Bristol South East and Bristol South West Scout Districts merged to create the Bristol South District. With the merger came two more units which had been running in the Bristol South West District. It was also decided to formalise the provision for young leaders in the new district and a fifth unit was created to cater for these people.
Explorer Scouting in Bristol South
The Bristol South Scout District currently has four Explorer Scout Units in total. They are Aquila, SuperNova, Newfoundland and a unit dedicated to bringing together all young leaders between the ages of 14 and 18 within the District. Newfoundland is a specialist unit open only to children with physical and/or mental handicaps. The units all meet at different venues and on different days throughout the District. For further information on the other units please speak to the leaders or the District Explorer Scout Commissioner.