Scouting in Richmond upon Thames District
Our District
We have 24 Scout Groups located throughout the District, almost all having at least one Beaver Scout Colony (6-8 yrs), Cub Scout Pack (8-10.5 yrs), and Scout Troop (10.5-14 yrs). We also now have five Squirrels Dreys (4-6 yrs), in Hampton, Hampton Hill, Petersham, Ham and another in Mortlake. We run 12 Explorer Scout Units (14-18 yrs), a Local Scout Network (18-24 yrs), and a social Fellowship for retired Members. We mustn’t forget our Volunteer team who run our District Shop. At the last count in January 2024 we had 2,380 Youth Members. Add to that over 570 Leaders and other volunteers – that’s total membership of 2,953 people. And we’re growing all the time!
For a list of all our Scout groups and website addresses click here. For a list of Explorer Units and where they are located, click here.
Green spaces, famous places and 21 miles (34km) of river frontage
We are fortunate that the District boasts a huge amount of green space; Richmond Park and Bushy Park affording a lot of opportunities for outdoor activities. Internationally famous Kew Gardens, Twickenham rugby stadium, the National Archives and Hampton Court Palace are all within our boundary. We are also well connected to the centre of London, making it an ideal launch pad for day trips to historical and other places of interest.
However, probably our greatest asset is the River Thames which runs through the heart of the District – tidal from Mortlake to Richmond and Twickenham and non-tidal from Teddington to Hampton Court. We boast a very busy 14th Richmond “Viking” Scout boating centre which is utilised by Scout and other youth groups from across the region. We are proud to have two very successful Royal Navy recognised Sea Scout groups who regularly row, kayak and canoe on arguably some of the best stretches the river has to offer.
District Leadership
Leading Scouting in the Borough is a District Lead Volunteer who is accountable to the District Scout Council.
Phil Hunt – DC
Phil Hunt was appointed District Commissioner in June 2018 – the title changed to Lead Volunteer in 2024.
The District Leadership Team oversees and coordinates the activities and services offered by the various teams of volunteers at District Level which, in turn support our young people and adult volunteers in Scout Groups and Explorer Units across the Borough.
The District Board of Trustees comprising of elected and co-opted trustees a manage all the administrative affairs of the District which include finances, insurance and compliance.
In summary, a sizeable team of dedicated volunteers providing professional services to support our Amazing Leaders.
The current structure of or District Teams can be found by clicking here.
