Brent District Scouts is excited to announce its mid-year membership levels, which show a strong increase in numbers compared to the beginning of the year. As of September 2022, the District has 155 Beaver Scouts, 226 Cub Scouts, 202 Scout members, 62 Explorer Scouts, 6 Network members, and 161 adult members, a total of 812 members. This is a significant increase compared to the 570 members reported in January 2022.

The pandemic significantly impacted the membership levels of Brent District Scouts. Like many organisations, we saw a decline in numbers due to the restrictions on group activities and the closure of many community spaces. However, despite these challenges, we are proud to report that we have fully recovered and seen a 35% growth in our youth membership compared to pre-pandemic levels.

This growth can be attributed to several factors, including the opening of new Scout Groups, such as the 2nd Kingsbury in Stag Lane and the opening of a second Beaver Colony and Cub Pack at the 28th Willesden in Kensal Rise. Additionally, our commitment to inclusivity and diversity has helped us to attract a wider range of young people from different backgrounds and cultures.

Our dedicated volunteers have also played a vital role in our recovery, working tirelessly to adapt our activities and programs to comply with government guidelines and ensuring that our members can continue learning and developing new skills in a safe and fun environment.

"We are thrilled to see such a significant increase in our membership numbers," said David, District Commissioner of Brent District Scouts. "This is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our volunteers, who are committed to providing young people with the skills and experiences they need to thrive. We are also proud to see that our membership reflects the diversity of the community we serve, with members representing a wide range of backgrounds, cultures, and faiths."

The 2nd Kingsbury Scout Group, which opened in September 2021, has already made a big impact in the community. The Group has a Beaver Colony, Cub Pack, and Scout Troop that meets at the Scout Hall on Stag Lane. "The response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive," said Henry, the Group Scout Leader of 2nd Kingsbury. "We are proud to be able to offer young people in the area the opportunity to learn new skills, make new friends, and have fun in a safe and inclusive environment. We look forward to welcoming more young people to our Group as we continue to grow."

Tracy, the new Beaver Scout Leader at 28th Willesden, added, "I enjoy volunteering with the Scouts; it's a great way to give back to the community. I am excited to be a part of the team and make a positive impact in the lives of young people."

The 28th Willesden Scout Group, which opened its second Beaver Colony in September 2021 and Cub Pack in February 2022, is also seeing a steady increase in membership. The Group, which meets at the Scout Hall on Leighton Gardens, can now accommodate more young people in the Kensal Rise area.

Brent District Scouts is committed to providing quality Scouting experiences for young people in the area and is always looking for new ways to expand and improve its services. The District is continuously working to increase its membership and ensure that young people from all backgrounds can participate in the Scouting program.