District Scout & Explorer Youth Forum

On Sunday 28th June 2026, Maidstone West hosted its first District Youth Forum for Scouts and Explorers at Hamlet Wood.

Organised by the District Youth Lead and the District Youth Team, the event gave Scouts and Explorers from across the District the opportunity to help shape the future of Scouting while enjoying a day packed with exciting activities.

Designed to combine meaningful discussion with plenty of fun, the Youth Forum ensured that every young person had the chance to share their ideas and opinions in a relaxed and engaging environment. Throughout the day, participants enjoyed a range of activities including archery, climbing, and pizza making using the site's brand-new pizza ovens. One of the highlights of the day was a surprise activity that gave young people the opportunity to drive a real car in a safe, supervised environment.

A free BBQ lunch was provided for everyone, helping to make the event accessible and ensuring everyone could enjoy the day together.

The inaugural District Youth Forum was a fantastic success, bringing together Scouts and Explorers from across Maidstone West to have fun, make new friends, and play an active role in shaping the future of Scouting in the District. The enthusiasm and ideas shared throughout the day will help influence future plans, and the District Youth Team looks forward to building on this success with more youth-led events in the future.