Our History

Our official Scouting name is Earlswood 2nd Reigate St John’s Scout Group. Founded in 1908, we are one of the oldest Scout Group’s in the country.

In the early days, the group would meet under the “last lamp-post on Common Road” in Earlswood, hence the Earlswood part of the name. But by 1910 the group had grown so big it split into two – 1st Reigate, who moved to Reigate and 2nd Reigate – and we stayed in Earlswood. Sadly 1st Reigate have since ceased operations.

In 1936 the 32nd Reigate Rovers who were affiliated with St John’s church in Redhill, were absorbed into 2nd Reigate Scout Group – hence the St John’s part of the name. Although our heritage lies within a CofE setting, we welcome boys and girls of any age from multi-cultural and multi-faith backgrounds. We are an inclusive group who offer diverse, fun, imaginative and challenging activities each week.

Our HQ is situated on the corner of Earlswood Road/ Brighton Road in Redhill, Surrey. We have an extensive history with this plot of land, having initially moved here in 1913, meeting in the stables of an old house. We still meet to this day in the very same Scout hut that was built to replace the stables in 1931 but our HQ is somewhat dilapidated with facilities that are in desperate need of replacing. We are currently fundraising to “Build a New Scouting Home”.

The Group also provides opportunities for adults to get involved with their community by becoming a Helper, Assistant, Leader of part of the Group Executive. Want to help? Please contact us.