Scouting is provided by local Scout Groups. These are supported at three levels: nationally, regionally, and locally. The Scout Association is the world recognised national body supporting Scouting in the UK, having been formed by Robert Baden-Powell in the early years of the 20th Century. The National Headquarters of Scouting is based at Gilwell Park, in Epping Forest, where the Programme and Training Department, The Resource Centre, and The Hostel and White House (used for training adult members of The Association) are located, together with the Gilwell Park campsite capable of hosting almost 2000 campers.

West Sussex County Scouts is one of 113 counties and areas formed to provide local training, management and support. The County Commissioner and his team organise county-wide events and activities for young people as well as training opportunities for adult leaders, helpers and administrators. The County is divided into 12 local Scout Districts, of which Horsham West is one. There are 9,000 members of Scouting within West Sussex.

Horsham West Scout District and Horsham Weald Scout District were formed in October 1996. Before then, support for local Scouting was provided by Horsham Scout District, which was divided to provide better support to the more than 1,500 members it had at that time. Horsham West District has a membership now approaching 800 people and is maintaining the succesful support of Scouting in local Groups. Geographically the District encompasses an area to the west of the Crawley to Bognor railway line, across to the Surrey border, and as far South as Slinfold.

There are ten Scout Groups and two Scout Fellowships currently in Horsham West District. The District, together with Horsham Weald, own the Horsham Scout Centre, in the town, and a campsite at Beacon Hill, on the outskirts of Colgate, between Horsham and Crawley.

Scouting is as successful in Horsham today as it has ever been. Every Scout Group has a waiting list of young people wishing to join - our success is only limited by the number of adult leaders, helpers and supporters that we have. For more information about joining Scouting, click to do you want to join?', or visit the scouting in horsham page to find and contact your local Scout Group.