Fun and Adventure Afloat
With the focus firmly on the water, Thames Ditton based Ajax Sea Scouts provides non-stop fun and adventure for boys and girls aged six to eighteen. Ajax operates from a purpose built Water Activities Centre on the River Thames and from a coastal base at Chichester Harbour.
Opportunities For All Ages
For those aged six to ten, Ajax Beavers and Cub Scouts offer fun-packed learning activities and the chance to make new friends. From the age of eleven, Sea Scouts learn to row, canoe, sail and handle motor boats - all to the highest standards of instruction. Because Ajax is a recognised Royal Yachting Association Training Centre, it is able to award nationally recognised boating qualifications. For those aged 14 or more, the Ajax Explorer Sea Scout Unit offers even more adventurous boating activities and, because Ajax is an accredited Duke of Edinburgh Award Unit, members can also gain these valuable qualifications from within the Group.
Coastal and Offshore Boating
As well as plentiful local boating, Ajax also organises frequent weekends at Chichester Harbour where the Group maintains its coastal fleet. These weekends enable members to gain valuable tidal experience and to extend their technical skills. Ajax Explorers can also take part in trips with the London Sailing Project - a charitable organisation that provides low cost opportunities for offshore yachting. Many Ajax youngsters go on to become Watch Leaders and take part in the Transatlantic Tall Ships Race.
Summer Camps - UK and Abroad
One of the highlights of the Ajax year is its annual Summer Camp - either at a UK coastal boating venue - or this year in the Netherlands where, together with Sea Scouts from many other countries, Ajax will participate in a National Sea Scout Camp.
Fun For All
As well as an action packed programme of activities for the youngsters, Ajax also organises fun events for everyone including barbeques at the Water Activities Centre where parents and their offspring boat together, rowing in dinghies, paddling kayaks and sailing in a range of craft.
Fund Raising
Beyond its income from membership subscriptions, Ajax depends heavily on fund raising to maintain its facilities and boats. All parents help in fund raising which includes an annual plant sale at the Water Activities Centre. This has developed a strong local following as much because of the quality of the plants as the keen prices for which they are sold. The Group's most important fund raising activity is the Esher May Fair which is totally organised by Ajax. This has gone from strength to strength since Ajax took it over. The goal is to create a genuine fun day for the family as well as a valuable focus for numerous local charities. This year in addition to the funfair there were horse rides, a 'Beat the Goalie' competition run by Chelsea Football Club, a juggler, Punch and Judy and a local samba band and dance group and much more!
Royal Navy Recognised
Ajax is one of just 100 Sea Scout Groups in the United Kingdom to be officially recognised by the Royal Navy. This coveted recognition keeps everyone constantly on their toes since the highest standards are required - plus regular inspections by the Navy!
To Find Out More
Because of the Group's excellent facilities and the standards it maintains, membership of the Ajax Beaver Colony or the Ajax Cub Scout Pack has many advantages - not least a guaranteed place in the popular Ajax Sea Scout Troop. If you are interested in joining Ajax - or if you are an adult who would like to get involved, take a look at the Ajax website and contact Alison Derrick on 020 8398 0041 or Mark Marriott on 01932 867402 (email