The international scout movement celebrates its centenary in 2007; the Scout Association plans a series of events across the UK, some with the help of the National Trust
With 2007 marking the centenary of the Scouting movement worldwide – it is 100 years since Robert Baden Powell held an experimental camp for boys on Brownsea Island, Dorset -- the Scout Association is planning a series of events across the UK.
The focus of a year of celebrations is the World Scout Jamboree (July 27-August 8) which will involve 40,000 scouts and leaders camping at Hylands Park, Chelmsford in Essex for 12 days. International dignitaries in attendance will include Queen Elizabeth II and the King of Sweden. Day tickets will be available.
Another highlight will be the Sunrise Camp on Brownsea Island (July 20-August 1) where two scouts from every Scouting country come together to build ‘peace between countries’. The exact anniversary of the first camp in 1907 (August 1) will see the entire camp wake to watch the sun rise.
The National Trust, the guardian of Brownsea Island in Poole Harbour, welcomes hundreds of scouts and guides to the island every year and has its own celebrations planned for the centenary. These include a new activity centre on the existing campsite; an exhibition in the Baden-Powell Camp Centre; guided walks on the Birthplace of Scouting and family activity days.
Websites: www.scout.org.uk; www.nationaltrust.org.uk.
