114-753: Gilwell Park is The Scout Association 's principal camp site and activity centre in the United Kingdom. It is a 109-acre (44 ha) site, located in East London in the Sewardstonebury area of Waltham Abbey within Epping Forest near the border with Chingford . It is used by Scout and Guide groups. Adult Scout leader training undertaken at Gilwell Park since 1919 is known as Wood Badge training. Scout leaders from many countries have trained at Gilwell Park and Wood Badge training
228-485: A Beret instead of the Campaign hat . The Advance Party Report was not welcomed by all involved and a rival report, A Boy Scout Black Paper , was produced in 1970 by The Scout Action Group. This provided alternative proposals for the development of the organisation and asked for groups that wished to continue to follow Baden-Powell's original scheme to be permitted to do so. The rejection of these proposals resulted in
342-533: A Warden's Office (recently demolished), museum (currently empty), archery range (former Scout Shop – no longer in use), shop, soft drinks bar, staff space and toilet block. In the centre of the Square is the clock tower, known as Big Mac, which was named after Camp Warden Alfred Macintosh. Behind Camp Square, The Bomb Hole was created when a bomb was dropped on the site during the Second World War, creating
456-567: A boost when the Duchess of Cambridge announced her intention to become a volunteer leader for the organisation with a Scout Group near her Anglesey home. In the decade up to 2014, the number of adult volunteers increased by 14,596 to a total of over 104,000. A new Strategic Plan entitled Scouting for All was launched in 2014 to outline the organisation's focus to 2018. It proposed four key areas of activity: growth, inclusivity, youth-shaped Scouting and community impact. As part of this, in 2014,
570-523: A campground for Scouts but Robert Baden-Powell envisaged a training centre for Scouters and the first adult Scout leader training, with eighteen participants, took place in September 1919. In the 1920s, significant remodeling and construction was done but, because of limited finances, few improvements were made during the Great Depression of the 1930s. Baden-Powell took the park's name as
684-719: A campsite was needed for Scouts in the East End of London . The Boy Scouts Association appointed its Scout Commissioner of the East End, P.B. Nevill , to deal with the issue. On 20 November 1918, over dinner at Roland House, the Scout Hostel in Stepney run by Nevill, Maclaren agreed to donate £7,000 to the project. Part of the agreement included narrowing the search for suitable land to Hainault Forest and Epping Forest. Rover Scouts searched both without success but John Gayfer,
798-586: A common kitchen and main hall. The Jack Petchey Lodge opened in September 2008, located next to the Branchet Lodge. lt has laundry facilities. The Peter Harrison Lodge was built in 2009 and is the newest accommodation building at Gilwell Park. The building sleeps 50 people. Log cabins on the edge of Woodland Field sleep eight each in bunk beds. Cooking is provided in a separate shelter or an open fire can be used. Each year, Scout Adventures recruits up to 120 volunteers from over 30 countries to assist in
912-472: A different name, the Girl Guides for girls. From December 1916, following the introduction of the organisation's Wolf Cubs programme for 8 to 10 year olds, in which Vera Barclay played a pivotal role, the organisation permitted women to take on limited volunteer roles, working with the younger boys. In 1976, girls were allowed to join the organisation's Venture Scouts for 16 to 20 year-olds. In 1991,
1026-408: A drying and boot room, laundry room, open plan kitchen, dining and lounge area, quiet room and cinema-style room. Visitors are allowed entry due to stipulations laid down by donor bequests. The White House became the headquarters of The Scout Association on 27 April 2001, although Baden-Powell House (the former headquarters) still houses some departments of the association. The White House is used as
1140-478: A faith. There are variations of the organisation's Scout Promise to accommodate all religions or beliefs. While originally requiring a promise of "Duty to God", following criticism, in October 2013, the organisation announced that an alternative version of the promise would be available from January 2014 to admit those without a pronounced faith. Disability The organisation is open to all abilities. Flexibility
1254-505: A hotel and has conference rooms on the ground floor, following extensive renovations in the 1990s. The hotel comprises 41 guest bedrooms (35 en-suite) across the White House and its modern extension. Colquhoun International Centre (CIC) was built in 1971 as a Scout leader training centre and was renovated in 1995. The building has a main hall that can seat up to 250 people, two smaller training suites and five seminar rooms. The main hall
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#17327811526561368-520: A large dwelling called Osborne Hall, which stood for 300 years. According to a local legend, in the early 16th century, King Henry VIII owned the land and built a hunting lodge for his son Edward . Around 1736, highwayman Dick Turpin began using Gilwell's forests to hide and for ambushing travellers and freight along roads leading into London. In 1754, William Skrimshire purchased Great Gilwell, Little Gilwell and half of Osborne's estate, including Osborne Hall. Skrimshire demolished Osborne Hall and built
1482-582: A log. Seeing this, Gidney chose the axe-and-log as the totem of Gilwell Park. This logo came to be strongly associated with Wood Badge leader training and is still used on certificates, flags and other items. In 1940, during the Second World War , the War Ministry requisitioned the Gilwell estate as a local command, training and ordnance centre and remained there until 1945. Little remains at
1596-408: A major review in the 1960s. The Chief Scouts' Advance Party was formed in 1964 and was sent to survey the organisation to see why participation was falling. Their report was published in 1966 and changes were implemented later that year and throughout 1967. As a result, the word "boy" was dropped from the organisation's name which was changed to The Scout Association and major changes were made to
1710-455: A new residence, which he also called Osborne Hall and is now called the White House. Timbers in the White House can be dated to this time but not to any previous era. Leonard Tresilian (?–1792) bought the estate in 1771 and expanded the land holdings and size of the residence. After Tresilian's first wife Margaret Holland died young after bearing three daughters, he married Elizabeth Fawson. Desiring that Gilwell pass on to his eldest daughter, who
1824-485: A nobleman's forest demonstrated he had earned the right by service. The axe-and-log logo was conceived by Francis Gidney in the early 1920s to distinguish Gilwell Park from the Scout Headquarters. Gidney wanted to associate Gilwell Park with the outdoors and scoutcraft rather than the business and administrative headquarters offices. At Wood Badge courses, axe blades were masked for safety by being buried in
1938-435: A programme for even younger children. Its programmes include Squirrels (aged 4–6), Beavers (aged 6–8), Cubs (aged 8– 10 + 1 ⁄ 2 ), Scouts (aged 10 + 1 ⁄ 2 –14), Explorer Scouts (aged 14–18) and adult Network members (aged 18–25). The organisation's current aim is to provide "fun, adventure and skills for life and give young people the opportunity to enjoy new adventures, experience outdoors and take part in
2052-520: A range of creative, community and international activities, interact with others, make new friends, gain confidence and have the opportunity to reach their full potential". Membership is open to male and female participants, of all abilities, and of any religion including people outside any faith. Gender From 1912 to 1967, the organisation was called The Boy Scouts Association, and until 1976 only boys were admitted to its programmes. In 1910, Baden-Powell created an entirely separate organisation with
2166-499: A renewed emphasis on outdoor adventure and it now offers over 200 fun and adventurous activities from abseiling and archery while also offering a wider range of development opportunities, from coding to music and drama. In 2004 the organisation appointed television presenter Peter Duncan as its Chief Scout, who was succeeded by adventurer Bear Grylls in July 2009. The organisation appointed its first UK Chief Commissioner, Wayne Bulpitt , on
2280-498: A roof but no walls, was a wet-weather shelter built in 1967. In 2009, the building was renovated and now houses a large activity hall, two classrooms, staff space and a large store room. The activity hall houses all the indoor activities on-site, including an archery range and climbing walls. In front of The Lid is the R. Tait McKenzie statue, The Ideal Scout , which was gifted by the Boy Scouts of America in 1966. The Barnacle
2394-522: A separate organisation, the Girl Guides were created by Baden-Powell and his sister, Agnes , to provide a more "proper" programme of activities. In 1916, the organisation launched its Wolf Cubs , for boys aged 8 to 11. In 1918, the organisation launched its Rovers for those over 18 who had grown out of being Scouts but wanted to be remain connected. During the First World War , more than 50,000 Scouts participated in some form of war work on
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#17327811526562508-473: A small crater. The Bomb Hole has been extended several times and is now used for kayaking, raft building and pond-dipping activities. Two campfire circles are used extensively during the peak camping season. Large Campfire Circle has a Maori Gateway that was presented by the Scouts New Zealand in 1951. The Scout Association The Scout Association is the largest Scout organisation in
2622-685: A small fortune from his employer the British Treasury and was dismissed from all his posts on 12 March 1812. On 2 July the same year, Margaret Chinnery was forced to sign over Gilwell Estate to the Exchequer . The Chinnery family were prominent enough for members of the English nobility to visit them often during the 1790s and early 19th century. King George III visited on occasion and the Prince Regent, who later became George IV ,
2736-448: A strong upturn, with the organisation claiming its highest rate of growth in UK since 1972, with total claimed participation reaching just under half a million. In 2014, the organisation claimed an increase in youth enrolments of 100,000 in the ten years since 2004. In 2016 it claimed eleven years of consecutive growth and an increase in female enrolment, with 25% of participants now female in
2850-424: A year for The Scout Association through conference fees, accommodation fees and sales of materials. The most-prominent leader-training courses conducted at Gilwell Park are Wood Badge courses. Francis Gidney, the first Camp Chief, conducted the first Wood Badge course there in September 1919. Leaders from all over the world receive automatic membership in 1st Gilwell Park Scout Group (Gilwell Troop 1) on completion of
2964-420: A young assistant Scoutmaster, suggested Gilwell Hall, which he visited to watch birds . Nevill visited the estate and was impressed, though the buildings were in poor condition. The estate. which then occupied 21 ha (52 acres), was for sale for £7,000, the sum Maclaren had donated. In early 1919, Maclaren purchased the estate for The Boy Scouts Association. Nevill first took his Rover Scouts to begin repairing
3078-433: Is also host to Scout Adventures Gilwell Park , one of twelve national centres run by or in partnership with The Scout Association, including Downe and Youlbury . Gilwell Park was bought for The Boy Scouts Association in 1919, by one of its Scout commissioners , William de Bois Maclaren to provide camping facilities for London Scouts. The history of Gilwell Park can be traced to 1407, when John Crow owned Gyldiefords,
3192-522: Is built-in to badge and award requirements for those with special needs. Some counties and areas have a specialist commissioner or adviser to support inclusion. Robert Baden-Powell was keen to allow young people with disabilities to take part in Scouting. The disabled branch (later called Extension Scouting ) was formed in 1926. However, in more recent years, emphasis has been placed on integrating young people with disabilities into mainstream Groups. After
3306-470: Is connected to The Barn (originally The Stables), a red-brick building built in 1926. The archway in the centre of the building was originally an open passageway. It now houses the reception area for the Training and Event Centre. The first floor of the building was used as training rooms for Cub Scout Leaders. A clock on the front of the building was a gift from a former Japanese Chief Scout Count Sano , who
3420-675: Is documented as early as 1180. This exchequer had broader jurisdiction than the English exchequer, dealing in both fiscal and administrative matters. The Dialogue concerning the Exchequer presents it as a general belief that the Norman kings established the Exchequer in England on the loose model of the Norman exchequer, while noting with some doubt an alternative view that the Exchequer existed in Anglo-Saxon times. The specific chronology of
3534-409: Is empty and has an uncertain future. The Pigsty, a small gardeners shed located on The Orchard, has been preserved as the first campsite at Gilwell Park. The first group of Rover Scouts who arrived to prepare the site when it was purchased in 1919 slept here when the weather proved too inclement to pitch their tents. The site houses to five places of worship for Scouts and other visitors located along
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3648-414: Is regularly used for large weddings, dinners and parties; with the seminar rooms and training suites used for conferences and meetings. The CIC also houses a second bar that is used during functions. Gilwell Park has many attractions, primarily Scouting in nature. It has a souvenir shop called The Providore. Gilwell Park museum has closed and is now called the "Heritage Collection." The White House, which
3762-518: Is the oldest building on the site still extant, dating from the 1600s. The building started as two separate cottages. In the grounds of the building is the site's last-remaining well, which is known as Gil Well. The Farm was refurbished from its derelict state, opening in 2015 as the new offices and reception of Scout Adventures Gilwell Park. The nearby Leopard Gates mark the original entrance to Gilwell Park and were carved by Gilwell master craftsman Don Potter in 1928. The Lid, which originally consisted of
3876-710: The 3rd World Scout Jamboree at Arrowe Park in Cheshire ; some 56,000 Scouts from 35 countries attended, making it the largest World Scout Jamboree to date. The first Gang Show , produced by Ralph Reader , opened at the Scala Theatre in London in October 1932. Following the outbreak of World War II , over 50,000 Scouts trained under the National War Service scheme. Tasks undertaken included police messengers and stretcher bearers. In January 1941,
3990-847: The Consolidated Fund . The term is used in various financial documents, including the latest departmental and agency annual accounts. Historically, it was the name of a British government department responsible for the collection and the management of taxes and revenues, making payments on behalf of the sovereign, and auditing official accounts. It also developed a judicial role along with its accountancy responsibilities and tried legal cases relating to revenue. Similar offices were later created in Normandy around 1180, in Scotland around 1200 and in Ireland in 1210. The Exchequer
4104-747: The International Conference of the Boy Scout Movement now called the World Organization of the Scout Movement, of which the organisation was a founding member. The Boy Scouts Headquarters Gazette was first published in July 1909, as a publication for adult Scouters and administrators, alongside The Scout , a magazine for youths which had been launched in April 1908. In 1929, the organisation hosted
4218-406: The Second World War , specialist Agoonoree camps were run to cater for those unable to camp with their own Scout Groups, with some still running today. For the origins of Boy Scouts and the Scout Movement, before the formation of The Scout Association, see Scouting . The organisation was formed in 1910, in order to provide a national body in the United Kingdom which could organise and support
4332-679: The Standards Department of the Board of Trade took over metrological responsibilities and audit functions were combined with those of the Commissioners for auditing the Public Accounts under the new post of Comptroller and Auditor General . The name continued as the Exchequer and Audit Department from 1866 until 1983 when the new National Audit Office was created. In modern times, "Exchequer" has come to mean
4446-745: The Superior Exchequer , a court of equity and revenue akin to the Exchequer of Pleas, and the Inferior Exchequer . The latter were the treasurers who handled all logistics from collecting the money (Teller or Cashier), logging it (Clerk of the Pells) and signing money orders accepting or paying money. It was managed by its own Chancellor of the Exchequer of Ireland and Chief Baron of the Irish Exchequer . The Court of Exchequer (Ireland) existed from about 1299 to 1877. It
4560-456: The Treasury and, colloquially, pecuniary possessions in general; as in "the company's exchequer is low". The Scottish Exchequer dates to around 1200, with a similar role in auditing and royal revenues as in England. The Scottish Exchequer was slower to develop a separate judicial role; and it was not until 1584 that it became a court of law, separate from the king's council. Even then,
4674-665: The United Kingdom . Following the rapid development of the Scout Movement from 1907, The Scout Association was formed in 1910 and incorporated in 1912 by a royal charter under its previous name of The Boy Scouts Association . It is a founding member organisation of the World Organization of the Scout Movement . The organisation is the largest national Scout organisation in Europe , representing 35% of
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4788-518: The home front . Scout buglers sounded the "all clear" after air raids or air strike, others helped in hospitals and made up aid parcels; Sea Scouts assisted the Coastguard in watching the vulnerable East coast. In 1920, the organisation organised the first World Jamboree , held in Olympia , London , together with an international conference for leaders which led to the formation, in 1922, of
4902-411: The "council" in its incorporating charter. The majority of the council are elected by the council itself with the council or its board also appointing all its officers and all commissioner members. Even those nominated by Scout Counties to the council require previous appointment to their positions or approval by the council's board or officers appointed by the board. The council elects a board (called
5016-484: The 1600s, goldsmiths would deposit their reserve of treasure with the Exchequer, sanctioned by the government. Charles II "shut up" the Exchequer in 1672, forbidding payments from it, in what Walter Bagehot described as "one of those monstrous frauds... this monstrous robbery". This ruined the goldsmiths and the credit of the Stuart government, which would never recover it. In 1694, the credit of William III 's government
5130-656: The 1929 World Jamboree . Since 2016, the activity centre at Gilwell Park is run and managed by Scout Adventures following a re-branding of Scout Activity Centres. The centre offers outdoor and indoor adventure activities, as well as accommodation and camping for Scout and Guide groups, schools and other youth organisations. Activities provided by Scout Adventures at Gilwell Park include high rope activities, rock climbing, 3G swing, archery, rifle shooting, kayaking and raft building. Gilwell Park provides camping facilities for small groups and groups of more than 2,500 people. Facilities include: The Dorothy Hughes Pack Holiday Centre
5244-623: The 23rd year of the reign of Henry II which is the date of the Dialogue concerning the Exchequer , the Exchequer was split into two components: the purely administrative Exchequer of Receipt , which collected revenue, and the Exchequer of Pleas , a law court concerned with the King's revenue. Appeals were to the Court of Exchequer Chamber . Following the proclamation of Magna Carta , legislation
5358-461: The 25 years since girls were first welcomed in 1976. The organisation claims one of its biggest challenges is encouraging more adults to volunteer to reduce the number of young people on waiting lists (cited at around 40,000). However, by its reported figures (above) it has a high ratio of more than 1 adult volunteer to 4 participant young people (see above), and "young people" includes adults aged 18 to 25. The effort to attract new volunteers received
5472-632: The British Empire. In 1910, the organisation approved special uniforms for Sea Scouts and formally adopted use of the name in 1912. On 4 January 1912, the organisation was incorporated throughout the British Empire by Royal charter for "the purpose of instructing boys of all classes in the principles of discipline loyalty and good citizenship". The organisation's programme was originally just for boys aged between 11 and 18. However, many girls and younger boys wanted to join in. In 1910,
5586-478: The Buffalo Lawn behind the White House. The estate changed ownership more times but these families did not maintain the property and by 1900, it had fallen into disrepair. In 1911 local resident Reverend Cranshaw bought the estate; he was the last owner prior to The Boy Scouts Association. William de Bois Maclaren , a wealthy publisher and Scout Commissioner from Rosneath , Dumbartonshire, Scotland, suggested
5700-545: The Exchequer, and some taxes and levies were never recorded in the Pipe Rolls. Under Henry I, a procedure adopted for the audit involved the treasurer drawing up a summons to be sent to each sheriff , who was required to answer with an account of the income in his shire both from royal demesne lands and from the county farm (a form of local taxation). The chancellor of the Exchequer then questioned him concerning debts owed by private individuals. By 1176,
5814-484: The Exchequer, with some functions moved to other departments. The Exchequer became unnecessary as a revenue collecting department in 1834 with the reforms of Prime Minister William Pitt , who also served as Chancellor of the Exchequer. The government departments collecting revenue then paid it directly to the Bank of England , with all money previously paid to the Exchequer being credited to the Consolidated Fund . In 1866,
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#17327811526565928-626: The Gilwell Park Faith Walk, including a Buddhist sala, Jewish synagogue and an Islamic mosque. The sala was donated to Gilwell Park in 1967 by the Boy Scouts of Thailand and the Buddha statue was a gift from the Thai government and is over 1,000 years old. Thai ambassadors to the United Kingdom often visit the sala because it is their responsibility to care for it. The Gilwell Park mosque was established in 2015. Camp Square includes
6042-605: The Indian Police in 1922 to become a full-time Scout Association official. He was honoured with the Bronze Wolf Award in 1937, the only distinction of the World Organization of the Scout Movement . R.F. "John" Thurman was a British Scout Leader who served as Camp Chief from 1943 until 1969 and was awarded the Bronze Wolf Award in 1959. He was a strong promoter of Scout training and wrote books on
6156-443: The UK and the negative stereotype as being old fashioned. To keep up with trends and appeal to audience new generation, a new uniform, designed by Meg Andrew, was launched in 2001. The uniform included a variety of bold colours, with the younger sections wearing sweatshirts and activity trousers. In 2002 the organisation launched its new vision towards 2012, which heralded another period of change. The Venture Scouts programme
6270-401: The White House and other buildings. With a budget of £20,000,000 and individual contributions as high as £500,000, improvements to programs and facilities occurred in preparation for the 21st World Scout Jamboree in 2007, which was the 100th anniversary of Scouting, hosted at nearby Hylands Park , Chelmsford , with related activities held at Gilwell Park. Gilwell Park generates over £1,000,000
6384-718: The Wood Badge course. These leaders are henceforth called Wood Badgers or Gilwellians. Any location in which Wood Badgers meet is called Gilwell Field. Holders of the Wood Badge become members of the 1st Gilwell Park Scout Group, which meets every first weekend of September in Gilwell Park for the Gilwell Reunion. Captain Francis "Skipper" Gidney became the first Camp Chief in May 1919 and served until 1923. He organized
6498-683: The admission of girls to all the organisation's programmes became optional. Since 2007, this has been compulsory. As of 2018 , girls made up 71% of all new members, with approximately 2.5 girls for every boy. Girls also made up 27% of all the organisation's participants, with a total of 99,989 female participants, aged between 6 and 25. 69,460 adult women were involved in volunteer roles (being more than 1 adult female for every 2 female young people). The organisation's programmes are open to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and other (LGBTQA+) young people and adults. Religion The organisation's programmes are open to those of any religion or without
6612-575: The age sections and their respective programmes. The youngest section were now named Cubs , the Boy Scout section was renamed simply as the Scout section and the Senior Scouts and Rovers sections were replaced with Venture Scouts for 16- to 20-year-olds. The uniform were also changed with the inclusion of optional long trousers, as opposed to the compulsory wearing of shorts, and the wearing of
6726-484: The associations efforts, membership in the early years of the 2020s did not rise as quickly as they had expected, requiring further staff redundancies in April 2024 to cover missing membership fees. Announced as part of the Skills For Life strategic plan in May 2018, from 2019 the organisation trialled an early years programme section. The name initially chosen for the pilots, involving children aged 4–6 years,
6840-487: The board of trustees and formerly called the committee of the council), which manages the organisation, determines its " Policy, Organisation and Rules " (POR), nominates members of the council and makes all appointments within the organisation. The King is patron of the organisation. Its joint presidents are The Duke of Kent and The Princess of Wales . The council elects the organisation's Chief Scout . In September 2024, Bear Grylls , announced his resignation from
6954-568: The commitment to developing community impact, the organisation launched a three-year community impact project called "A Million Hands" to mobilise half a million Scouts to support four social issues chosen by their young people. Its aim is to build real and lasting relationships in communities that will enable young people to continue taking "social action" long into the future. The project works in partnership with six key charities; Mind , Alzheimer's Society , Leonard Cheshire Disability , Guide Dogs , Water Aid and Canal & River Trust to support
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#17327811526567068-609: The degradation of previous accommodation in The Den and Gilwellbury. The International Volunteer Lodge cost £1.2m to build, the funding for which came from the Jack Petchey Foundation and several private donors. The building is mostly timber framed with a large social space constructed using glulam beams and includes a two-storey sleeping area. This provides 26 double bedrooms and an accessible bedroom, all with en-suite facilities. The single storey social spaces include
7182-645: The early 1950s, some Boy Scouts were dismissed or marginalized in their Scout Groups due to their involvement with the Young Communist League or related communist activities – the most high-profile case being that of Paul Garland from Bristol in 1954 which resulted in media reports and a debate in the House of Lords, where the organisation's Chief Scout , Lord Rowallan , defended the organisation's political and religious discrimination based on foreign communist regimes' antipathy to Scout organisations and
7296-538: The early 1970s. The Gilwell Farmhouse is believed to date from the early 18th century, making it the oldest original building at Gilwell Park. It is composed of two buildings that were joined. There is a brick wellhead on the farm that is known as the Gil Well . A field adjoining the boundaries of Gilwell Park, known as Bill Oddie Field, affords dramatic views of the London skyline over Pole Hill , Chingford. The field
7410-497: The estate from this period, except a hole that was created by a bomb the Luftwaffe dropped. The hole was enlarged and is now used for swimming and canoeing. The purchase of Gilwellbury and adjoining land in 1945 allowed The Scout Association to close the original road and fully use Branchet Field. It was originally used for small retreats and conferences but is now used as staff accommodation. The Ministry of Education assisted in
7524-488: The estate on 17 April 1919. Maclaren was a frequent visitor to Gilwell Park and helped repair the buildings and donated another £3,000. An official opening was planned for 19 July 1919 but was delayed until 26 July so Scouts could participate in the Official Peace Festival commemorating the end of the First World War . Invitations were changed by hand to save money. Maclaren's interest had been to provide
7638-522: The first Wood Badge training and contributed to setting up Gilwell Park as the Scouters' training centre. The Gidney Cabin was built and named in his honour in 1929 to serve as a training centre. The second Camp Chief was John Skinner Wilson , who served from 1923 until 1939. Wilson had been an Indian Imperial Police colonel when he became a Scout Leader in 1917. In 1921 he travelled to Gilwell Park to take leader training, which led to his retirement from
7752-776: The formation of the Baden-Powell Scouts' Association . Several developments were made over the following years, including the admission of girls, initially restricted to the Venture Scouts section in 1976, but from 1991 junior sections were allowed to become mixed as well, starting in Bradford, West Yorkshire and working its way throughout the UK. Parents of children involved with the organisation in Northern Ireland also began to organise activities for children who were too young for Cubs. Initially, only
7866-492: The four key issues of dementia, disability, mental wellbeing and resilience and clean water and sanitation. Also in 2015, Dr Ann Limb was appointed chair of the organisation, the first woman to hold the post. Already Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE), Limb was appointed Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) in the 2022 Birthday Honours for services to young people and philanthropy. In September 2016, Tim Kidd replaced Wayne Bulpitt as
7980-468: The judicial and the administrative roles were never completely separated as with the English Exchequer. In 1707, the Exchequer Court (Scotland) Act 1707 ( 6 Ann. c. 53) reconstituted the Exchequer into a law court on the English model, with a lord chief baron and four barons. The court adopted English forms of procedure and had further powers added. This was done in Section 19 of the Act of Union 1707 From 1832, no new barons were appointed; their role
8094-534: The land that would become Gilwell Park. Between 1407 and 1422, Crow sold the land to Richard Rolfe and the area became known as Gillrolfes; "Gill" being Old English for glen . Following Rolfe's death in 1422, different sections of the property came to be called "Great Gilwell" and "Little Gilwell." The two areas were named after the Old English "wella" ( spring ). A farmhouse has stood at Gilwell Farm ever since. Around this time, Richard Osbourne purchased an adjoining 5.6 ha (14 acres) property and in 1442, he built
8208-411: The largest drop in numbers since 1941. The financial situation of the association declined during the pandemic and in the aftermath, necessitating the selling of an activity centre and hostel and 150 staff being made redundant. Additionally, a recruitment campaign for 10,000 volunteer leaders was launched to replace volunteers who departed and build capacity for the high demand from young people. Despite
8322-416: The leaders of these activities, nicknamed Beavers , were registered and organisation officials, with the children participating not being enrolled by the organisation until it formally adopted the programme in 1986. In the late 1990s, a Muslim Scout Fellowship was formed, which by the end of 2007, had assisted the establishment of 13 Muslim Scout Groups in England and Wales. Despite these and other changes,
8436-617: The organisation celebrated the centenary of its Cub section , named Cubs100. The centenary celebrations marked the launch of the fully developed Wolf Cub programme on 16 December 2016, a date which is regarded as the "official birthday of Cubs". Adventurer Steve Backshall was appointed Cubs100 Ambassador to raise the profile of the anniversary year. A range of events took place throughout 2016, from adventure camps to locally organised "promise parties" on 16 December itself, at which Cubs renewed their promises. One promise [arty in Kings Lynn
8550-408: The organisation for "moving with the times" and others feeling the changes went "against the Scouting ethos of Baden-Powell". Further changes took place in 2003 when the organisation's Adult Training Scheme was relaunched to be more focused and targeted to the volunteers individual role as opposed to the more general training received before. The organisation also began to change in its focus, with
8664-599: The organisation in Northern Ireland. The name is also recognised by many due to its links to the popular children's programme Hey Duggee . Squirrels wear a red sweatshirt uniform and meet in Dreys organised within Scout groups. The initial 200 dreys were targeted to areas previously under-served by the organisation including diverse areas and those comprising a high number of low income households. The organisation consists of between just 300 and 500 members, called
8778-557: The organisation introduced the role of its national youth commissioner. The organisation's national youth commissioner works with its national leadership team; its chief executive, its Chief Scout, its chief commissioner and its chair of the board of trustees, to contribute to discussions on behalf of youths and ensuring key changes are subject to youth consultation. Counties and district units were encouraged to appoint their own youth commissioners for young people to have an opportunity to influence their activities. In October 2015, as part of
8892-582: The organisation launched an online package of activities called "the Great Indoors" and a national fund raising campaign called "Hike to the Moon" in aid of those affected by the crisis, as well as online briefings for adult leaders. Despite these initiatives, in May 2021 it was announced that enrolment numbers had fallen by over 100,000 (from 480,083 to 362,752), with the number of adult leaders falling from 156,000 in 2020 to just under 141,000, reported to be
9006-639: The organisation launched its Air Scout branch, allowing Scout Troops to specialise in activities related to aircraft and flying. The organisation continued to be headed by Baden-Powell, as its Chief Scout and chairman for life until he retired to Kenya in 1938 where he died on 8 January 1941. The organisation then appointed Lord Somers as its Chief Scout. Starting in 1944, the Scout International Relief Service (SIRS) sent teams of Rovers and Scouters to continental Europe to provide humanitarian aid ; ten SIRS teams worked at
9120-451: The organisation's chief commissioner. Kidd has been involved with the organisation his whole life, starting as a Cub and then as a volunteer, in various leadership roles including Scout leader, district commissioner and county commissioner. In the 2016 Birthday Honours , Kidd was appointed an OBE for services to young people. Kidd's term will end in September 2021, with applications open for a replacement in September 2020. Throughout 2016,
9234-427: The organisation's enrolments fell into a decline through the 1990s. This spurred a major review into the causes of the decline in 1999. The organisation found itself competing for young people's time against many other extracurricular activities and schools themselves which were increasingly venturing into the same types of activities. In addition, adult leaders became concerned with the growing litigation culture in
9348-606: The organisation's policy and Scout Promise requiring adherence to an organised religion and not accepting atheists. The matter was withdrawn without a division , and it took 60 more years for the organisation to change its discriminatory policy and accept atheists. In 1957, to commemorate fifty years of Scouting and the centenary of Baden-Powell's birth, the organisation hosted the 9th World Scout Jamboree , which took place at Sutton Park in Birmingham . The organisation's programmes went largely unchanged until it underwent
9462-489: The participants of the European Scout Region . As of 2024 , the organisation claimed to provide activities to 444,682 infants to youths (aged 4–18) in the UK, with 83,792 direct adults leaders but 68,974 adults in "governance", "support" and other roles, which is more than one adult for each 3 children. The organisation's participation declined 22% from 464,700 in 2018 and has not recovered despite commencing
9576-542: The phased roll out of the section over a period of years until it was in a position to introduce the section formally, now under the name Squirrels , in September 2021. The name was chosen after field testing in communities underrepresented in the organisation's programmes, and because of the support of the Northern Ireland Squirrel Association that subsequently merged into the organisation after 25 years of independent operation alongside
9690-413: The property in 1793. They soon shocked the populace by renaming Osborne Hall to "Gilwell Hall". William Chinnery expanded Gilwell's land holdings through significant purchases over 15 years and with his wife, transformed it into a country estate with gardens, paths and statues. Parts of the garden, paths and dwelling modifications existed into the 21st century. William Chinnery was exposed as the embezzler of
9804-450: The purchase. After the war, The Boy Scouts Association bought adjoining land to increase the estate and protect it from rapidly approaching new developments. These areas are called The Quick, New Field and Hilly Field. An additional purchase and a donation from South Africa in the early 1950s brought the estate to its present size. Camping facilities for Scouts were extended until the early 1960s. Training and sleeping facilities were added in
9918-459: The rapidly growing number of Scout patrols and troops, which had already formed spontaneously following the publication of Scouting for Boys and The Scout magazine in 1908. It was also the wish of Robert Baden-Powell to separate control of the Scout Movement from his book's publisher. It was felt it was not given the status it deserved, as the publisher C. Arthur Pearson controlled much of Scouts. The organisation grew and spread to much of
10032-431: The recently relieved Bergen-Belsen concentration camp . After years of trial schemes, in 1946, the organisation launched its Senior Scout programme for Boy Scouts aged fifteen to eighteen years to form separate patrols or troops, with age appropriate activities and badges. Scouts were prominent in their support of the 1948 Summer Olympics , playing leading roles in the open and closing ceremonies at Wembley Stadium and
10146-542: The resemblance of the table to a chess board (French: échiquier ) as it was covered by a black cloth bearing green stripes of about the breadth of a human hand in a chequer-pattern . The spaces represented pounds, shillings and pence. The term Exchequer then came to refer to the twice-yearly meetings held at Easter and Michaelmas , at which government financial business was transacted and an audit held of sheriffs ' returns. The operation of an exchequer in Normandy
10260-419: The role. The organisation's Chief Commissioner, currently Carl Hankinson, acts as its Deputy Chief Scout and appoints a team of commissioners who are responsible for programmes in their respective fields. The board employ paid staff to implement their directions and policies. The chief executive, currently Aidan Jones October 2024, manages the work of the headquarters staff. In 2014, the organisation created
10374-433: The roles of Youth Commissioner and Deputy Youth Commissioner to work with the national leadership team to advocate on behalf of youth participants. Exchequer In the civil service of the United Kingdom , His Majesty's Exchequer , or just the Exchequer , is the accounting process of central government and the government's current account (i.e., money held from taxation and other government revenues ) in
10488-457: The running of its centres. Scout Adventures at Gilwell Park has between 20 and 50 volunteers, who stay for a maximum of one year and are provided with accommodation in return for their work. These volunteers are trained to run activity sessions for guests, carry out maintenance and improvement works on the site and provide customer service. A purpose-built accommodation building was opened in 2016 to house an increasing number of volunteers following
10602-466: The sailing events at Torbay . The first Bob a Job Week took place in April 1949, in which Scouts did small tasks for the public in return for a " bob " - colloquial name for the shilling coin (5 new pence) - to raise funds for the organisation and for C. Arthur Pearson's fund for the blind. Over the organisation's history, some boys had been challenged to justify their enrolment because of their own or even their parents' religious or political beliefs. In
10716-464: The same day, with a particular remit to support volunteers, grow and develop the organisation. The organisation hosted several major events during this time including EuroJam in 2005, hosting 10,000 Scouts and Guides from 40 countries, the 21st World Scout Jamboree in 2007 as well as playing a major role in the centenary celebrations of Scouting that same year, with celebration events organised on Brownsea Island . By 2010, census figures showed
10830-562: The strategy and change the then 17-year-old logo. The major changes included a new typeface for documents and literature from the organisation, new colours with an updated corporate logo. This was introduced to the organisation on a two-year transition period. As a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic , in March 2020, the organisation's face-to-face activities were suspended and weekly meetings had to be delivered through Zoom . To support this,
10944-543: The subject. The Thurman Memorial stands near The Pigsty. Thurman was succeeded by John Huskin as director of leader training. Don Potter (1902–2004) was an English sculptor and wood carver who was a lifelong staff member at Gilwell Park, serving as a Gilwell Master Craftsman. Potter created wood carvings at Gilwell Park, including the Jim Green Gate, Gidney Cabin, the Leopard Gates and totems he carved for
11058-530: The territorial designation in his peerage title 1st Baron Baden-Powell of Gilwell in 1929. The symbol of the axe in the log is associated with feudalism that was instituted after the invasion and conquest of England by William the Conqueror . In that era, property, including forests, were owned by the landed barons and knights. Serfs were forbidden to cut wood from trees in the forest and only permitted to gather fallen wood. A freeman who carried an axe in
11172-480: The two exchequers' foundings remains unknown. It is unknown exactly when the Exchequer was established, but the earliest mention appears in a royal writ of 1110 during the reign of King Henry I . The oldest surviving Pipe Roll is that of 1130 (already in mature form, indicating that such records existed for some time beforehand, though they do not survive). Pipe Rolls form a mostly continuous record of royal revenues and taxation; however, not all revenue went into
11286-464: Was Hedgehogs and involved a programme funded by the Department for Education and delivered either as an organisation-led programme, a parent-led programme or a partner-led early years programme. The aim of the pilot was to explore early years provision with children of this age and determine whether this is a route the organisation should take. The organisation decided to proceed with the pilot and
11400-518: Was a regular visitor. George III's seventh son Prince Adolphus became a family friend, lived at Gilwell for a while and tutored the Chinnerys' eldest son George. In 1815, Gilpin Gorst bought the estate at public auction and his son sold it to Thomas Usborne in 1824. When London Bridge was replaced in 1826, Usborne bought pieces of the stone balustrades , which date to 1209 and erected them around
11514-645: Was abolished under the Supreme Court of Judicature Act (Ireland) 1877 and was merged, along with the Court of King's Bench (Ireland) , the Court of Chancery (Ireland) and the Court of Common Pleas (Ireland) , into the new High Court of Justice in Ireland (now replaced by the High Court ). The Central Fund , the Republic of Ireland's equivalent of the UK's Consolidated Fund, is colloquially called
11628-561: Was also named Margaret (1750 – c.1844), Tresilian drew up a detailed prenuptial agreement with Fawson's father. By the time of Tresilian's death in 1792, the younger Margaret had married William Bassett Chinnery (1766–1834), the elder brother of painter George Chinnery . The Chinnerys were wealthy and influential. William Chinnery's father, who was also named William, owned trading ships and named one Gilwell in 1800. William and Margaret Chinnery initially lived in London and after three years of marriage they inherited Gilwell in 1792 and moved to
11742-484: Was attended by the Duchess of Cambridge. In May 2018, the organisation announced a new 'Skills For Life' strategy as its focus to 2023. Its objectives are similar (with the same outcomes of growth, inclusivity, youth shaped Scouting and community impact) , however there is now more of a framework to develop and achieve the objectives . Alongside the new strategy launch, the organisation launched new branding to support
11856-460: Was built in 1750, is timber framed. It was extended in 1830 and in the 1960s. The exterior is covered in hung slates, which caused extensive damage to the original frame, which required extensive repairs in 1994. The 1797 chimneys are pointed to stop birds nesting and draw smoke up from the fire. The lawn in front of the building was the house's original turning circle and the road was once a thoroughfare from Chingford to Waltham Abbey. The White House
11970-484: Was built in 1950 as a first-aid centre but later became a volunteer-run cottage hospital for visitors and the local community. It housed a six-bed ward, isolation room, dental surgery, X-ray room and operating theatre. In the late 1980s, the building became volunteer accommodation until it was decommissioned in 2016 with the opening of the International Volunteer Lodge. As of 2022, the building
12084-478: Was built in 1970. It is named after a Cub Scout Leader from East London who wished to see a purpose-built facility for Cub Scout holidays. The centre can sleep 40 people, primarily in dormitory-style rooms with smaller rooms for use by group leaders. Branchet Lodge, named after the field upon which it is sited, opened on 23 May 2003 to replace portable cabins. Branchet Lodge is a single storey building that has central heating and sleeps up to 56 people in two wings with
12198-449: Was discontinued and two new sections were introduced: Scout Network for 18- to 25-year-olds, as well as Explorer Scouts for 14- to 18-year-olds. A new programme was introduced, complete with a new range of badges and awards covering a wider variety of topics such as Public Relations and Information Technology, developing practical and employability skills. The new badges drew mixed reactions from several public figures, with some praising
12312-510: Was enacted whereby the Exchequer would maintain the realm's prototypes for the yard and pound . These nominal standards were, however, only infrequently enforced on the localities around the kingdom. From the late 1190s to the expulsion of the Jews in 1290, there was a separate division for taxation of Jews and the law-cases arising between Jews and Christians, called Exchequer of the Jews (Latin: Scaccarium Judaeorum ). Through most of
12426-467: Was followed by some other Scout organisations, and, therefore, Gilwell Park has taken on importance to other Scout organisations. Gilwell Park has a number of camping fields, indoor accommodation, historical sites, Scouting monuments and outdoor adventure activities. It can accommodate up to 10,000 people and regularly does so. It is also used by schools and other youth organisations and hosts social events such as weddings and birthday parties. Gilwell Park
12540-610: Was increasingly assumed by judges of the Court of Session . By the Exchequer Court (Scotland) Act 1856 ( 19 & 20 Vict. c. 56), the Exchequer became a part of the Court of Session. A lord ordinary acts as a judge in Exchequer causes. The English forms of process ceased to be used in 1947. The Exchequer of Ireland developed in 1210 when King John of England reorganized the governance of his Lordship of Ireland and brought it more in line with English law. It consisted of
12654-547: Was named after a table used to perform calculations for taxes and goods in the medieval period. According to the Dialogus de Scaccario ('Dialogue concerning the Exchequer'), an early medieval work describing the practice of the Exchequer, the table was large, 10 feet by 5 feet with a raised edge or "lip" on all sides of about the height of four fingers to ensure that nothing fell off it, upon which counters were placed representing various values. The name Exchequer referred to
12768-761: Was named in 2006 after employees of The Scout Association saw television ornithologist Bill Oddie recording a programme there. During the 1970s, the Dorothy Hughes Pack Holiday Centre for Cub Scouts and the Colquhoun International Centre for training Scouters – which was originally called The International Hall of Friendship – were built. In the 1980s, the White House was extensive remodelled. In April 2001, The Scout Association moved its program staff from London to Gilwell Park, where its training staff were already located. Extensive renovations were done to
12882-519: Was present at an early training course at Gilwell Park. The weather vane on the roof depicts Dick Turpin , who was rumoured to live on the site. Close to the estate entrance, The Lodge was built in 1934 as the Camp Chief's home; this was succeeded by the Director of Programme and Development. The building is now used to accommodate Scout Association staff and host internal meetings. Gilwell Farm
12996-520: Was so bad in London that it could not borrow, which led to the foundation of the Governor and Company of the Bank of England . The records of the Exchequer were kept in the Pell Office , adjacent to Westminster Hall , until the 19th century. The office was named after the skins (then "pells" or pelts) from which the rolls were made. In the 19th century, a number of reforms reduced the role of
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