Scouting in East of England facts for kids
Scouting in the East of England is all about the fun and adventure of Scouting in this part of the United Kingdom. Most Scout groups here are part of The Scout Association. There are also some groups from other Scouting traditions, like the Baden-Powell Scouts' Association.
Students at universities like Cambridge, University of East Anglia, Essex, and Hertfordshire also have their own Scout and Guide clubs. These clubs are part of the Student Scout and Guide Organisation (SSAGO).
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History of Scouting in the East of England
Scouting has a long history in the East of England. The 1st Bury St Edmunds Scout Group has a certificate from February 5, 1908. They believe they are the oldest Scout Group still active in England.
Other early groups include 1st Southwold Scout Group, started in 1908 in Suffolk. Also in Suffolk, 1st Reydon and 1st Wrentham groups began in 1908. In Norfolk, 1st Norwich Sea Scouts and 1st Dereham Scout Group also claim to have started in 1908.
Hertfordshire was the first organized Scout County. It was set up by Sir Percy Winn Everett at the request of Baden-Powell. The very first Hertfordshire Scout Troop started on February 20, 1908.
A huge event, the 21st World Scout Jamboree, happened in Chelmsford, Essex. It celebrated 100 years of Scouting. This big gathering took place from July 27 to August 8, 2007.
Scout Association Counties
The person in charge of Scouting for the whole East of England region is Matt Mills. The Scout Association in this area is organized into six different Scout Counties.
Bedfordshire Scout County
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Bedfordshire Scout County helps young people and adults enjoy Scouting in Bedfordshire. This includes areas like Bedford, Luton, and Dunstable.
The badge for Bedfordshire Scouts shows a red falcon on a yellow background. This design started in the 1980s. Before that, the badge had a silver or gold falcon on a green background.
Bedfordshire has two County Scout Networks for older Scouts. It also has five Local Scout Networks. The county is split into nine Scout Districts. These districts help organize local Scout groups.
In January 2012, there were 6,271 members in Bedfordshire Scout County.
Cambridgeshire Scout County
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Cambridgeshire Scout County offers Scouting for young people and adults in the Cambridgeshire area. You can find more information on their County website.
In April 2007, Scouts in Peterborough were given the Freedom of the City. This was the first time Scouts in Britain received such an award!
The Cambridgeshire Scout badge is shaped like a shield, which is different from most other rectangular badges. The symbols on the badge represent towns in the county. For example, the cross-keys stand for Peterborough.
The county has eight Scout Districts. The current County Commissioner for Cambridgeshire is Chris Ward. In 2020, Cambridgeshire Scout County had about 5,550 young people and 2,200 adults as members.
CamJam
CamJam is a big jamboree event for Scouts in Cambridgeshire. In 2006, it moved to the Huntingdon Racecourse. This was the fifth CamJam organized by Cambridgeshire Scout County.
At CamJam 2006, there were many exciting activities. These included go-karts, a skate park, an ice rink, and a planetarium. Scouts could also try climbing, caving, and hot air balloon rides. Other activities were archery, rifle shooting, and model aircraft.
CamJam returned to Huntingdon Racecourse from July 27 to August 3, 2019. Plans are being made for the next CamJam in 2023.
Essex Scout County
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Essex Scout County is a Scout County of The Scout Association in the United Kingdom.
Chelmsford in Essex hosted the 21st World Scout Jamboree from July 27 to August 8, 2007. By 2007, Essex Scouting had 16,000 members across the county.
The main office for Essex Scouts is at the Thriftwood Training Centre.
The badge for Essex Scouts shows three short swords called "Seaxes." This design comes from the old symbols of the county of Essex.
The county is split into 19 Scout Districts. The current County Commissioner is Bob Bye. In January 2020, Essex Scout County had 15,700 young people and 4,335 adults.
Essex International Jamboree
The Essex International Jamboree (EIJ) first took place in 1927. The founder of Scouting, Sir Robert Baden-Powell, even visited it! Essex has held jamborees every four years since 1952.
From 1996 to 2008, the jamboree was at Devereux Farm. A new site was set up in 2012 at Boyton Cross near Roxwell, Chelmsford. This was because of coastal erosion and flood risks at the old site. The EIJ is organized by Essex Scouts and the Guide Counties of Essex.
The Essex International Jamboree 2008 took place from July 26 to August 2. Over 8,000 participants and 2,000 staff attended. They came from 30 different countries, including Canada, Germany, and the USA. Another 4,000 people, including Cub Scouts and Brownies, visited on the open day.
The theme for 2008 was "The World's Endangered Animals." It focused on 'green issues' like recycling and making global connections. The camp was divided into 10 sub-camps, each named after an endangered animal. All these animals could be found at the nearby Colchester Zoo. Each sub-camp even adopted an animal at the zoo!
The 2012 EIJ at Boyton Cross had over 8,000 Scouts and Guides and 1,500 adult volunteers. The 2016 EIJ, with the theme "Our Changing World," had about 10,000 Scouts and Guides and 2,000 volunteers. The 2020 EIJ was canceled due to the Coronavirus outbreak. The next Essex International Jamboree is planned for July 27 to August 3, 2024.
Hertfordshire Scout County
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Hertfordshire Scout County is a Scout County of The Scout Association in the United Kingdom. It covers the county of Hertfordshire.
The badge for Hertfordshire Scouts shows a hart (a type of deer) on a blue background. This design comes from the symbols of the county of Hertfordshire.
They even have a Falke SF25C motor glider. It is kept at the Cambridge Gliding Centre.
There are 18 Scout Districts in Hertfordshire. In January 2017, Hertfordshire Scout County had 14,434 young members, including 3,106 girls. There were also 4,518 adult leaders.
Hertfordshire Scouts Peak Assault
Herts Peak Assault is a fun challenge for Explorer and Network Scouts. It tests their navigation and teamwork skills. It is held in a different location each year. Groups must find their way around and visit 'checkpoints' within a set time.
Some past locations include:
- 2006: Howgill Fells, Cumbria
- 2007: Northern Fells, Cumbria
- 2008: Llanthony, Black Mountains, Wales
- 2009: Abercraf, Black Mountains, Wales
Norfolk Scout County
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Norfolk Scout County is a Scout County of The Scout Association in the United Kingdom. It covers the county of Norfolk.
Norfolk even has its own Scout Canoe Team!
The badge for Norfolk Scouts shows a shield from the Norfolk county's coat of arms. The current badge has a light green background. Older versions were black.
Norfolk Scout County is divided into eight Scout Districts.
Norfolk International Jamboree
In 1960, the Norfolk Boy Scouts International Jamboree at Sennowe Park got attention because 50 "European refugees" attended.
The 12th Norfolk International Jamboree (NorJam) was held at the Royal Norfolk Showground. It took place from Saturday, July 29, to Saturday, August 5, 2006.
About 5,000 participants and staff attended NorJam 2006. They came from 17 different countries, including Austria, Australia, and the USA. Three Guides received their Queen's Guide Award during the camp. The Jamboree even had a Christmas celebration on Thursday, August 3! Other activities included scuba diving, horse-riding, and sailing.
The theme for 2006 was "Around The World In Seven Days." Each sub-camp was named after a famous landmark. The event also focused on important topics like recycling and building global connections.
In 2010, the NorJam theme was "The Modern World." Sub-camps were named after new ideas or issues in society. The 2018 theme was "Decades of Fun," with sub-camps named after decades from the 1940s to the 2000s.
NorJam happens every four years. The 2022 event was canceled due to COVID-19 Pandemic concerns. The next NorJam is planned for 2026.
Norfolk Air Scouts Centre
Norfolk Scouts used to own a Vickers Valetta aircraft, XV580. It was used as an Air Scout activity center at Norwich Airport. This aircraft is now owned by the Norfolk & Suffolk Aviation Museum.
Sea Scout vessels
Several Sea Scout groups operate in Norfolk. MTB 102, a motor torpedo boat from the Second World War, was owned by 1st Blofield and Brundall Sea Scout Group from 1973 to 1995.
Suffolk Scout County
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Suffolk Scout County is a Scout County of The Scout Association in the United Kingdom. It covers most of the county of Suffolk. However, Scout Groups in Newmarket are part of Cambridgeshire Scout County.
The badge for Suffolk Scouts shows a crown with two arrows crossing through it. This symbol comes from the old symbols of Suffolk. The pierced crown is a reminder of Saint Edmund, who was killed by the Danes in 849.
The county is divided into eight Scout Districts. In 2012, Suffolk Scout County had "over 6,000 young people aged 6-25" as members.
Baden-Powell Scout Association
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The East Anglia Area is part of the Baden-Powell Scouts' Association. This association has groups in Norfolk, like the Fakenham Lancaster B-P Air Scouts. They also have the Four Feathers B-P Scouts and other groups in nearby counties.
The badge for the Baden-Powell Scouts East Anglia Area shows the symbols of the Wuffingas Dynasty on a shield. The Wuffingas were the ruling family of the East Angles. Their last king was Saint Edmund, who was killed in 849.
Campsites
Scouting in the East of England has many great campsites and activity centers. These places offer lots of outdoor fun and learning opportunities.
Bedfordshire Campsites
Bedfordshire Scout Association County has a large campsite and training center. There are also three District campsites and three group campsites.
- The Leslie Sell County Scout Training and Activity Centre. This campsite is near Bromham, about 4 miles (6 km) northwest of Bedford. It has 8 acres (3 hectares) of open fields and 18 acres (7 hectares) of woodland. This offers many different places to camp. The site also has buildings for sleeping and training. Activities include pioneering, archery, and air rifle shooting.
District Campsites
- Boyd Campsite, in Henlow, run by Biggleswade District.
- Jordans Close Scout Activity Centre, in Great Barford, run by Bedford District.
- Milton Bryan Campsite, in Milton Bryan, run by Ampthill & Woburn District.
Cambridgeshire Campsites
There are 9 campsites and buildings you can hire across Cambridgeshire. You can find all the details on the County website.
Essex Campsites
Essex has several campsites, including:
- Thriftwood County Training Centre.
- Thriftwood Scout Camp & Activity Centre: This 76-acre (31-hectare) site near Brentwood opened in 1957. It is owned and managed by several Scout Districts.
- Belchamps Scout Centre: This 30-acre (12-hectare) site near Hawkwell is managed by four Scout Association Districts.
- Skreens Park. This is the Essex County Scout Council Campsite and Activity Centre. It is about 5 miles (8 km) west of Chelmsford. The site has 52 acres (21 hectares) of old parkland. It is close to Hylands Park, which hosted the 2005 European Scout Jamboree and the 21st World Scout Jamboree. Skreens Park has hosted "GiGa Camp," a weekend activity camp for Scouts and Guides, with over 1,300 participants in 2006.
- Thorrington Scout Camp is owned by Colchester Estuary District Scouts. It opened in 1937 and has 27 acres (11 hectares) of woodland. It is about 7 miles (11 km) from Colchester.
Hertfordshire Campsites
Hertfordshire County Scout Council owns four activity centers in Hertfordshire and one in Scotland.
- Tolmers Scout Camp & Activity Centre. Tolmers is near Cuffley in Hertfordshire. It offers camping and activities for Scouts and Guides. Schools and other youth groups also use it. The campsite covers 40 hectares (99 acres) of countryside. This includes 12 hectares (30 acres) of woodland and 28 hectares (69 acres) of meadow with a small lake called Berts Pool. The lake is used for water activities. Besides camping areas, there are three buildings for sleeping and training. Activities include orienteering, climbing, archery, and air rifle shooting. Tolmers is about 20 km (12 miles) north of London.
History of Tolmers Scout Camp and Activity Centre The land for Tolmers was bought in 1939 to create a ring of Scout Headquarters campsites around London. It cost £4,600. It officially opened on May 11, 1940. About 800 Scouts and visitors attended, even with wartime rules. Baron Wigram opened the site. Sir Percy Winn Everett read a letter from Lord Baden-Powell. Soon after, the Ministry of Food took over most of the site for defense works.
After the war, Tolmers continued to grow. All the land was returned by the end of the 1950s. It was very popular with Scout troops from North London. They often came by train to Cuffley Station, pulling their gear in trek carts. By 1970, modern toilets were installed. Work also started on a hut for Cub Scouts.
Bert Longdon, the camp warden from 1964, dreamed of creating a small lake. In 1976, he got permission to build a pond for canoe training. Bert died in 1977, but the lake was finished as a memorial to him. The first Scouts canoed on it at Easter 1980.
In January 1953, Scots pine trees were planted in the Main Field. They were shaped like the new Queen's cypher; EIIR. Even after storms in 1987 and 1990, the shape is still clear.
- Phasels Wood Scout Camp & Activity Centre
Phasels Wood is between Kings Langley and Hemel Hempstead. You can get there from the A41 road, near Junction 19 of the M25 motorway. The campsite covers 95 acres (38 hectares). This includes 30 acres (12 hectares) of meadow, 30 acres (12 hectares) of woodland, and a 35-acre (14 hectares) field. Scout Headquarters bought Phasels Wood in 1937. It opened on May 30 that year. Management of the site moved to Hertfordshire Scout County in 1987. In May 1991, a new climbing tower opened. It cost £117,500 and was the tallest in England at the time. In 1995, another 10 acres (4 hectares) were added.
- Well End Scout Activity Centre
This center is in Well End, between Borehamwood and Shenley. It has 5 acres (2 hectares) of camping fields and 4 acres (2 hectares) of woodland. Well End is the training center for Hertfordshire Scouts. It opened on June 3, 1933. Lord Baden-Powell later visited and planted a horse chestnut tree.
- Harmergreen Wood near Welwyn is a 44-acre (18-hectare) site. It has 15 camping glades in old woodland and an 18-bed indoor facility.
- Lochearnhead Wild Country Centre is in Scotland. It is in the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. It used to be the Lochearnhead railway station. Now it can host up to 90 people as a base for adventures in the hills.
Some smaller Scout campsites in Hertfordshire are run by Scout Districts. These include:
- Lees Wood near Rickmansworth. It has 7 acres (3 hectares) of camping ground and 47 acres (19 hectares) of woodland. It also has a 28-bed pack holiday center. Watford North District Scouts run it.
- Wymondley Wood Scout and Guide Centre near Willian. It has 4 acres (2 hectares) of campsite with access to a 20-acre (8-hectare) woodland. It also has a 42-bed building. The center opened in May 2003. Letchworth and Baldock District Scout Council and Letchworth Garden City Guides run it together.
Norfolk Campsites
Norfolk has many Scout campsites. The Scout Association County publishes a directory of them. These include:
- Eaton Vale Scout and Guide Activity Centre.
- Two Mile Bottom, in Thetford Forest, run by Norfolk County Scouts.
- Garvestone, run by Central Norfolk District.
There is also an independent site at County School railway station. It is run by the Mid-Norfolk Railway. Both The Scout Association and the Baden-Powell Scouts' Association have used it.
Suffolk Campsites
There are several campsites in Suffolk, including:
- Hallowtree Scout Camp, near Ipswich.
- Herringfleet Scout Campsite, in Ashby.
Gang Shows
Gang Shows are fun musical performances put on by Scouts and Guides. They are a great way to show off talents and raise money.
Here are some Gang Shows in the East of England:
- Colchester Gang Show.
- Billericay, Wickford and Basildon Gang Show, started in 1984.
- Cambridge Gang Show is an annual event.
- Chelmsford Gang Show, started in 1957.
- Ipswich Scouts and Guides Gang Show.
- Letchworth and Baldock District Gang Show.
- Peterborough Gang Show, started in 1947. They celebrated their 60th show in 2007.
- St Albans Scout & Guide Gang Show - started in 1980.
- Southend Gang Show - started in 2011.
- Southend Scout and Guide Gang Show, started in 1966.
- Thurrock Gang Show, started in 1968.
- Harpenden & Wheathampstead District Gang Show - started in 1949. This is one of the longest continuously running Gang Shows in the world! Their 2013 show was their 64th in a row.
Images for kids
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A Rover Scout from the Baden-Powell Scouts' Association.
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Air Scouts from the Baden-Powell Scouts' Association in July 2008.
