Scouting History on Brownsea Island

Scouting History on Brownsea Island article & photos by Pamela Green

On 1st August 1907 twenty boys pitched their tents on Brownsea Island, little realizing how important and far-reaching this event would be. Lord Baden-Powell's experimental camp, based on scouting skills learnt in the army during the Boer War, set the foundations for the Scouting and Guiding movements today.

The island is now owned by the National Trust. My husband Michael and I found out about it when we were visiting Pool Harbour. When we heard about the history of the island, and of how you could visit the Nature Reserve by ferry we decided to try it.

Lord Baden-Powell was famous for his success during the Boer War, using boys to assist the troops during the Siege of Mafeking. He introduced some of the scouting and military skills to young boys back at home. He was keen to hold an experimental camp to test out some of his ideas and when Charles van Raalte invited him to hold it on Brownsea Island he agreed. Lord Baden-Powell valued the outdoors and nature, and planned his eight-day camp to reflect this. The boys were all from mixed backgrounds; the Boys Brigade, in Poole and Bournemouth and some from public schools.

Soon after his experimental camp, Lord BadenPowell published his book 'Scouting for Boys'. In 1910, and with the help of his sister Agnes, Girl Guiding was launched to meet the increasing demand from girls wanting to join in. By the time Lord Baden-Powell died in 1941, the Scouting movement had grown into an international organisation. It now has over 40 million Scouts and 10 million Guides worldwide.

After the death of Charles van Raalte, his wife Florence stayed on Brownsea until 1925 when it passed to Mary Bonham-Christie. She allowed a Scout camp of 500 people in 1932 to celebrate their silver jubilee, but after that camps were no longer permitted until the National Trust took ownership in 1963. The island was officially re-opened by Lady Baden-Powell and the camp area was cleared and re-opened. In 1967, a commemorative stone was erected near the campsite and today it is still a popular site for enrolments and investitures. The National Trust reopened the original campsite and regular camps began again. Today, Scouts and Guides from around 75 different countries visit the island every year.

We found daily talks about nature, family trails, even electric buggy tours for the less mobile. Wildlife spotters are told to keep an eye open for the red squirrels, but with 180 scouts on the island that day all the squirrels were in hiding; however we did see lots of different birds especially peacocks which roamed everywhere. Outdoor activities run throughout the year, with archery, den building, and learning to be a ranger for the day.

families. At the small port you will find toilet facilities and a superb cafe serving all kinds of delicious food, plus some gifts. There is also a small museum and a church. To find out more check out the website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ brownseaisland or call 01202 707744, and enjoy the lovely island of Brownsea.

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