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A new exhibition opens at Epping Forest District Museum in August telling the story of Scouting’s 100 years of helping people have adventures and learn new skills at Gilwell Park, located in the heart of Epping Forest.
The exhibition will explore how Gilwell Park came to be regarded as the spiritual home of Scouting and how this quiet corner of Epping Forest become known around the globe.
Images and objects from The Scouts Heritage Collection, which are usually kept in storage, will be on display for the first time. This includes items owned by The Scouts Founder, Robert Baden-Powell; e.g. the first Wood Badge presented by Baden-Powell in September 1919 and the Kudu Horn he brought back from Africa and used at the experimental Brownsea Island Scout Camp in 1907.
- When: Saturday 10 August – Saturday 12 October
- Where: Epping Forest District Museum, 39 – 41 Sun Street, Waltham Abbey, EN9 1EL
- Time: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 10 am – 4 pm, Saturday 10 am – 5 pm
- Free entry, donations are gratefully received
The Gilwell Scouting story began as the world recovered from the First World War. Over 46,000 young people had joined the Cubs and Scouts during the war leading to a boom in demand. However, the conflict had taken its toll and around 7,000 adult volunteer leaders had been killed.
Today 60,000 young people a year visit Gilwell Park Scout Adventure Centre in Epping Forest and the magic of Gilwell still captivates and charms visitors inspiring them to achieve their potential.
Robert Baden-Powell said on the opening of Gilwell Park: “Even one hour spent there will give them ideas, while a weekend, or better still a week, will, I venture to wager, be an eye-opener to many and a heart-opener to all.”