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{{infobox WorldScouting | type = campsite | image = GilwellLogo.svg | name = Gilwell Park | location = | {{infobox WorldScouting | type = campsite | image = GilwellLogo.svg | name = Gilwell Park | location = Epping Forest,<br/>London | country = United Kingdom | f-date = [[1919-06-26]] | founder = W. de Bois Maclaren | owner = [[The Scout Association]]}} | ||
'''Gilwell Park''' is a [[campsite]] and [[Scout Activity Centre|activity centre]] for [[Scouting]] groups, as well as a [[training]] and | '''Gilwell Park''' is a [[campsite]] and [[Scout Activity Centre|activity centre]] for [[Scouting]] groups, as well as a [[training]] and conference centre for [[Scout Leader]]s. The 44 hectare (109 acre) site is located in [[Sewardstonebury]], Epping Forest close to Chingford, London. | ||
In the late Middle Ages, it started as a farm, growing to a wealthy estate that fell into disrepair towards 1900. It was given in 1919 by [[Scout Commissioner]] William De Bois Maclaren to [[The Scout Association]] of the United Kingdom to provide camping facilities to London Scouts, and training facilities for Scouters. As Scout Leaders from all countries of the world have come to Gilwell Park for their [[Wood Badge]] training, it is one of the great landmarks of the world [[Scouting]] movement. | In the late Middle Ages, it started as a farm, growing to a wealthy estate that fell into disrepair towards 1900. It was given in 1919 by [[Scout Commissioner]] William De Bois Maclaren to [[The Scout Association]] of the United Kingdom to provide camping facilities to London Scouts, and training facilities for Scouters. As Scout Leaders from all countries of the world have come to Gilwell Park for their [[Wood Badge]] training, it is one of the great landmarks of the world [[Scouting]] movement. | ||
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== History == | == History == | ||
=== Original farm in late middle ages === | === Original farm in late middle ages === | ||
The recorded history of Gilwell Park can be traced back to 1407, when John Crow owned Gyldiefords, the land that would eventually 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 language|Old English]] for | The recorded history of Gilwell Park can be traced back to 1407, when John Crow owned Gyldiefords, the land that would eventually 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 language|Old English]] for glen and "Rolfe" the [[surname]] of the owner. 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", or [[spring (hydrosphere)|spring]]. A farmhouse has continuously stood at Gilwell Farm ever since. Around this time, an adjoining 5.6 hectare (114 acre) property was purchased by Richard Osborne. In 1442, he built a large dwelling called Osborne Hall, which stood for 300 years. Legend has it that in the early [[1500s]], King Henry VIII owned the land and built a hunting lodge for his son [[Edward VI of England|Edward]], but there is no proof of this. Around 1736 the infamous highwayman [[Dick Turpin]] began using Gilwell's forests to conceal himself from authorities and as a staging point for ambushing travellers and freight along the roads leading into London.<ref name="historyofficial">{{cite book | last = Rogers | first = Peter | title = Gilwell Park: A Brief History and Guided Tour | year = 1998 | publisher = [[The Scout Association]] | location = London, England | language= English |pages = pages 5-46}}</ref><ref name="henryviii">{{cite web | url = http://www.scouts.org.uk/nationalcentres/pdfs/5mile_ramble.pdf | title = Gilwell Park Scout Campsite Hike Routes | format = {{PDFlink|115KB}} | work = | publisher = The Scout Association | accessdate = 2006-08-12}}</ref> | ||
In 1754, William Skrimshire purchased Great Gilwell, Little Gilwell, and half of Osborne's estate, including Osborne Hall. Skrimshire demolished Osborne Hall and built a new residence, which he also called Osborne Hall. That building is now called the White House.<ref name="10facts">{{cite web | last = Elwart | first = Steven P | url = http://post369.columbus.oh.us/scouting.d/gilwell.park.html | title = 10 Facts About Gilwell Park | publisher = Post 369 | accessdate = 2006-08-01 | accessyear =}}</ref> Timbers in the White House can be dated to this time, but not to any previous era.<ref name="historyofficial"/> Leonard Tresilian (?-1792) bought the estate in 1771 and expanded the land holdings and size of the residence. Tresilian's first wife, Margaret Holland, died young after bearing three daughters. He then married Elizabeth Fawson. Desiring that Gilwell pass on to his eldest daughter, 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-?), the elder brother of the painter [[George Chinnery]]. | In 1754, William Skrimshire purchased Great Gilwell, Little Gilwell, and half of Osborne's estate, including Osborne Hall. Skrimshire demolished Osborne Hall and built a new residence, which he also called Osborne Hall. That building is now called the White House.<ref name="10facts">{{cite web | last = Elwart | first = Steven P | url = http://post369.columbus.oh.us/scouting.d/gilwell.park.html | title = 10 Facts About Gilwell Park | publisher = Post 369 | accessdate = 2006-08-01 | accessyear =}}</ref> Timbers in the White House can be dated to this time, but not to any previous era.<ref name="historyofficial"/> Leonard Tresilian (?-1792) bought the estate in 1771 and expanded the land holdings and size of the residence. Tresilian's first wife, Margaret Holland, died young after bearing three daughters. He then married Elizabeth Fawson. Desiring that Gilwell pass on to his eldest daughter, 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-?), the elder brother of the painter [[George Chinnery]]. | ||
=== Rich estate in 18th century === | === Rich estate in 18th century === | ||
The Chinnerys were wealthy and influential. William Chinnery's father, also named William, owned trading ships and named one Gilwell in 1800. William and Margaret Chinnery initially resided in London, and after three years of marriage and inheriting Gilwell in 1792, they moved to Gilwell in 1793. They soon shocked the local populace by renaming Osborne Hall to "Gilwell Hall". William Chinnery expanded Gilwell's land holdings through significant purchases over the next 15 years and, along with his wife, transformed it into a country estate with gardens, paths, and statues. Parts of the garden, paths, and dwelling modifications exist into the | The Chinnerys were wealthy and influential. William Chinnery's father, also named William, owned trading ships and named one Gilwell in 1800. William and Margaret Chinnery initially resided in London, and after three years of marriage and inheriting Gilwell in 1792, they moved to Gilwell in 1793. They soon shocked the local populace by renaming Osborne Hall to "Gilwell Hall". William Chinnery expanded Gilwell's land holdings through significant purchases over the next 15 years and, along with his wife, transformed it into a country estate with gardens, paths, and statues. Parts of the garden, paths, and dwelling modifications exist into the 21st century. William Chinnery was exposed as the embezzler of a small fortune from the British [[Treasury]] where he worked and was dismissed from all his posts on [[March 12]], [[1812]]. Margaret Chinnery was forced to sign over Gilwell Estate to the [[Exchequer]] on [[July 2]], [[1812]].<ref name="historyofficial"/> | ||
The Chinnery family was prominent enough that members of the English nobility visited often during the [[1790s]] and early | The Chinnery family was prominent enough that members of the English nobility visited often during the [[1790s]] and early 1800s. King George III visited on occasion, and the Prince Regent, who later became George IV, was a regular visitor. George III's seventh son, [[Prince Adolphus, Duke of Cambridge|Prince Adolphus]], became a family friend, lived at Gilwell for awhile, and even tutored their eldest son George.<ref name="historyofficial"/> | ||
Gilpin Gorst bought the estate in 1815 at public auction, and his son sold it to Thomas Usborne in 1824. When the original London Bridge was replaced in 1826, Usborne bought pieces of the original stone [[baluster|balustrades]], which date to 1209, and erected them behind the White House around the Buffalo Lawn. The estate changed ownership more times, but these families did not maintain the property and it fell into disrepair by 1900. Reverend Cranshaw, a local resident, bought the estate in 1911 and was the last owner prior to the Boy Scout Association, as it was then known, becoming owners. | Gilpin Gorst bought the estate in 1815 at public auction, and his son sold it to Thomas Usborne in 1824. When the original London Bridge was replaced in 1826, Usborne bought pieces of the original stone [[baluster|balustrades]], which date to 1209, and erected them behind the White House around the Buffalo Lawn. The estate changed ownership more times, but these families did not maintain the property and it fell into disrepair by 1900. Reverend Cranshaw, a local resident, bought the estate in 1911 and was the last owner prior to the Boy Scout Association, as it was then known, becoming owners. | ||
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=== Scouting connection === | === Scouting connection === | ||
[[Image:Gilwell Park B-P Bust.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Baden-Powell bust, donated to [[Olave Baden-Powell]] for Gilwell Park by the Boy Scouts of Mexico in 1968]] | [[Image:Gilwell Park B-P Bust.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Baden-Powell bust, donated to [[Olave Baden-Powell]] for Gilwell Park by the Boy Scouts of Mexico in 1968]] | ||
The estate's condition declined even more during the 1910s. William F. de Bois Maclaren was a publisher and [[Scout Commissioner]] from [[Rosneath]], [[Dumbartonshire]], | The estate's condition declined even more during the 1910s. William F. de Bois Maclaren was a publisher and [[Scout Commissioner]] from [[Rosneath]], [[Dumbartonshire]], Scotland. During a business trip to London, Maclaren was saddened to see that Scouts in the [[East End]] had no suitable outdoor area to conduct their Scouting activities. He contacted [[Robert Baden-Powell, 1st Baron Baden-Powell|Lord Robert Baden-Powell]] about this, who appointed [[P.B. Nevill]] to handle the matter. Nevill was the Scout Commissioner of the East End at the time. On [[November 20]], [[1918]] over dinner at Roland House, the Scout Hostel in [[Stepney]], Maclaren agreed to donate £7,000 to the project. Part of the agreement included narrowing the areas to look for suitable land to Hainault Forest and Epping Forest. [[Rover Scouts]] searched both areas without success, but then John Gayfer, a young Assistant Scoutmaster, suggested Gilwell Hall, a place he went [[bird-watching]]. Nevill visited the estate and was impressed, though the buildings were by then in poor condition. The estate was for sale for £7,000, the exact price Maclaren had donated.<ref name="historyofficial"/> The estate totaled 21 hectare (53 acres) at the time. | ||
The estate was purchased in early 1919 by Maclaren for the Boy Scout Association. Nevill first took his Rover Scouts to begin repairing the run-down estate on [[Maundy Thursday]], [[April 17]], [[1919]]. On this visit, the Rovers slept in the gardener's shed in the orchard because the ground was so wet they could not pitch tents. They called this shed "The Pigsty" and though dilapidated, it still stands, as it is the site of the first Scout campsite at Gilwell Park. Maclaren was a frequent visitor to Gilwell Park and helped repair the buildings. His dedication was so great that he donated another £3,000. Maclaren's interest had been in providing a campground, but Baden-Powell envisioned a training centre for Scouters. An official opening was planned for [[June 19]], [[1919]] but it was delayed until Saturday, [[June 26]], [[1919]] so that Scouts could participate in the Official Peace Festival commemorating the end of World War I. Invitations were changed by hand to save money.<ref name="historyofficial"/> Significant remodeling and construction was done in the 1920s. Because of limited finances, few improvements were made during the | The estate was purchased in early 1919 by Maclaren for the Boy Scout Association. Nevill first took his Rover Scouts to begin repairing the run-down estate on [[Maundy Thursday]], [[April 17]], [[1919]]. On this visit, the Rovers slept in the gardener's shed in the orchard because the ground was so wet they could not pitch tents. They called this shed "The Pigsty" and though dilapidated, it still stands, as it is the site of the first Scout campsite at Gilwell Park. Maclaren was a frequent visitor to Gilwell Park and helped repair the buildings. His dedication was so great that he donated another £3,000. Maclaren's interest had been in providing a campground, but Baden-Powell envisioned a training centre for Scouters. An official opening was planned for [[June 19]], [[1919]] but it was delayed until Saturday, [[June 26]], [[1919]] so that Scouts could participate in the Official Peace Festival commemorating the end of World War I. Invitations were changed by hand to save money.<ref name="historyofficial"/> Significant remodeling and construction was done in the 1920s. Because of limited finances, few improvements were made during the Great Depression of the 1930s. Baden-Powell never lived at Gilwell Park but he often camped, lectured, taught courses, and attended meetings on-site. He emphasized the importance of Scouter's training at Gilwell Park for Scouting by taking it as the territorial designation in his peerage title of ''1st Baron Baden-Powell of Gilwell'' in 1929 when the [[baron]]y was conferred upon him by the king.<ref name='thurman-1951'>{{cite book | first = John | last = Thurman | series = The Patrol Books | number = 13 | title = The Scout's Book of Gilwell | publisher = The Boy Scouts Association | location = London | year = 1951}}</ref> | ||
=== Wartime and later development === | === Wartime and later development === | ||
[[Image:GilwellParkIdealScout.jpg|left|200px|thumb|The Ideal Scout, donated to Gilwell Park in 1966 by the Boy Scouts of America]] | [[Image:GilwellParkIdealScout.jpg|left|200px|thumb|The Ideal Scout, donated to Gilwell Park in 1966 by the Boy Scouts of America]] | ||
The estate was requisitioned by the [[Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom)|War Ministry]] from 1940-1945 as a local command, training, and ordnance centre. Little remains at the estate from World War II, except for the notable exception of the Bomb Hole that was created by an aerial bomb dropped by the | The estate was requisitioned by the [[Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom)|War Ministry]] from 1940-1945 as a local command, training, and ordnance centre. Little remains at the estate from World War II, except for the notable exception of the Bomb Hole that was created by an aerial bomb dropped by the Luftwaffe. It was enlarged again later and is now used for swimming and canoeing. After the war, the Boy Scout Association made purchases of adjoining land to increase the size of 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.<ref name="historyofficial"/> This began an era of expanding camping facilities for Scouts which lasted until the early 1960s. Training and sleeping facilities were then added through the early 1970s. The Boy Scout Association was renamed The Scout Association in 1967. | ||
During the 1970s, two key and popular facilities were built: the Dorothy Hughes Pack Holiday Centre for [[Cub Scout]]s and the Colquhoun International Centre for training Scouters, originally called The International Hall of Friendship. In the 1980s extensive remodeling of the White House was done. In April 2001, The Scout Association moved its program staff from London to Gilwell Park, where its training staff was already located. Extensive renovations were done to the White House and other buildings.<ref name="historyofficial"/><ref name="2000-2001rpt"> {{cite web | last = Bevan | first = John | authorlink = | coauthors = | year = 2001 | url = http://www.scoutbase.org.uk/library/hqdocs/annrpt/2000-01.pdf | title = Annual Reports and Accounts 2000-2001 | format = {{PDFlink|166KB}} | work = | publisher = The Scout Association | accessdate = 2006-08-30}}</ref> With a target of budget of £20,000,000 and individual contributions as high as £500,000, improvements to programs and facilities have been ongoing since then in preparation for the [[21st World Scout Jamboree]] in 2007, which is the 100th anniversary of Scouting and will be hosted at nearby [[Hylands Park]], | During the 1970s, two key and popular facilities were built: the Dorothy Hughes Pack Holiday Centre for [[Cub Scout]]s and the Colquhoun International Centre for training Scouters, originally called The International Hall of Friendship. In the 1980s extensive remodeling of the White House was done. In April 2001, The Scout Association moved its program staff from London to Gilwell Park, where its training staff was already located. Extensive renovations were done to the White House and other buildings.<ref name="historyofficial"/><ref name="2000-2001rpt"> {{cite web | last = Bevan | first = John | authorlink = | coauthors = | year = 2001 | url = http://www.scoutbase.org.uk/library/hqdocs/annrpt/2000-01.pdf | title = Annual Reports and Accounts 2000-2001 | format = {{PDFlink|166KB}} | work = | publisher = The Scout Association | accessdate = 2006-08-30}}</ref> With a target of budget of £20,000,000 and individual contributions as high as £500,000, improvements to programs and facilities have been ongoing since then in preparation for the [[21st World Scout Jamboree]] in 2007, which is the 100th anniversary of Scouting and will be hosted at nearby [[Hylands Park]], Chelmsford, Essex with related activities also being held at Gilwell Park.<ref name="2000-2001rpt"/><ref name="2001-2002rpt"> {{cite web | last = Asplin | first = John | authorlink = | coauthors = | year = 2002 | url = http://www.scoutbase.org.uk/library/hqdocs/annrpt/2001-02.pdf | title = Annual Reports and Accounts 2001-2002 | format = {{PDFlink|672KB}} | work = | publisher = The Scout Association | accessdate = 2006-08-30}}</ref><ref name="2002-2003rpt"> {{cite web | last = Asplin | first = John | authorlink = | coauthors = | year = 2003 | url = http://www.scoutbase.org.uk/library/hqdocs/annrpt/2002-03.pdf | title = Annual Reports and Accounts 2002-2003 | format = {{PDFlink|180KB}} | work = | publisher = The Scout Association | accessdate = 2006-08-30}}</ref><ref name="2004-2005rpt"> {{cite web | last = Asplin | first = John | authorlink = | coauthors = | year = 2005 | url = http://www.scoutbase.org.uk/library/hqdocs/annrpt/anrp2005.pdf | title = Annual Reports and Accounts 2004-2005 | format = {{PDFlink|1.5MB}} | work = | publisher = The Scout Association | accessdate = 2006-08-30}}</ref> Gilwell Park provides The Scout Association with an income of over £1,000,000 per year through conference fees, accommodation fees, and sales of materials to support Scouting.<ref name="2004-2005rpt"/> | ||
Gilwell Park is one of four Scout Activity Centres of The Scout Association, together with [[Baden-Powell House]], [[Downe Scout Activity Centre|Downe]], and [[Youlbury Scout Activity Centre|Youlbury]]. | Gilwell Park is one of four Scout Activity Centres of The Scout Association, together with [[Baden-Powell House]], [[Downe Scout Activity Centre|Downe]], and [[Youlbury Scout Activity Centre|Youlbury]]. | ||
=== Camp Chiefs, and other staff === | === Camp Chiefs, and other staff === | ||
[[Francis Gidney|Captain Francis "Skipper" Gidney]] became the first Camp Chief in May 1919 and served until 1923. He organized 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.<ref name="historyofficial"/><ref name='thurman-1951'/> The second Camp Chief was [[J.S. Wilson|John Skinner Wilson]], who served from 1923 until 1939. Wilson was Colonel with the British Indian Police when he became a [[Scout Leader]] in 1917. In 1921 he traveled to Gilwell Park to take leader training, which led to his retirement from the Indian Police in 1922 to become a full time Scout Leader. He was honoured with the [[Bronze Wolf | [[Francis Gidney|Captain Francis "Skipper" Gidney]] became the first Camp Chief in May 1919 and served until 1923. He organized 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.<ref name="historyofficial"/><ref name='thurman-1951'/> The second Camp Chief was [[J. S. Wilson|John Skinner Wilson]], who served from 1923 until 1939. Wilson was Colonel with the British Indian Police when he became a [[Scout Leader]] in 1917. In 1921 he traveled to Gilwell Park to take leader training, which led to his retirement from the Indian Police in 1922 to become a full time Scout Leader. He was honoured with the [[Bronze Wolf]] Award in 1937, the only distinction of the [[World Organization of the Scout Movement]].<ref name="wilson1">{{cite web | url = http://pinetreeweb.com/departures.htm | title = Departures: John S. Wilson | publisher = Pine Tree Web | accessdate = 2006-08-30}}</ref><ref name="wilson2"> {{cite web | url = http://www.woodbadge.org/wbgbbWB.htm | title = Green Bar Bill Hillcourt's Impact on Wood Badge | publisher = Wood Badge.org | accessdate = 2006-08-30}}</ref> | ||
[[John Thurman|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 the subject that were translated into other languages. The Thurman Memorial stands near The Pigsty.<ref name="historyofficial"/><ref name="thurman"> {{cite web | url = http://www.scoutbase.org.uk/library/hqdocs/facts/pdfs/fs145001.pdf | title = The Origins of the Wood Badge | format = {{PDFlink|304KB}} | publisher = The Scout Association | accessdate = 2006-08-30}}</ref> Thurman was succeeded by John Huskin.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.scouts-europe.org/grandir/eclaireurs/6-coin-maitrise/MacLaren/histoire-gilwell.shtml| title = De Gilwell au MacLaren | publisher = Guides et Scouts d'Europe | language = French | accessdate = 2006-09-10}}</ref> | [[John Thurman|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 the subject that were translated into other languages. The Thurman Memorial stands near The Pigsty.<ref name="historyofficial"/><ref name="thurman"> {{cite web | url = http://www.scoutbase.org.uk/library/hqdocs/facts/pdfs/fs145001.pdf | title = The Origins of the Wood Badge | format = {{PDFlink|304KB}} | publisher = The Scout Association | accessdate = 2006-08-30}}</ref> Thurman was succeeded by John Huskin.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.scouts-europe.org/grandir/eclaireurs/6-coin-maitrise/MacLaren/histoire-gilwell.shtml| title = De Gilwell au MacLaren | publisher = Guides et Scouts d'Europe | language = French | accessdate = 2006-09-10}}</ref> | ||
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.<ref name="donpotter"> {{cite web | year = 2002 | url = http://www.bryanston.co.uk/news/pdf/Newsletter%2012.pdf | title = Don Potter's 100th Birthday | format = {{PDFlink|140KB}} | publisher = The Bryanston Newsletter | accessdate = 2006-08-30}}</ref> Potter created wood carvings at Gilwell Park, including the Jim Green Gate, Gidney Cabin, the Leopard Gates, and totems he carved for the 1929 [[World Jamboree]].<ref name='light-2002'>{{cite book | last = Light | first = Vivienne | title = Don Potter: an inspiring century | location = [[Brook, New Forest, Hampshire]] | publisher = Canterton Books | year = 2002 | id = ISBN 0-9541627-1-4 }}</ref> | |||
== Activities == | == Activities == | ||
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=== Outdoor activities === | === Outdoor activities === | ||
The Scout Activity Centres of The Scout Association provide camping, hostelling or conferencing for Scouts and Scout Leaders from around the world. Activities at Gilwell Park include: camping, leader training, a rope swing, high rope course, [[archery]], pedal go-karts, grass sledging, [[canoeing]], | The Scout Activity Centres of The Scout Association provide camping, hostelling or conferencing for Scouts and Scout Leaders from around the world. Activities at Gilwell Park include: camping, leader training, a rope swing, high rope course, [[archery]], pedal go-karts, grass sledging, [[canoeing]], rifle shooting, crate stacking, wall climbing, revolving wall climb, jump mats, rafting, team building, horse riding, [[orienteering]], [[pioneering]], tours, [[hiking]], photography, obstacle courses, and aeroball.<ref name="gillact">{{cite web | year = 2005 | url = http://www.scouts.org.uk/nationalcentres/gilwellactivity.html | title = Gilwell Park Activities Centre | publisher = The Scout Association | accessdate = 2006-08-01 }}</ref> | ||
=== Leader training === | === Leader training === | ||
[[Image:Gilwell Park Campfire Circle.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Campfire circle at Gilwell Park]] | [[Image:Gilwell Park Campfire Circle.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Campfire circle at Gilwell Park]] | ||
{{main|Wood Badge}} | {{main|Wood Badge}} | ||
While different leader training courses are conducted at Gilwell Park, the most prominent is Wood Badge. Francis Gidney, the first Camp Chief, conducted the first Wood Badge course at Gilwell Park [[September | While different leader training courses are conducted at Gilwell Park, the most prominent is Wood Badge. Francis Gidney, the first Camp Chief, conducted the first Wood Badge course at Gilwell Park [[September]] 8-19, [[1919]]. Gilwell Park became the home of leadership training in the [[Scouting|Scout movement]].<ref name="gillwbhist">{{cite web | last = | first = | authorlink = | coauthors = | year = | url = http://pinetreeweb.com/woodbadg.htm | title = The Wood Badge Homepage | format = | work = | publisher = Pinetree Web | accessdate = 2006-08-01}}</ref> Leaders from all over the world receive automatic membership in [[1st Gilwell Park Scout Group]] ([[Gilwell Troop 1]]) on completion of the Wood Badge course. These leaders are henceforth called [[Wood Badger]]s or [[Gilwellian]]s. Any location in which Wood Badgers meet is called Gilwell Field. The 1st Gilwell Park Scout Group meets every first weekend of September in Gilwell Park for the [[Gilwell Reunion]].<ref name="historyofficial"/> | ||
The Training Ground, near the White House, is the hallowed ground of Gilwell Park as this is the world home of Wood Badge, the premier Scout leader training course. A large oak tree, the Gilwell Oak, separates the Training Ground from the Orchard.<ref name="historyofficial"/> | The Training Ground, near the White House, is the hallowed ground of Gilwell Park as this is the world home of Wood Badge, the premier Scout leader training course. A large oak tree, the Gilwell Oak, separates the Training Ground from the Orchard.<ref name="historyofficial"/> | ||
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Branchet Lodge, or simply The Lodge, opened on [[May 23]], [[2003]] on Branchet Field to replace old portable cabins. It should not be confused with another building also called The Lodge which was built in 1934 near the White House. Branchet Lodge is a single storey building that has central heating and sleeps up to 56 people in two separate wings with a single common kitchen and dining/meeting area. Each wing has its own bathing facilities. There are four single rooms for leaders, two rooms for disabled people that sleep two people each, and six rooms that sleep eight people each. The design incorporates skylights, natural lights, energy efficiency, and disabled access. It is constructed of stone, timber, copper, and a grass roof.<ref name="branchet"> {{cite web | last = | first = | authorlink = | coauthors = | year = 2003 | url = http://www.scoutbase.org.uk/library/hqdocs/headline/030523.htm | title = New Accommodation Lodge at Gilwell Park | format = | work = | publisher = The Scout Association | accessdate = 2006-08-30}}</ref><ref name="branchetfloorplan">{{cite web | last = | first = | authorlink = | coauthors = | year = 2003 | url = http://www.scouts.org.uk/nationalcentres/documents/BranchetLodge.pdf | title = Branchet Lodge (floorplan) | format = {{PDFlink|168KB}} | work = | publisher = The Scout Association | accessdate = 2006-08-30}}</ref> | Branchet Lodge, or simply The Lodge, opened on [[May 23]], [[2003]] on Branchet Field to replace old portable cabins. It should not be confused with another building also called The Lodge which was built in 1934 near the White House. Branchet Lodge is a single storey building that has central heating and sleeps up to 56 people in two separate wings with a single common kitchen and dining/meeting area. Each wing has its own bathing facilities. There are four single rooms for leaders, two rooms for disabled people that sleep two people each, and six rooms that sleep eight people each. The design incorporates skylights, natural lights, energy efficiency, and disabled access. It is constructed of stone, timber, copper, and a grass roof.<ref name="branchet"> {{cite web | last = | first = | authorlink = | coauthors = | year = 2003 | url = http://www.scoutbase.org.uk/library/hqdocs/headline/030523.htm | title = New Accommodation Lodge at Gilwell Park | format = | work = | publisher = The Scout Association | accessdate = 2006-08-30}}</ref><ref name="branchetfloorplan">{{cite web | last = | first = | authorlink = | coauthors = | year = 2003 | url = http://www.scouts.org.uk/nationalcentres/documents/BranchetLodge.pdf | title = Branchet Lodge (floorplan) | format = {{PDFlink|168KB}} | work = | publisher = The Scout Association | accessdate = 2006-08-30}}</ref> | ||
Log cabins on the edge of Woodland Field sleep 8 and have bunk beds. Cooking is provided in a separate shelter or an open fire can be utilized. The Storm Hut is a large hall-type building for activities and games. It was moved to Gilwell Park from | Log cabins on the edge of Woodland Field sleep 8 and have bunk beds. Cooking is provided in a separate shelter or an open fire can be utilized. The Storm Hut is a large hall-type building for activities and games. It was moved to Gilwell Park from Wales by trucks. All of these can be rented by groups. | ||
=== Staff accommodation: Gilwellbury and Gilwell Farm === | === Staff accommodation: Gilwellbury and Gilwell Farm === | ||
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[[Image:GilwellParkSala.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Buddha inside the Buddhist Sala]] | [[Image:GilwellParkSala.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Buddha inside the Buddhist Sala]] | ||
A copy of a statue by [[R. Tait McKenzie]] called The Ideal Scout stands near The Lid. This is also known as The Boy Scout. The BSA donated the statue in 1966. The original stands outside the headquarters of the [[Cradle of Liberty Council]] in | A copy of a statue by [[R. Tait McKenzie]] called The Ideal Scout stands near The Lid. This is also known as The Boy Scout. The BSA donated the statue in 1966. The original stands outside the headquarters of the [[Cradle of Liberty Council]] in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and another copy outside the BSA headquarters in Irving, Texas.<ref name="historyofficial"/> | ||
The Buddhist [[Sala (architecture)|Sala]] was donated to Gilwell Park in 1967 by the Boy Scouts of Thailand. The Buddha found inside was a gift from the Thai government and is over 1000 years old. Thai ambassadors to the United Kingdom often visit the sala, as it is their responsibility to care for it.<ref name="historyofficial"/> Scouts from other countries, including Chile, Japan, Mexico, and New Zealand, have also donated gifts to Gilwell Park. | The Buddhist [[Sala (architecture)|Sala]] was donated to Gilwell Park in 1967 by the Boy Scouts of Thailand. The Buddha found inside was a gift from the Thai government and is over 1000 years old. Thai ambassadors to the United Kingdom often visit the sala, as it is their responsibility to care for it.<ref name="historyofficial"/> Scouts from other countries, including Chile, Japan, Mexico, and New Zealand, have also donated gifts to Gilwell Park. | ||
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{{featured article}} | {{featured article}} | ||
[[Category:Scout and Guide campsites in the United Kingdom]] | |||
[[Category:Scouting and Guiding in the United Kingdom]] | |||
[[Category:Scout | |||
[[Category:Scouting in the United Kingdom | |||
