History
Gilwell, in England, received its name from Mr. de Bois Maclaren who in 1919 donated the estate to the Chief Scout of the World, Lord Baden Powell, as a camping ground for London Scouts and a training ground for Leaders. In 1924 Mr. Hoadley and Mr. Russell attended the Wembley Jamboree and were recommended to be Deputy Camp Chiefs - people qualified to conduct leader training.
Mr. Russell recognised the need for a permanent Training Camp, and for this purpose, set up huts, a chapel and the centre part of the present Russell Hall, naming it after Gilwell in England. The site was part of an area known as Casey's Mill. The Gilwell Park of today was born in 1926 when Mrs. Russell donated the eleven acres of land and huts used for the First Scout Leaders course, held at Gilwell Park earlier that year.
About this time Mr. Hoadley purchased an adjoining property, built the Lodge and added some acres to the original gift, thus enabling our Gilwell Park to start with a Training Ground and a Boys' Camping Field. Later the Scout Association purchased Mr. Hoadley's property.
Lord Baden Powell visited Gilwell Park twice: in 1931, and again in 1935. He approved the adoption of Gilwell Park for the name of this campsite. Gilwell Park's development is a tribute to the Wardens, the many Scouter Leaders and Rangers who have contributed and made Gilwell Park what it is today - Victoria's major Training Ground for Leaders and a great place for accommodation and tent camping in over a hundred hectares of beautiful bushland.
In recent times Gilwell has achieved accreditation standards set by the Camping Association of Victoria and was awarded the Land for Wildlife status.
Gilwell Park’s Wardens
1937 - 1948 C.A. Hoadley (Arch or Chief)
1948 - 1964 W.D. Kennedy (Kenno)
1964 - 1982 G.E. Switzer (Geoff)
1982 - 1987 W.P. Dawson (Bill)
1987 - 2000 J.L. Noke (John)
2000 - 2004 F. Turner (Fred)
2005 - 2009 R. Bradd (Russell)
Gilwell Park's many buildings and other features have been named after Scouters who have made a major contribution to Scouting and its training.
Gilwell Park has a booklet (A Ramble or Cooks Tour of Gilwell Park, Victoria) that enables anyone to tour the Park and learn the history of its numerous features: which range from buildings, activity sites, totem poles, campfire circles, gateways, walks, chapels, and more....Discover more about Gilwell Park's Scouting History from a Book originally written by W.D.Kennedy "Kenno" called "The Story of Gilwell in Victoria". The current second edition expanded "Kenno's" original book, and was produced by G.E.Switzer, E.A.Newbigin, and A.R.Milne MBE.
We hope you can spend some time and discover the magic of Gilwell Park
Start of Major Events at Gilwell Park
1926 (January) 2nd Wood Badge Course
1927 Gilwell Park Reunion
1929 (Easter) Cohen Shield
1931 & 1935 Visit by Baden-PowellEaster
1932 Lone Scout OORDIYALYAL
1933 (Easter) Stradbroke Cup
1961 1st Australian "training The Teram" Course
1975 Gilweroo
1978 Lithuanian Scouts’ World jamboree
1978 Patrol Activity Camping
1978 - 1979 Jamborella One
1990 - 1991 8th World Moot
1991 Chernobyl Camp
1999 1st Cuboree
1999 JOTA / JOTI
1999 Gilwell Park’s Fun Fest
2005 All Sections Continuous Training Course
2010 1st Kangaree
Two History of Gilwell Park Activity Guides and a Walk to Kirth Kiln can be found via the “Activity Guides” menu tab on the right. These can be used or adapted to suit your camp program while attending Gilwell Park. Hard copies can be purchased by contacting Gilwell Park.