Gilwell Reunion has a long history, for over 100 years leaders have been gathering and learning at Gilwell Park. Initially as part of structured Wood Badge training courses, now our much loved Reunion is an opportunity to catch up with friends as much as it is an chance to learn.

During last nights opening address this history of the Camp Chiefs wood badge was mentioned and we thought we’d add to it.

The role or title of Camp Chief has always been held by a paid member of staff. Initially the Camp Chief was in charge of all Leader training, in 1923 this extended to being in charge of all Gilwell based activity.

Officially the job of Camp Chief ended with John Thurman in the late 1960’s when it became an honoury title linked to the senior member of staff in charge of leader training.

In the 1920’s Baden Powell awarded his Deputy Chief Scout, Sir Percy Everett with this own set of 6 wood beads to match the Chief Scouts own.  The beads were from the original necklace of Chief Dinizulu.

In 1949 Everett gave his set of 6 wood beads to the then Camp Chief John Thurman to be passed to his successor in time.

The original woodbeads were retired to the Scout Heritage Collection in 2015 and now a replica set of 6 beads is worn by the Camp Chief of the day.

Whilst in the UK we are used to being awarded two beads when we complete our training, the Camp Chief’s set of six hold particular importance to our international brothers and sisters, who often still use 2, 3 and event 4 beads to identify their roles.

Camp Chiefs 

You can find out more about the History of the Woodbadge on the Scouts Heritage Website.

With thanks to the Scouts Heritage Service

The Scouts AGM took place this morning. 
Here’s a gallery of images from the meeting.

As scouts we all love the outside and can’t resist an adventure. How many of us have had that conversation of “I’d like to walk the coast”, which bit?  “All of it!” Not many of us then? Didn’t think so. Meet Chris Howard otherwise known as Chris the Coast Walker.

Chris is no stranger to adventures having rowed the Atlantic, Cycled across Europe and walked Northern India, to name but a few, however this latest adventure came when none us could adventure – Lockdown 2020.

“I’ve always been an adventurer and at that time I could do little else.” At the end of July 2020 Chris left his wife and family and headed off on his epic adventure.  It would take 450 days of consecutive walking, with a break of almost four months due to the Welsh lockdown, seeing Chris finally officially home in March of this year.

His walk wasn’t just to get out and have an adventure. Chris used his journey to share his passion for the environment as well as raise money for Children in Need. The early months of travelling, with Covid-19 restrictions still in place meant the walk was often isolated, as restrictions lifted there were more opportunities to see and interact with people.

In the four month break, between Christmas 2020 and April 2021, Chris reached out and made more contacts with scout and youth groups. Sharing his experience and passion for our coast and environment with online talks.

“The whole experience has become less about the places, our coast is stunning and there is so much to see, but it was the people. As restrictions lifted and people heard about the walk they started meeting me on the beach, offering me food, places to stay or even a night In a hotel with a meal”. Scout Groups, youth clubs, schools and individuals would meet Chris and either spend time litter picking or walking with him for part of the day.

Chris’ adventures started in Scouts. “I am where I am now because of Scouts. The impact you as volunteers on young people is incredible and you need to know how important you are. Never underestimate the experience you are giving and the impact you have on the young people you interact with”.

To date Chris has raised £42,500 for Children in Need but his “greatest achievement to date” is the The Conservation Award. Its Occasional Badge supported by Devon Scouts. You can find out more about the badge here.

Chris is here at Reunion 2022 to share his experience as the Guest Speaker. You can hear Chris on the Training Ground this afternoon (Saturday) around 15:00 following the Youth Commissioners Handover.

If you want to find our more about Chris, his adventures and his talks check out his website: https://thecoastwalker.com/

Not planning to be up with the lark tomorrow? Why not join Flags for Brunch on Buffalo lawn from 1030 on Sunday.

The Inclusion team are hosting Brunch with Flags as the special guests.

Cakes and Pastries will be provided. Bring your own Tea, Coffee or morning Orange Juice.

If you are a member of the LGBTQ community or want to know more about how to support members who identify as LGBTQ check out the HQ inclusion team webpages

A summary gallery of arrivals and opening on Friday night

We hope you are looking forward to the return of Gilwell Reunion. We know we are.

The much loved Reunion Express is trialling a new format this year. Instead of our sought after printed pages being published once a day from Friday to Sunday, we thought we’d join Scout Adventures in their sustainable approach with an online format. Keep an eye on Gilwell Reunion’s social media channels or check back here for regular updates and glimpses behind the scenes.

Follow along for all updates on Twitter and Facebook: @GilwellReunion