The first adventurers camping under the stars.

Stand on Poole Quay, look out to sea, and see Brownsea Island.

This is where the original Scouts camped out. Robert Baden-Powell, a lieutenant-general and writer, held the first camp here in 1907. Twenty boys adventured across the water to
test and enjoy Baden-Powell’s week of experimental activities. The variety of pursuits included
navigation, cooking and tracking.

Three years later the Girl Guides were formed. Girls and boys from different backgrounds practiced woodcraft, lifesaving and patriotism in the open air. Although, not as part
of the same group!

A Worldwide Movement

In 1912 a Poole local, Olave Soames, met Robert Baden-Powell on a cruise ship. They
later married in St Peter’s Church, Parkstone. The Girl Guides and Boy Scouts donated a
penny each to buy the couple a car as a wedding gift.

Both adults organised outdoor adventures worldwide. Olave, the first Chief Guide for Britain, visited 111 countries during her lifetime! Today, there are millions of scouts and guides around the globe and many still visit Brownsea for camping adventures. They stay on the site of the original 1907 camp.