WESTERN CAPE SCOUTING

Provincial Heritage Centre

Scouting in the Western Cape is proud of its colourful history and in South Africa's significant role in the origins of Scouting.

The first Scout Troops in Africa were formed in Cape Town in 1908, the year after BP's Brownsea Island camp that started the worldwide Scout movement. The Western Cape therefore has a long and proud history of Scouting and the Heritage Centre showcases an amazing collection of scouting artifacts and memorabilia.

Located at the Western Cape Scout Headquarters, Milton Rd, Goodwood, the displays of the Scout Heritage Centre adorn the passages, offices and boardroom.

The Heritage Centre is maintained by a team of volunteers who meet to plan new projects and work on existing displays. Much of their work happens at home where they write reports, construct displays and sort through and read documents.

The late Alan Shinton was the curator of the Heritage Centre until his passing in October 2004. Alan was responsible for setting up the Heritage centre at its current location after HQ moved from its offices in Bree Str, Cape Town. The memory of his enormous contribution to Scouting is now also a part of the Western Cape's proud Scouting heritage.

Colourful displays of scout badges, scarves, artworkand sculptures can be found alongside a collection ofphotographic moments in Scouting history.

The Carl Rayner Library is home to a wide collection of catalogued scouting literature(over 700 books). A prized copy of the first scouting book written by BP and published in 1908, "Scouting for Boys" can alsobe found in the library.

The recorded history of Scouting is stored in the archives alongside over

2500 copies of "The Scout", "The Scouter" and the "Cape Western Scouter".

A photo in the museum of Lord Baden Powell (head of table) at a Cape Town society luncheon. September 23, 1926.

If you are able to donate Scouting memorabilia, books or documents please contact the Western Cape Scout Headquarters. Information about the previously designated (prior 1977) Coloured and African divisions is especially hard to come by and of particular interest.

The Heritage Centre is also in need of funds to maintain and expand its displays and for a project to bring the heritage of scouting to life for the scouts of today.

Please contact the Western Cape Scout Headquarters, Tel. +27 (0)21 591 6843, if you are in a position to help us keep our history alive.