Gilwell 100th Reunion 2026

This year was the 100th anniversary of the first annual reunion of leaders trained at the HQ of Scouting, Gilwell Park in North London. The site was purchased in 1919 to give Scouts in London somewhere to camp amongst park and woodland. The first training courses for leaders were held there, resulting in the award of the prestigious “wood badges” that Baden Powell had brought back from a chieftains necklace in South Africa. Since then, leaders who have received training have returned to Gilwell for the annual Reunion: To meet old friends, to make new ones, and to continue to learn skills and techniques whilst having fun. This year there were over 3000 attendees, from all over the world. (All adults, no children!) No longer is it restricted to wood badge holders. Any adult volunteer in Scouting can attend. Most camp, although there are lodges available. Throughout the weekend there was a mixture of activities, practical training, displays, info stalls, quizzes, seminars, campfire singing, live music, beer tent and of course the whole site to explore, containing over a hundred years of Scouting heritage. ‘Jam Roll’ the Rolls Royce bought for B-P, by Scouts over the world donating a penny each, drove into the Training Ground – carrying B-P’s great grand-son (David Baden-Powell), all the way from Australia. His grand-daughter, Gill Clay, was also to be found; still a Beaver Leader in the UK! Camp kitchen provides food for the weekend for a very reasonable £55 (Sat – Sun, b’fast, lunch and dinner) or you can self-cater. The camping and event entry itself was another £57. Want to know more? Bookings for 2027 are not yet open, but you can register your interest at Gilwell Reunion 2027.

More photos of the 2026 event can be found in the Gallery.  Next years event will be Friday 3rd to Sunday 5th September 2027.