Baden-Powell family celebrate with Sea Scouts at Gilwell Park

Sea Scouts through out the World continue with their year long Centenary celebrations. On the 10th June 2012 in Gilwell Park, London an unveiling of a bust of Chief Scout Robert Baden-Powell older brother Warington Baden-Powell was made by Sea Scouting. Warington who in 1910 published Sea Scouting and Seamanship for Boys is recognised as the founder of Sea Scouting. Official registration was not till 1912 and Warington was appointed by his brother to lead Sea Scouting. A former officer in the merchant navy and keen canoeist had the background and experience to head the new founded section within Scouting.

The idea to celebrate Warington role in Sea Scouting was started back in 2006 at Eurosea 8 which was held in Finland . It was at Eurosea 9 in 2008 held in Larchill,Ireland  that finalising and financing the project was agreed. The next four years were spent by a special committee set up by the Odysseus group and led by a Danish Sea Scout leader Mr.Ron Brown to look at the worthy project. In 2010 a Dutch designer and sculptor was appointed and  Ms. Marion Albers began her work.

On the Sunday 10th June 2012 the unveiling took place in Gilwell Park , London. Invitations were sent out and Ireland sent three leaders to represent our Association at the unveiling. Other countries represented included the UK , Denmark, Netherlands, Belgium ,and New Zealand. Guest of honour Edward Baden-Powell spoke of his Great Grand fathers brother Warington who said “Sea scouting provides a wonderful challenge for any person that is willing to learn new skills, practical and theoretical, to learn how to take part and how to contribute – not to mention having a lot of fun along the way.  If Sea Scouts can respond to that call, wherever they are in the world, their community, and ultimately their country, will certainly be a better place for it”