Falkland Islands Centenary of Scouting

Sea Scouts

In their Centennial Year it is right that the 29 million Scouts worldwide should look back on the pioneering work of the past and the success it has brought. Sea Scouts still flourish across the globe. Scouts on the Falkland Islands will join in the worldwide celebrations of the Scouting Centennial with their own special Sunrise Ceremony on August 1st commemorating Baden-Powell's first experimental scout camp on Brownsea Island, Dorset.

Discovery

In June 1937 the Scouts heard the amazing news that possibly the most historic vessel still afloat that could be directly linked to tales of high adventure and daring-do was to be given to them. RRS 'Discovery', which was moored in the Falkland Islands, was to brought back to the U.K. and given to the Scout Association.
The nation learnt of the gift when the BBC announced that the newly-crowned King, George VI, had graciously sanctioned the retention of the title Royal Research Ship (RRS) for 'Discovery' whilst she was in Scout ownership.

Preparation

Before the Scout Association could take over the vessel from the Government of the Falkland Islands, much had to be done. It was unthinkable that, in Scout ownership, this historic ship should look anything but her best. It was, after all, a national memorial to the Antarctic heroes who had sailed aboard her, foremost of whom were Scott, Oates and Wilson, so high standards would need to be achieved and maintained. The permission of the Port of London Authority was obtained to moor 'Discovery' in the most accessible part of the Thames near Temple Tube Station on The Embankment. There was much to do in preparation; dredging, pier building, reconditioning and providing facilities for parties of 20 Scouts to sleep on board.