Experience our Heritage
Welcome to the Scouts WA Heritage Centre
The Scouts WA Heritage Centre is more than a museum: it is filled with great activities for youth members to entertain and inform, and is a gathering point for leaders and the general public interested in the history of Scouting in Western Australia. Activities are particularly suitable for Cub Scouts and Scout Units and can generally fill a program of 90 minutes.
Explore Our Heritage
Discover the rich history of Scouts WA at our Heritage Centre.
Activities for All Ages
From fun morse code activities to educational exhibits, we have something for everyone.
Heritage Trail
Meet other members of Scouts WA and connect with the wider community.
Visit the Heritage Centre
Experience the history of Scouting in Western Australia at our interactive Heritage Centre.
Uniforms & Equipment to Try On
Our Heritage Centre offers a collection of historical Scouting items and uniforms you can interact with.
Information about Scouting History
Learn more on how Scouting all began.
A Reference Library to Browse
Stay updated on our community events and get involved in the spirit of Scouting.
Opening Hours
10 am to 2 pm on Tuesdays and by arrangement – please contact us to arrange a visit for your group.
Location
1729 Albany Hwy, Kenwick WA 6107
Our History
The Birth of a Movement (1907)
The start of a journey
Scouting began with Lord Robert Baden-Powell (BP). After an adventurous life in the British Army, BP ran an experimental camp on Brownsea Island in 1907 with 20 boys. They lived in tents, cooked their own food, and learned through games. This success led to the publication of Scouting for Boys in 1908, which remains one of the best-selling books of the 20th century.
Did you know?
The 1st of August 1907 is officially recognised as the date the global Scouting Movement was founded.
Scouting Reaches Our Shores (1908–1920)
Australia joins the adventure
The movement spread rapidly across the globe, arriving in Australia and New Zealand in 1908. By 1920, the first World Scout Jamboree was held in London, where 33 national organisations gathered. It was here that Baden-Powell was proclaimed the World Chief Scout, and the World Scout Bureau was established to support the growing family.
Global Growth
By 1922, global membership had already surpassed 1 million Scouts across dozens of countries.
Expanding the Scouting Family (1916–1930)
A program for every age
What started for boys aged 11–18 soon grew to include a wider range of ages. In 1916, Wolf Cubs was launched for younger boys, using the themes of Rudyard Kipling’s Jungle Book. By 1918, Rover Scouts was formed for young men, creating the “Group System” of Cubs, Scouts, and Rovers that we still recognise today.
The Jungle Book
The Wolf Cub’s Handbook (1916) introduced the iconic “Jungle” framework still loved by Cubs today.
Leading the Way in Australia (1934–1958)
An Australian identity
In the mid-20th century, Scouting in Australia truly came into its own. We hosted the first-ever Australian Jamboree in 1934, with Lord Baden-Powell attending as a special guest. This era culminated in 1958 with the formation of our own national organisation, The Scout Association of Australia.
A National Legacy
1958 marked the year we became a unified national organisation, dedicated to the youth of Australia.
Evolution & The Modern Era (1973–Today)
Modern Scouting and inclusion
Scouting continues to evolve to reflect our community. In 1973, Australia opened Scouting to girls in the older sections, with all sections becoming mixed-gender by the 1980s. In 2019, we launched a refreshed brand and a new program designed to empower the next generation of leaders through even more diverse adventures.
Scouting for All
Today, Scouts WA is a diverse, inclusive movement empowering young people of all backgrounds to lead.