The Mafeking-themed camporee at Hidden Valley Scout Reservation, held from September 27-29, transported Scouts back in time to the heroic defense led by Robert Baden-Powell during the Boer War. Over the weekend, Scouts faced a series of thrilling challenges under the stars, including navigating a night adventure filled with obstacle courses, simulated minefields, and a historic encampment that had to be mapped from memory. Patrols worked together to solve problems, build ladders from Scout staves, and perform first aid on simulated injuries, testing their skills and teamwork in a high-pressure, historical setting.
The event brought history to life, immersing Scouts in the resilience and resourcefulness that Baden-Powell and his defenders displayed during the 217-day siege of Mafeking. It was an unforgettable experience where participants not only developed their Scouting skills but also learned valuable lessons about leadership and courage. This action-packed weekend left Scouts energized, inspired, and eager for the next adventure!
History of the Event
In 1899, Colonel Robert Baden-Powell, who would later become the First Chief Scout of the World, was dispatched to South Africa. His mission was to raise a regiment in the area around the town of Mafeking. Shortly after his arrival, the Boer War erupted, and a formidable force of 9,000 Boer soldiers advanced on Mafeking. With only 1,251 defenders, Baden-Powell led a heroic defense of the town during a grueling 217-day siege. Despite overwhelming odds and the loss of nearly 326 men, his successful defense of the town, with its population of 8,000, became a symbol of courage and resilience, earning him a promotion to Major General.
Baden-Powell’s exploits in Mafeking and other parts of the world, such as India and Russia, captivated the imaginations of young boys. When he published Scouting for Boys in 1908, following the first Brownsea Island camp, it sparked a movement that spread across Great Britain and eventually the world.