Gilwell Park Adventure Centre

15/09/2026

Strong partnerships and great conversations.

Today we welcomed representatives from the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) to Gilwell Park, including a local ranger based in Gembrook.

It was a great opportunity to get out from behind the meeting table and walk the site together, showcasing Gilwell Park, our natural environment and the many ways the property is used.

Building strong relationships with local people and organisations is important to us, and days like today create valuable opportunities to share knowledge, strengthen connections and explore how we can work together into the future.

13/09/2026

The site has come alive today for the annual adult recognition awards. Well done to everyone that has been involved and congratulations to all the adults that have been recognised.

We love seeing people come together to celebrate.

09/09/2026

Being comfortable in the uncomfortable.

It’s something we talk about a lot in the outdoors.
Stepping outside your comfort zone. Facing a challenge you’re unsure about. Trusting someone else. Finding the courage to take the next step.

But being comfortable in the uncomfortable isn’t only about climbing higher or trying something new.
Sometimes, it’s about having the conversation.

Asking someone, “Are you OK?” can feel uncomfortable. Knowing what to say next can be even harder. We don’t need to have the answers, sometimes the most important thing we can do is make the time, listen and be there.

There’s growing research behind something the outdoor community has understood for a long time: spending time in nature and connecting with others can support our wellbeing.
Recent University of Melbourne research involving young people participating in group activities in nature found improvements in wellbeing, reduced psychological distress and loneliness, and around a 10% increase in community connection.

Other large-scale research has found that people spending at least 120 minutes a week in nature were significantly more likely to report good health and high wellbeing than those who spent no time in nature.

At Gilwell Park, we see the opportunities the outdoors creates for connection every day. Walking side by side. Sitting around a campfire. Sharing a challenge. Having a conversation without all the usual distractions.

R U OK? Day is a good reminder to ask the question.
But perhaps the bigger reminder is to become a little more comfortable having those uncomfortable conversations, today and every other day of the year.

Get outside. Walk together. Talk. Listen.

07/09/2026

Three days. Two nights. Plenty of adventure.

Gilwell Park is full of laughter this week as we welcome Year 5 students for their school camp.

For many students, camp is about so much more than the activities. It’s three days of trying something new, spending time outdoors, sharing experiences with classmates and building friendships that can last well beyond the journey home.

There’ll be challenges to overcome, plenty of laughs, moments of courage and probably a few tired faces by the end of it!

Three days. Two nights. One great adventure.

This is what school camp is all about.

03/09/2026

Another adventurous weekend ahead at Gilwell Park!

We’re looking forward to welcoming a number of Scout groups to the park this weekend, with plenty of activity happening across Gilwell.

One group will be taking part in one of our Queue and Do sessions, while another will be working towards their OAS Vertical skills — climbing, challenging themselves and building confidence along the way.

It’s always great to see different groups making the most of Gilwell Park, whether they’re here to learn new skills, work towards their Outdoor Adventure Skills or simply enjoy an adventure together.

Here’s to a weekend of giving it a go, learning by doing and reaching new heights!

01/09/2026

It feels like Spring at Gilwell Park!

The days are getting a little brighter, the bush is coming to life and even our local King Parrots seem to know that Spring has arrived.
Wednesdays are always a great day at Gilwell Park.

Our Heritage Team comes together each week, busying themselves around the park, caring for our history, sharing stories and helping preserve the little pieces of Gilwell that connect today with generations past.

With the birds calling, the trees stirring and our wonderful Wednesday team out and about, today certainly feels like Spring.

30/08/2026

A postcard from the past…

Long before social media, camera phones and instant updates, memories of places like Gilwell Park travelled home on a postcard.
These old postcards give us a glimpse into Gilwell Park through the years, familiar places, changing landscapes and generations.

So much may have changed, but some things haven't: the towering trees, adventures with friends, nights around the campfire and memories that stay with you long after you've gone home.

Now we want to hear your Gilwell story.
When did you first visit Gilwell Park? Was it for a Scout camp, school camp, training weekend, event or something else?
And most importantly… what do you remember?

Share your memories in the comments; we'd love to hear them.

Thanks to one of the Heritage team members for bringing these in.

25/08/2026

Where Am I Wednesday?

Look closely… this little piece of Gilwell Park has a much bigger job than you might think.

Clue 1: I wait at the point where going up turns into going down.
Clue 2: You might be focused on the challenge ahead, but I’m here to make sure adventure and safety stay connected.

Think you know where I am? Drop your guess below

23/08/2026

Your experience. Your ideas. Your input.

We know some of the best ideas come from the people who experience Scouting and Gilwell Park firsthand.

Gilwell Park is establishing two new Advisory Groups to bring together members of our community to provide feedback, share ideas and support the ongoing development of our programs, products and experiences.

We’re looking for people who can bring different perspectives, practical experience and a willingness to provide constructive input.

Gilwell Education & Program Advisory Group
For Scout Leaders, teachers, outdoor educators and others with experience or an interest in education and outdoor learning. Help us review programs, explore new ideas, and strengthen learning opportunities.

Gilwell Youth Advisory Group
For young people who want a genuine voice in what happens at Gilwell Park. Have your say on activities, programs, facilities and future experiences and help us make sure what we offer stays relevant, exciting and meaningful for young people.

Groups will meet once per school term, either online or at Gilwell Park, with opportunities to contribute to projects and ideas along the way.

You don’t need to have all the answers, we’re looking for people willing to support, share their experiences, ideas and opinions.

20/08/2026

Something we’ve known for a long time… being outdoors matters.

This interesting article from the The University of Melbourne puts research behind something many of us who spend time outdoors have experienced firsthand, nature is good for us.

Time outside gives us space to slow down, connect with self and others, explore, move, learn and simply be present.

For generations, we’ve watched this happen at Gilwell Park. Young people arrive, put down their devices, head into the bush, challenge themselves, get muddy, laugh with their mates and experience the simple joy of being outside.

Sometimes the most important part of outdoor education isn’t the activity itself. It’s the connection, confidence, curiosity and sense of belonging that can grow along the way.

The research may be putting numbers around it, but it’s something the outdoor community has understood for a very long time.

Getting outdoors is important.

Well worth a read https://pursuit.unimelb.edu.au/articles/Nature-prescriptions-deliver-mental-health-benefits-worth-more-than-four-times-their-cost

A new University of Melbourne trial has found nature-based prescribing generated wellbeing benefits for young Australians worth more than four times their cost