B-P Scout Camp
B-P Scout Camp, set in virgin coastal dune forest, is a remnant of coastal bush that is virtually unchanged since the early settlers arrived at Durban in the 1850’s. It is situated approximately 10 kilometres from the centre of Durban. The ground forms part of the 55-hectare Burman Bush Nature Reserve of which the KwaZulu-Natal Scouts lease approximately 1.5 hectares from the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality.
Scouting first came to Durban in 1908 with a number of troops being formed. With lots of open veld available for camping around the City of Durban, troops planned their own camping trips and activities.
There was considerable enthusiasm about this and work progressed steadily until the whole area was fenced off and the camp sites established. The Natal Scouts named their new campsite ‘Mhlangeni’, which in isiZulu means ‘in the reeds’.
The Natal Scouts erected a wood and iron hut with a wash house for the storage of gear and convenience of scouts camping there. Many Durban scout troops availed themselves of this opportunity.
In 1933, the Town Council declared Burman Bush a ‘wild life reserve’ and the Natal Scouts were offered another site higher up in Burman Bush. The new site was hidden in the bush away from public view.
What a blow it was to leave the ‘old home’ after so much hard work had been put into it. Nevertheless, the site was considered better and more suitable so the hard work started all over again on establishing the new ‘Mhlangeni’ campsite.
On 10 July 1933, a lease agreement was entered into with the City of Durban and the Natal Boy Scouts confirming the rights to use the ‘Mhlangeni‘ campsite situated in the middle of Burman Bush.
The Camp was officially opened by the Mayor of Durban, Mr Fleming Johnson on 28th April 1936. Robert Baden-Powell and Lady Baden-Powell were also present at the opening ceremony, giving his blessing to re-name the campsite to B-P Camp.
B-P Camp is known throughout South Africa as one of the best natural camp sites for Scouts in the country and over the years many indigenous trees have been planted by Cubs, Scouts and Scouters.
This carries the tradition that was set by Lord and Lady Baden-Powell when they each planted a yellowwood at the entrance to the main campfire circle at the opening in 1936. One of these trees can be seen on the left entrance to the Camp Fire Circle. The story goes that the tree planted by Lord Robert Baden-Powell died in 1941 – was this a coincidence?
The accessibility of B-P Camp makes it ideal for all training – Cub, Scout and Adult Leader – having being home to the KwaZulu-Natal Training Team for over six decades.
Over the years many thousands of scouts have camped at B-P Camp. In 2009, the KwaZulu-Natal Regional Head Quarters was moved from Old Fort Road, where it had been since 1951, to temporary offices at B-P Camp for 18 months while the new HQ was under construction, in Earl Haig Road, a mere three kilometres away!
There must be very few, if any, scouting associations that have such wonderful facilities so conveniently close to each other.
Dark Days
Sadly, owing to the 13 km perimeter fence line around the boundary of Burman Bush Nature Reserve aging and the reserve becoming easily accessible, there was a spike of crime in the area in 2013. B-P Camp wasn't spared with vandals stripping the buildings to a bare shell in a matter of months, causing significant damage to the value of R4 million. This, despite the best efforts of KZN Scouts, with limited funds, to secure and protect the buildings.
A New Beginning
KZN Scouts was unable to find the funds to carry out the refurbishment of B-P Scout Camp. To the rescue came Dr Michael and Dorothée Boecker from Germany who kindly committed to raise funds over a period of three years. Under the stewardship of Steve Camp (ex-Springbok Scout, past Chairman KZN Scouts and Regional Commissioner KZN), he worked with the Boekers with a shared vision to rebuild B-P Scout Camp into the flagship scouting campground in the country. The vision was to make a scout camp with a difference, not only with excellent facilities but also designed in a way that “the attention to detail and those little things that stand out” would leave people with an everlasting memory of their B-P Camp experience.
Construction began in December 2018 and saw the complete renovation of Pioneer Hut, the Training Hut, adjoining kitchen and ablutions together with a new warden’s hut, known as the Fred Penn Warden’s Cottage. The construction of a new eight-bedroom hostel began in March 2020 and was completed in November of that year.
In October 2023 B-P camp hosted the National Scouting Lekgotla with over 120 Scouters attending from around the country. This occasion was also used to officially inaugurate the new Chief Scout, Khonzaphi Mdaka.
One can often hear the call of the Loeries, the African Hoopoe or the cry of the Fish Eagle, high overhead. The birdlife is prolific with over 50 different species that have been seen and identified at B-P Camp. The surrounding bush is home to vervet monkeys, grey-banded mongoose and grey duiker. It is also a haven for butterfly enthusiasts.
The buildings of Baden-Powell Camp are just as important to this site as are the trees, birds and animals. They, as well as the campsites, have all been named after well-known personalities who have served scouting over the years.
For more detailed information, please visit the website Baden-Powell Scout Camp