Baden Powell Park Scout Group celebrates its 21st birthday in 2012. Our Group was formed in 1991. It resulted from the amalgamation of 3rd and 9th Frankston (both of whom operated out of our present-day hall).  The merger was recommended by the then District Commission for Frankston, Don Barker who perceived that a Super Group – with one Committee and one Group Council - would prove more efficient.

Jessica Berry, former Group Leader 3rd Frankston, suggested the name 1st Baden Powell Park. Permission to use this name was sought from the Victorian Branch of the Scout Association. On December 5, 1990 Branch approval was given and the Group was advised as follows: the Chief Commissioner “has no objection to the name chosen for your new ‘merged’ Group and you have approval to proceed with ordering the name tapes and Group flag”.  The letter expressed “Best wishes to 1st Baden Powell Park for the future”.

1st Baden Powell Park was launched on Sunday, February 3, 1991. More than 250 parents, friends and Scouts participated in proceedings which were held in the park.  Formalities commenced with a parade and flag break.  District Commissioner, Don Barker delivered an official welcome followed by short addresses from the Mayor of Frankston, Cr. David Lee and the MHR for Dunkley, Frank Ford.  The latter presented the Group with an Australian flag. The Frankston Standard, February 19, 1991, quotes Assistant Group Leader, Claire Black as saying “we believe we are the second Group in the world to be named after the great Baden Powell.”

Baden Powell Park Scout Group proudly carries the name of the movement’s founder, Lord Robert Baden Powell, who visited this area in 1934-35 for the first Pan-Pacific Scout Jamboree. Baden Powell Drive, Baden Powell Reserve and Jamboree Avenue in Frankston South all commemorate his visit.

For more information about the 1934-35 jamboree, which attracted 12,000 people from around the world, visit www.yican.com.au/1935/ or click on '1935 Jamboree' in the History sub menu.

The Group’s scarf had previously been worn by the Narringalling Venturer unit – a combined unit serving 3rd and 9th Frankston and 1st Mt. Eliza. The scarf’s base colour, maroon, was the traditional Venturer/Senior Scout colour. The red and green edging tapes represented respectively the 3rd and 9th Frankston Groups (one colour from each of the old scarves).

During 2003, Baden Powell Park Scout Group merged with 1st Mt Eliza Sea Scouts. In doing so, it took over running of the Canadian Bay Beach Hall, from where it now operates its water activities program.

In 2008 the Scout Association allowed 1st Baden Powell Park Scout Group to officially drop the ‘1st’ from its title, hence the name is now simply ‘Baden Powell Park Scout Group’.

Baden Powell Park Scout Group is Victoria’s largest Scout group, with nearly 200 youth and adult members. It forms part of Frankston District Scouting, and is part of the Melbourne South Metro region of Scouts Australia.