Our history begins over 100 years ago in 1908. Robert Baden-Powell in England has published the first part of his serialised “Scouting for Boys” in January 1908. Because mail only moves at the pace of shipping, it is February 1908 before the first copy reaches the Cape Colony. Two schoolboys, Fred and Charles Stern, excited by the ideas set out in “Scouting for Boys” approach the headmaster of their school and ask him to form a troop. George French, a man with a great interest in the outdoors and education, agrees.
The first flag flown on 3 March 1908
For the century that 1st Claremont has continued in existence we have faced many challenges. Sometimes the very existence of the troop has hung by a thread. Other times our numbers have exceeded 40 scouts. Hundreds and boys and more recently girls have passed through 1st Claremont, both changing and being changed by their contact with the ethos and adventure of scouting at 1st Claremont. Some have remained associated with the troop for much of their lives and other families have sent their children to 1st Claremont across 3 generations.
Through it all, 1st Claremont has remained true to the traditions of scouting as laid down by Baden-Powell but old as we are, we are a forward looking troop, willing to embrace change. It is this that keeps us vibrant and fresh while we remain rooted in the timeless values that underpin the adventure of scouting.
