White Stinkwood trees have stood guard over Arrowe Park’s Scout grounds in Lakefield for decades.

From their lofty position, these giants have seen dozens of troops from far and wide participate in adventurous camps and gather at the chapel on Baden-Powell Sunday (BP Sunday) each year in celebration of the birthday of Lord Robert Baden-Powell, who founded the Scouting movement.

BP Sunday is marked by Scout movements worldwide annually, usually on the Sunday closest to February 22.

With BP Sunday falling perfectly on February 22 this year, it marks 118 years of Scouting and serves as the unveiling of Ninth Benoni Scouter Kim Bailey’s (17) legacy project.

Taking the final step in pursuit of the coveted Springbok Trail, the highest accolade in the Scouting fraternity, Kim, a Benoni High learner, renovated the iconic chapel at Arrowe Park, seamlessly weaving the old with the new.

“The chapel was erected in 1972 shortly after the original one was washed away during a flash-flood,” she said.

“The structure was weather-damaged, so I decided to renovate it as part of my legacy project as a lasting gift to the movement that moulded and shaped my life.”

The chapel serves as a space for quiet reflection and a central structure where camps and other Scouting activities formally draw to a close and round off the legacy project that Kevin Bartholomew undertook in 2024, by replacing the 36 wooden benches with recycled plastic seats.

As the first female in the Ninth Benoni Scout Troop to embark on the Springbok Trail in two decades, Kim dedicated most of her December holiday, 20 days, to achieving her goal.

“Rallying my troops, we stripped the original structure of the chapel, salvaged what we could and used the funds raised from a raffle to buy additional material,” she said.

“I wanted to preserve some aspects of the original chapel, working rather to restore than merely replace it.”

Looking at her handiwork, the smell of fresh varnish filling the air, Kim nods in approval.

“I was able to salvage the primary support beams and original roof tiles,” she said, running her fingers along the grain of the wood.

“New struts were installed, and powder-coated steel foot supports were custom-made to elevate the beams off the concrete, thus offering extra protection from the elements.

“The chapel stood the test of time for more than five decades. I hope the new structure will continue to be a beacon of our proud Scouting traditions.”

Troop Scouter Errol Treacher said Kim’s Scouting career over the past six years was marked by her innate determination and drive to excel in everything she attempts.

“Kim has set the bar incredibly high, exemplifying true grit. Her endearing nature has also created a clear path for future Scouts, male and female, to follow in,” he said.

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