The 2nd Adelaide Scout Troop was formally registered on 15th October 1909, forming the third South Australian troop. Initially, their colors were yellow and black, later changed to red, white, and blue within the same year. Their first activity, recorded by ‘The Register’ newspaper, was camping at Largs Bay from 13th to 15th November 1909. They had five tents and attended a church parade at the Semaphore Baptist Church on Sunday. Upon return, most Scouts were part of a Guard of Honour for His Excellency, the Governor, at Adelaide Town Hall.
‘The Register’ later noted their camping at Kensington Park, practicing signaling with flags, first aid, and a drowning drill. On 8th November 1909, they held a farewell for visiting American boys. The Troop was present at the first South Australian Scout Camp at Milang from 25th December 1909 to 3rd January 1910. Initially consisting of five patrols, the first Scout Leader was Kirkham Evans, with Roy Part as Assistant Scout Master in 1913.
Sir Robert Baden-Powell visited Adelaide in June 1912, with events held at the Exhibition Building, Adelaide Oval, the National Park, Belair, and St. Peter’s Cathedral. During the First World War, 2nd Adelaide went into recess, as many groups did at the time. The Troop restarted multiple times during the 1920s and 1930s, amalgamating with 1st Adelaide in 1936.
In 1938, Tom Gilchrist restarted the Troop at St. Patrick’s Hall, Grote Street, but war caused another recess in 1939 when Tom volunteered for the Second A.I.F. The group rebanded in 1945 with 2nd Adelaide Cubs registered on 15th February with Frank O’Neill as Cub Leader. After a short period of inactivity in the early 1950s, the Troop restarted in 1953 under Rex Farrant, City of Adelaide District Commissioner. The 2nd Adelaide Cub Pack was restarted on 25th February 1954 with Margaret Cox and Elaine Jarrett as leaders.
A camp was held at O’Sullivans Beach from 18th to 22nd December 1959, with 27 Scouts and 6 Leaders. The Rover Crew was registered in 1978, the Venturer Unit followed on 31st March 1982, and the Joey Mob was registered on 12th March 1990. The 80th birthday was celebrated in 1989 with the laying of a time capsule at Kingswood Guide Hall.
In 1999, the Group moved to Newey’s Coach Stables at the corner of Maitland and High Streets, Mitcham. Renovations took place, and the hall reopened in 2001. The 95th birthday was celebrated in 2004 with another time capsule.
In 2009, Natalie Steward became Group Leader in December after several leaders took on that role since 2006 after the Group lost Tom Gilchrist and John Sunners.
The 100th anniversary was celebrated on 8th November 2009 at Maitland Street Hall. The Australian and South Australian Chief Commissioners attended the ceremony, which marked the opening of the renovated Eastern Wing with new facilities.
The 110th anniversary was celebrated on 10th November 2009. The Group held a family camp on this occasion at the Old House, Woodhouse, and shared the Group’s history and traditions.”
In 2025, Scout Leader Natalie Steward has been named by the City of Mitcham the Citizen of the Year 2025 for her 20 years of dedicated service to the Group. Natalie was recognized for her commitment and contribution to the community during a celebration at Mitcham Memorial Library on 23 January during the Australia Day celebrations.
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