Humble beginnings
Our founding’s first originate in 1938, when a Lt. Col. David Pelham Papillion purchased 23 acres for the use of the Colchester and District Local Boy Scouts Association. The original campsite was very basic in design when it came into scouting hands, its facilities consisted of a large hut and small toilet block fed from water hand pumped from a well; drinking water came from a spring and there was no electricity.
In 1948 the land was then conveyed over to the Boy Scouts Association and Thorrington Scout Camp was born, In 1973 a further 6 acres was conveyed to Thorrington and from this the modern-day campsite you see now was born.
Building on success
We’ve never quite stopped when it comes to improving, with plenty of change happening throughout the years around the campsite. At one point we even had a swimming pool fed from our freshwater stream.
In the main area of the campsite, you’ll find the camp shop, famous for its supply of sweets, and camp badges, but as you sit on the picnic bench next door enjoying a can of fizzy pop, take a look down and you’ll notice a concrete pad. This was once home to the warden’s accommodation from the 1970s until the late 90s. The wardens bless them have been on the move a few times (don’t worry they’ve settled down now…), but if you’ve ever stayed in Papillon, this was once the warden’s accommodation too!
We’ve achieved some big feats too, such as the construction of Alpha House, which is our biggest indoor accommodation block, and was built solely by our volunteers, and we managed to successfully fund a new toilet block using lottery funding, helping to improve our campsite facilities.
We’ll never stop trying to improve the offerings we provide for our young people, and if there is anything you think we could change, let us know.
Our journey
1948
Our beginnings
17 acres of land known as Thorrington plantation is donated to the local scouting districts of Colchester by Sir David Papillon.
1973
Bigger and better
A further 6 acres of land is donated to Thorrington, bringing the total size of the campsite to 23 acres.
1993
Alpha House
Our biggest accommodation block to date opens. Built entirely by our volunteering teams, it heralds a new opportunity for scouting and guiding groups.
2007
The Lodge
Our new warden lodge is opened, providing much-needed modern living quarters for those living at Thorrington.
2012
Loo news
Following a successful fundraising campaign by Mary Francis
2013
Bear in the air
Bear Grylls comes to visit the campsite by Helicopter to learn more about their role and thanking them for their hard work.
The Future
Whatever the path ahead for Thorrington, we hope to always provide young people with the opportunity to learn Skills for Life.
