Below are a few notes about the History of the Emlyn trophy. These will be added to as when more information becomes available. Please email us with any information you may have.
The Camping and Woodcraft competition first took place in 1925 and has run every year since with the exception of the Second World War years.
The sister trophy presented by Mrs Emlyn is the district camping competition run by Christchurch district that back then was a part of Hampshire.
The 4th Aldershot won the Emlyn in 1951 and 1983. One member of the winning patrol in 1951 was a Dave Fisher and in 1983 his son Andrew was the P/L of the winning patrol.
In 1991 the Special Project was separated from the main competition. This was because the competition could be won by just doing the Special Project. It was also decided to make the project an optional part of the weekend. The Scouts therefore have more freedom over the programme that they produce for the weekend. The Special Project is the main Woodcraft part of the competition nowadays. It is a Pioneering project, which is decided by the Patrol Leaders Council, held on the Saturday evening of the previous years competition.
The current leadership team lead by the Yeti took over in 1993. The competition has evolved over the years. The most recent developments have concerned the admittance of Composite Patrols and the latest changes to the age ranges.
Dr C.W. Emlyn
The “Hampshire Scout Gazette” Vol 1 No 9 describes the Emlyn Woodcraft Trophy and talked about Dr C.W. Emlyn who gave its name.
He was a Chief Scout Commissioner, and Deputy Camp Chief Hampshire, writing many articles on Scouting and Woodcraft particularly during the 1930s.
This particular Trophy (simply called “The Emlyn") is probably the one best-known locally and has provided a special challenge to generations of Scouts.
His enthusiasm for Scouting was demonstrated by the attention of his audience, and the widespread reading of his skilled writing. His death in July 1937 was a sad loss.