Purchased in June 1954 by Avon Scouts for use as a Scout campsite it operates primarily as an activity and training centre for young people and adult leaders of Avon Scouts. The Centre is also used by local schools and other youth-based organisations to deliver outdoor adventure. Is it sites in South Gloucestershire overlooking the River Severn, near to the Severn Bridge and the Juntion of the M4 and M5 motorways. The 36 acre site includes large open fields and wooldands and continues to be owned by Avon Count Scouts charity No 302146.
In April 2011 the management of the site was taken over by The Scout Association and the centre was renamed as Woodhouse Park Scout Adventres. following the granting by Avon Scouts of a long lease (50 years) on the site. This change in management from a local team to become part of the National Scout organisation meant that Woodhouse Park Activity Centre become one of a number of centres across the country run by the Scout Association on a not-for-profit basis.
Over the ten years from 2011 to 2021 the partnership with The Scout Association has seen investment in the activity centre take place with the establishment of the high ropes adventure facility, improvements to the accommodation lodges and the refurbishment of the existing toilet blocks. However, it has not been possible as originally envisaged for The Scout Association to access the major funding streams that would have enabled it to undertake the key components of a major development plan for the Activity Centre.
The impact of the CoVID pandemic on the national finances means that The Scout Association are no longer in a position to meet either the ongoing day to day capital needs or the investment that is required to upgrade the facilities of Woodhouse Park Activity Centre. They have therefore giving notice to Avon County Scout Council that they will be terminating the lease as from October 2021.
Since returning to Avon County Scouts the Centre has continues to grow its activites base with over 54 activites available through its online bookings system. The Centre was initially reopened with volunteers but soon moved to a paid role position recently employing 9 staff to assist with the running of the centre along with over 51 Adult volunteers to help maintain and run the Centre.
The centre is open for any youth or child focus organisation to use along with some limited public use. It now has a range of events that support the wider Scouting community in delivering badges and residential experiences.
Our Vision is:
To have a national reputation as a centre of excellence for personal development and outdoor adventure for young people, adults and aspiring leaders.
Our Mission is:
To provide a safe place and welcoming environment that offers quality opportunities for learning through fun, adventure, development and achievement and provide an excellent residential experience.
Woodhouse Park is owned by Avon County Scout Council charity No:302146