Lord Robert Baden-Powell founded the Boy Scout movement in Britain in 1907, and it quickly spread to many other countries. In 1909, a meeting was held in Toowoomba with a view to establishing a local scout group. Scouting grew quickly in Toowoomba, and soon there were at least 10 Scout Troops, named imaginatively 1st Toowoomba, 2nd Toowoomba, and so on up to 10th Toowoomba. Of these, only 2nd Toowoomba still operates by its original numbered name. 1st Toowoomba changed its name to Parakoola (1965); 3rd Toowoomba to Bunya Park (and still operates by that name.) 4th Toowoomba changed its name to Delta, the fourth letter of the Greek alphabet. Although many of these early groups have gone by-the-by, numerous scout groups exist and operate in Toowoomba, part of a world-wide movement with about 40 million members.
Geocaching is an activity that fits well with scouting activities, and in some parts of the world, scouts can earn merit badges for their geocaching activities. Although this is not the case in Australia, geocaching activities can contribute to some of the requirements of scouting!
This cache is one of a series, celebrating scouting in Toowoomba and the surrounding areas. Have you found the others?
At posted coordinates you will find some information about the 2nd Toowoomba Scout Group. It is not necessary to enter onto the scouts' property to gather the information, or to find the cache.
Stage 2 is at S 27° 33.ABC' E 151° 56.DEF' where:
A = # different scouting age groups meeting here minus 1
B = \(2^A\)
C = number of days of the week that scout groups meet here.
D = \(A^2\)
E = D - C
F = E - (number of stars in the Scouts Logo)
(A + B + C + D + E + F = 32)
At Stage 2, you will find a 2-sided notice with information about the history of this spot.
The Final Stage can be found at S 27° 33.GHI' E 151° 56.JKL'
The Newtown Football Club trained here in the year IJMG
The Mort Estate Well dates back to the year IKHN
The Well was discovered by residents in the year PLLG
(G + H + I + J + K + L = 27)
You will need a pencil. Please make sure the container is returned to its spot and is out of sight.