The John Ackerly Shelter
A Legacy Built by Rovers, for Rovers
The John Ackerly Shelter stands as a lasting symbol of the Rover Scout spirit, resourceful, resilient, and united in purpose. Nestled beside the High Ropes course and flying fox at Gilwell Park, this 460-square-metre structure has quietly served generations of Scouts, Leaders, and visitors since its creation in the early 1990s. It embodies the values of service and adaptability that define the Rover Section and Scouting as a whole.
Origins: A Moot, a Plan, and a Change of Course
In the lead-up to the 8th World Rover Moot, hosted at Gilwell Park in 1990 - 1991, Rovers across Victoria came together to prepare the site for thousands of visiting Scouts from around the world. Among the projects planned was a new toilet block, a necessary facility to support the scale of the international gathering.
But when attendance numbers came in lower than expected, organisers made a quick and practical decision: rather than leave the half-completed building idle, they would transform it into a canteen and gathering space for the Moot.
With characteristic Rover ingenuity, volunteers re-worked the design to include an open serving area, a wide covered space, and a sturdy shelter from the unpredictable weather of the Dandenong Ranges. It became a hub of activity during the Moot, a place for meals, laughter, and late-night conversations shared by Rovers from every corner of the globe.
Built by Hands that Care
Every beam, panel, and bolt of the John Ackerly Shelter tells a story of volunteerism. Constructed with funds raised by Rovers themselves, the project was not a contractor-built facility but a community-driven achievement. Working weekends and evenings, Rover Crews mixed concrete, hauled timber, and laid the roof, often in the mud and mist typical of Gilwell’s weather.
The final structure spans approximately 460 m², featuring an expansive roofline that provides protection from both summer sun and mountain rain. The design is practical, open, and adaptable; it reflects the purpose for which it was built: to serve as a communal heart of the campsite.
What began as a logistical necessity soon became one of Gilwell Park’s most loved assets.
From Temporary Solution to Permanent Fixture
Though originally intended for a single international event, the shelter quickly found a new purpose. After the Moot, Gilwell Park’s management recognised the building’s potential as a multi-use venue. It provided much-needed cover for campers during storms and became a popular gathering point for training weekends, large camps, and Rover activities.
Over time, its uses multiplied from serving meals and hosting award days to acting as a dry refuge for soggy tents and a rehearsal space for performances during major events.
Today, it remains an essential part of Gilwell Park: a meeting point, an area to learn, a canteen and when needed most, a place of shelter.
Honouring John Ackerly
The shelter bears the name of John Ackerly ‘Archers’, a long-serving Rover Advisor whose dedication to youth development left a profound mark on Victorian Scouting.
Known for his calm leadership and steadfast belief in the potential of young people, John guided countless Rovers through their journeys of service, adventure, and self-discovery.
Naming the shelter in his honour was a fitting tribute. Just as John Ackerly helped countless Rovers find their footing, this shelter continues to provide safety and grounding for those who pass through its open sides. It stands not only as a building but as a living reminder of the mentoring and community spirit that defines the Rover ethos.
Design and Setting
Situated near the adventure precinct of Gilwell Park, the shelter overlooks the high ropes area and flying fox. Its large covered footprint accommodates several hundred people at once.
Built primarily from timber and corrugated metal, it reflects the rugged functionality of traditional Scout architecture durable, straightforward, and ready for anything. The high roof and open-sided design allow for airflow and visibility, while the adjacent hardstand makes it practical for equipment setups and catering.
Electricity and water access make it versatile enough for large-scale events such as Gilwell Reunion, Adult Recognition Award days and major youth activities like the Cuboree.
Enduring Symbol of Scouting Values
The story of the John Ackerly Shelter is, at its heart, the story of Scouting itself - a testament to adaptability, community, and the power of collective action. It reminds us that when Rovers come together with determination and creativity, they can turn even a simple idea into something lasting and meaningful.
From its beginnings as an unneeded toilet block to its transformation into a vital part of Gilwell Park, the shelter has embodied the Rover motto of Service. It continues to offer protection, connection, and purpose, a place where generations of Scouts gather, learn, and celebrate what it means to live the Scouting way.