The history of Kulsø Spejdercenter

Kulsølejren was acquired in 1963-64 by the “Foundation of 23 April 1963” which was founded by Erik Østergaard. The land generally did not have that great value, as much of the area was and still is marsh. The property was pieced together by about 25 cadastral numbers from about 10 owners.

At this time, the camp was a primitive camp site, where water supply was two wells with hand pump. The latrines (toilets) were dug by themselves.

The Coal Lake camp was launched as the Korpsets (Boy Scouts') pioneer camp, where the idea was that Scouts, Patrols and Troop could come and realize their pioneer dreams — ranging from huts to towers and bridges. A patrol could be given a plot of land where, over a number of years, they had the opportunity to establish a hut and the facilities needed.

Hartvig Nielsen was the driving force behind the publication of a series of Kulsøbooks, which were intended to provide guidance to the patrols. A smaller camp site is named Hartvig after him.

In 1965, the first bridge was built over Skjern Å to the delight of the local population. The bridge is located on the narrow part where Kulsø and Nedersø meet. On the articles shown from 1965, a picture of the first bridge is seen.

Since then it has been replaced sometimes, with the most recent being erected by a team of Swiss scouts in 2003, you can see the drawings below. Colloquially we call it the Little Belt Bridge.

Over the years leading up to 1969, a myriad of larger and smaller huts were built — some as precursors to the buildings that were later built in “Ny Hedeby” at Stevninghus Scouting Center. From 1969 onwards, a great deal of work was done to clean up the many cabins that had not been maintained. However, some cottages were maintained by groups until 1990, and the current buildings are typically located where previous buildings have been built.

One of the huts that we still have on the grounds, and which has its origins from the beginnings of the camp, is the A hut. It was erected by foresters during a six-week summer camp in 1965—1966. The assignment was posted in the Scouts' MAGAZINE as a summer vacation assignment. You can see the article below. It has been renovated numerous times since, but an A-hut still stands on the site.

In 1983, dry closets with emptying tanks were erected in the ground, and in 2003 they were replaced by real toilets. Here the current Kulsøhytten and Toftehytten were erected.

In 1991, the wells with water pump were replaced with an actual water bore. In the same year, electricity and telephone were taken to the camp.

On several occasions, there has been a Patrol Leader Course (PLAN) on Kulsø, and it was held annually from 1972 to 1996.

A great deal of pioneering work was carried out each year, and many of the more experienced Scouts can remember one or more of the projects as they remained standing for many years to come.

In 1990, Kulsø Scouting Center was started by a bunch of volunteer scouts. They rented themselves at Kulsø Lejren and arranged, among other things, a summer camp for scout groups. In this context, new canoes and life jackets were procured.

In 2012, at the request of Korpleadership, the volunteers agreed to merge Kulsø Lejren and Kulsø Scouting Center. This means that the volunteers in the area now jointly run grounds, facilities and scouting activities. We call ourselves nails - a nail is the part of a coal lake collection that holds it all together.

In 2019-2021, we prepared a Vision, Strategy and Priority Document for Kulsø Scouting Centre. Here's the focus on the elements:

• Nature activities
• Water Activities
• Climbing activities
• Good operation