Boys from different social backgrounds participated from 1 to 8 August 1907 in activities around camping, observation, woodcraft, chivalry, lifesaving and patriotism.

In 1963, a formal 50-acre (20 ha) Scout campsite was created after the island became a nature conservation area owned by the National Trust.

The camp was isolated from the mainland and the press but only a short ferry trip from Poole, making for easy logistics.

[8] Baden-Powell invited boys from different social backgrounds to the camp, an unusual idea during the class-conscious Edwardian era.

[9][page needed] Eleven came from the well-to-do private boarding schools of Eton and Harrow, mostly sons of Baden-Powell's friends.

In 1964, William Hillcourt added the fourth Rodney brother, Simon, in Two Lives of a Hero, bringing the total to 21.

The reasons why Simon Rodney was not listed by the other authors is not clear but evidence that he was present and the 6th member of the Curlews Patrol, was recounted by Scouting historian Colin Walker.

After passing tests on knots, tracking and the national flag, they were given another brass badge, a scroll with the words Be Prepared[dubious – discuss], to wear below the fleur-de-lis.

[9][page needed] The camp began each day with a blast from a kudu horn that Baden-Powell had found in the Somabula forest during the Matabele campaign of 1896.

[9][page needed] After lunch there was a strict siesta (no talking allowed), followed by the afternoon activity based on the subject of the day.

For many of the participants, the highlights of the camp were his campfire yarns of his African experiences, and the Zulu "Ingonyama" chant, translating to "he is a lion".

[9][page needed] The campsite is compartmentalised, with the memorial stone, shop, flags, and destination signs in one area on the south-west corner of the island.

[9][page needed] St. Mary's Church, located on the island about 0.2 miles (0.3 km) from the camp, posts Scout and Guide flags at the approach to the altar.

[23] The National Trust operates events throughout the summer months including guided tours, trails, and activities in the visitor centre.

A statue of Baden-Powell, created in 2008 by sculptor David Annand to commemorate the camp, is situated in Poole and faces Brownsea Island.

[23][26][27] The Patrol Leaders Camp, which ran from 26 until 28 July 2007, involved Scouts from the United Kingdom engaging in activities such as sea kayaking.

The young people travelled from the 21st World Scout Jamboree in Hylands Park, Essex, to Brownsea Island on 1 August 2007 for the Sunrise Ceremony.