The Shatin Scout Centre a place of adventure and discovery stands before us. It’s more than just a campsite. It’s a gateway to the rich history of Shatin. A history woven into the very fabric of this land.
Shatin itself has a fascinating past. Once called Lek Yuen meaning source of clear water it was a haven of clear streams. Later it became known as Shatin meaning Sand Field because of its sandy beach. The name Shatin replaced Lek Yuen after the British took control of the New Territories in 1898.
Imagine the villagers of Shatin. They were farmers fishermen and spice traders. They lived simple lives. They grew rice and vegetables. They fished in the sea. They harvested fragrant wood used to make perfume. This fragrant wood was shipped from Shatin all over the world. Shatin was a vital transportation hub. People traveled to and from the mainland through Shatin. Salt from Kowloon was transported through Shatin too.
Life wasn’t always easy. In the 17th century a boundary move forced people away from the coast. Lek Yuen became a bandit hideout. Later during the Japanese occupation villagers faced hardship and even violence. Many found refuge in the Tao Fong Shan Christian Centre. The Japanese Three Alls Policy Kill All Burn All Rob All forced many to flee.
Even after World War II Shatin remained a rustic village. School trips and outings were common. This peaceful place transformed greatly. The Chinese University of Hong Kong was built nearby. In the 1970s Shatin became a new town. Large housing estates sprung up. A modern city took shape. The Shatin Racecourse a city hall libraries and museums all appeared. A rustic village became a bustling new town.
Today the Shatin Scout Centre stands as a reminder of this transformation. It’s a place where young people can learn about nature. They can learn about teamwork and leadership. They can experience the outdoors. The Shatin Scout Centre continues the rich legacy of Shatin. It is a place of exploration and adventure. A place where the past and the present meet. A place where the spirit of scouting lives on.