Guest Author - Diana Laulainen-Schein

The second World Center to open its doors was the London house named Our Ark in 1939. Moved to a new location in 1959, the London center was renamed Olave House in 1963 in honor of Lady Baden-Powell. Then in 1990, the London facilities were again rebuilt and reopened as Pax Lodge.

Pax Lodge is located on the grounds of Olave Center in Hamstead about 20 minutes via subway from the center of London. The World Center is also on the grounds of Olave Center. The word pax means peace in Latin and was intended to reflect the original name of "Our Ark," which was chosen to suggest a place of peace and refuge.

Facilities Pax Lodge were built to replace those at Olave House, which were too small to meet the demand. The new facilities include a large dining room, lounge lobby, TV room, guest kitchen, laundry room, library/resource center, a gift shop and housing for up to sixty guests.

Pax Lodge opens its doors to both Guides and Scouts and their families, although priority is given to those participating in programs. Programs include themes such as the theater, London gardens and heritage, Girl Scout/Guide history, castles and palaces, or sailing the Thames.

Travelling away from Pax Lodge, visitors can explore nearby London with historical sites, theaters, museums, and shopping. For more information concerning opportunites at Pax Lodge, click the links to the right.