Merhula and Soestdijk Palace
Scouting group Merhula has a history that goes back more than a century and has been associated with Soestdijk for a long time. Princess Beatrix and her sisters were also scouts on the estate. In the 1960s, Queen Juliana opened a clubhouse that, in Willem-Alexander’s early years, was shared with a royal kindergarten that was set up there during the week.
Today Merhula has about 85 members who are divided into the age groups Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Explorers and Tribe. “We are still growing,” says building manager Sander Koop. “Due to corona, people are more involved with nature and they see that being outside is healthy for everyone. But we are tied to the number of volunteers and therefore we now have a waiting list.”
More information about Merhula can be found on the Scouting group website. There you will also find out how people can contribute to the new scouting building.