It is thought that the word "Eprapah" has biblical origins, and may have derived from the word "Ephratah", meaning "fruitful land". It is most likely that Eprapah Creek was named by a surveyor who was one of the first settlers along the creek. Aboriginal tribes who wandered the area would certainly have found a fruitful camping and hunting area.

When Eprapah was bought by Scouts Australia in 1928, horses and cattle were still being grazed, and signs of cultivation remained in cleared areas. Most of the dense bushland has remained undisturbed, with many old trees estimated to be several hundred years old. The property was first used as a Leader Training Centre, with Scout Leaders and Patrol Leaders coming from many parts of Queensland to undertake training in all aspects of Scouting and citizenship, and this role was maintained until 1953. In 1973 the Scout Association of Australia, Queensland Branch reserved Eprapah for use exclusively as an Environment Training Centre and it took its present name - Eprapah, the Charles S. Snow Environment Training Centre. Named after the founder of Scouting in Queensland, it honours the memory of Charles Snow, who first established the Centre and provided leadership and inspiration during a lifetime of service to Scouting and the community. In 1975 the Redland Shire Council rezoned Eprapah for special purposes (environmental studies), and it has become a sanctuary of beauty in the midst of dramatic development. Endeavours are being made to preserve both local and Scouting heritage on the site:

• Mungara, Eprapah's Visitor Centre was the origional caretaker's cottage, constructed in the early 1930's from bricks hand made on the site. It was restored in 1993 and now houses a Museum and Trading Post. White Track
  
• Biolab (resource centre and store) and Grey Owl Shelter were built close to the sites of Eprapah's original buildings, the Providore and Troop Room respectively, and the Beaver Shelter occupies the site of the first cooking shelter (note the remains of the old camp oven and bases of the dining tables). All of the original structures were destroyed by bushfire. White Track | Brown Trail
  
• The Chief's Campsite marks the area where Chief Commissioner and Training Commissioner Charles Snow and his training staff camped and roused the trainees with a traditional early morning Kudu horn call and/or drum beats from a huge New Guinea log drum. A reflector fireplace provided warmth during the winter courses. Brown Trail
  
• The Chapel, rediscovered after a long period of disuse, is presently used by weekend campers for morning devotions. Brown Trail
  
• The Campfire Circle, still in use from the early days, was the site of a huge, free standing Eagle with wings spread, carved by the Sandgate Rover Scouts - since removed to Baden-Powell Park, Samford. Koala Glade
  
• "B.-P.'s Footprint" was laid by Lord Baden-Powell, founder of Scouting and World Chief Scout, during a visit to Eprapah in 1931. The original has been removed to Baden-Powell Park, Samford, for safe-keeping and a copy left in its place. Brown Trail
• The Rover Well, Fireplace, and Site of the Rover Hut. These were built in the early 1930's by Rover Scouts, alongside a picturesque string of billabongs. The watercourse has since altered and the Hut was destroyed by bushfire. Blue Trail
• The Suspension Bridge was first built in the early 1930's by Rover Scouts, to bridge a then often-flooded tributary of Eprapah Creek. The original bridge was subsquently replaced with the assistance of Army Engineers, but this structure has now become unsafe also and awaits another saviour. Blue Trail

Eprapah - Now and in the Future

Eprapah is maintained by Scouts Australia primarily for the use of its members, but other members of the community are welcome to use the Centre with the Association's permission. Programs, maintenance and development projects are undertaken by volunteers, therefore admission charges assist with expenses in upkeeping the site. Interested persons who would like to help with any aspect of Eprapah's activities are invited to contact the local support group, "The Friends of Eprapah Scout Fellowship" (07 3378 4115) . For further infomation, contact Scouts Australia, Queensland Branch Commissioner (07 3203 4193), or Branch HQ (07 3870 7000).

Eprapah visitors should adopt the same rules which exist for other sanctuaries or National Parks; no bicycles or domestic animals; flora or fauna or any other feature should not be interfered with in any way; fires should only be lit in fireplaces provided; carry out all rubbish - nothing should be left behind except "footprints and thanks".

Acknowledgements
 Last updated 14 July 1999
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Copyright © 1997-99 by Friends of Eprapah Scout Fellowship