SCOUTS IN EMERGENCY

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 1, Issue 6, 3 May 1939, Page 5

SCOUTS IN EMERGENCY

BOYS COULD HELP

SUGGESTIONS FOR TRAINING

The valuable Avork* that Scouts might do in a local or national emergency has not been lost sight of by Scout Dominion headquarters avVio have issued instructions to all Commissioners for the training of Scouts in their areas. In a circular letter it is stressed that the first proficiency badge a boy should be encouraged to gain should be one for public service, the badges in, this category being Ambulance, Missioner, Pathfinder, Camper, Public Healthman, Fireman, Signaller, Cyclist, Coast Watch man, Pilot.

Dealing Avith internal organisation for districts the instructions say that the first necessity is to be able to collect boys at rallying points, and this iirvolves commissioners keeping an up-to-date list of telephone numbers and addresses of all Scouters and Deputies both at home and business. Similarly Scouters should hold addresses and telephone numbers of patrol leaders and Scouts. It is suggested that the adoption of a code Avord signifying that the emergency organisation is to be operated would save much unnecessary conversation,. and panic. This could be a phrase such as "jump to it" or "rally" and it could be sent out by telephone, telegram or wireless. On receipt of this instruction the troop members should rally at their headquarters or other spot and then proceed to the central rallying point. They should be fully uniformed and equipped as the Avearing of uniform has a steadying effect on bewildered, people and signifies organised control . When, the district organisation is completed the scheme should be put before /he local authorities and parents made conversant Avith the scheme. It should then be forwarded to the Scout headquarters.

Sco.uters are instructed to rehearse the organisation regularly so that they are prepared to act if necessary with clear vision and resolution.