TOC H CAMP

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 93, 14 January 1936, Page 16

TOC H CAMP

Days in Queen Charlotte

Sound

The Toe II schools section of the Wel-

lington region held their ninth annual camp for boys drawn from al! types of

life. This year again, through the kindness of Sir Heaton Rhodes, the camp was held at Resolution Bay, Queen Charlotte Sound. There were 60 in camp, including a staff of 12 adults. The boys came from Wellington, Rongotai. Technical and Scots Colleges, Hutt 1 alley High School, and the Anglican, Presbyterian, and Salvation Army Orphanages.

Resolution Bay is a most ideal spot lor a camp of this nature, and activities included swimming, rowing, fishing, tramp-

ing, cross-country and obstacle racing The camp itself is situated between two rocky streams, sheltered by many old walnut and fruit trees. All the camp, with the exception of the dining, shelter and cookhouse, was under canvas, and the boys were representatively grouped in tents or “marks” (a term for a Toe II house). The boys in each mark had a leader of their own age. The various competitions between the marks promoted healthy rivalry, not only in play, but also in work. Inter-tent competitions included sports of all kinds, efficiency in camp duties, and neatness o: the appearance of the inside and outside of the tents. Points were awarded eacn day, the marks being inspected by the camp commandant, medical officer and padre. The surroundings of the tents were improved, and much originality shown Gravelled paths were constructed and lined with rocks, and miniature gardens created. On New Year's Eve a camp concert was held round a huge bonfire. This was preceded by a bestowal of New Year “honours” by King Alexander ot Bullswool and his consort. Queen Barracouta, of Somes Island, and many were the recipients, bestowed with due solemnity and appropriate insignia. An enjoyable day was spent by’ some of the staff and senior boys on a tramp to Ship Cove. Mr. J. Annear guided the party, and his instructive talk on how to recognise New Zealand trees was much appreciated. The same day- the junior boys visited Cherry Bay Alueti of the success of the camp must be attributed to the ever-popular “Cookie,’ who enjoyed his “busman’s” holiday. This year the padre was the Rev G. M. McKenzie, of Christchurch Cathedral Grammar School. A communion service was held on Sunday in the chapel m the woolshed, and other services in the dining shelter. Evening talks before supper were given, the series being the Lamp.' of Life —Work, Leisure, Service, Worship and Discipline.” * Also in camp were Mr. Alec Chuiclier (from Toe H Headquarters, London) nt present lent to New Zealand, and Air. A. S. Kempthorne, Dominion secretary of Toe 11. The camp was an undoubted success, both as a perfect holiday and also as an effort to reproduce the true spirit ot lellowship and service for which Loc 11 stands. „ , The principal members of die camp staff were: Camp commandant. A. 15. Mnlyon; padre, Rev. G. Al. AlcKenz.it, medical officer, A. AA ebb; quartermaste , L. Laurcnson ; sportsmaster, W . Bryan . secretary, AL L. Morgan; treasurer, 1. F. Wilson. , The committee wish to thank ti - Union Steam Ship Co the secretary and harbourmaster of the Harbour Board, the Rotary Club, the N.Z. Fruit Growers Association, the Collingwood Sea Scout committee, Mr. B. Sutherland, and many others whose kindness and assistance helped to make a successful camp.