SCOUT NOTES

Evening Star, Issue 17429, 12 August 1920, Page 2

SCOUT NOTES

[By Kiwi.] ill communications to It addressed to ’‘Kiwi,” ‘ Star ’ Office, before S.SO p. ft. Mondays. How many badges have you? This is a question very often asked between Scouts. Now, toe re are two classes of badgeholders : First, he of true Scout spirit, and second, the badge-hog. Tho one object in life of the badge-hog is to get an accumulation of badges, so that his sleeve may bo covered from shoulder to wrist, with which to put on “ swank.” Possibly he has just scraped through the tests of most, and immediately forgotten all that ha ever learnt about it. He forgets that badges are for a certain purpose, and form only one phase of Scout life, and that not the most important part, unless taken np m the rigid spirit. Now, tho purpose ox badges is threefold; First, as a means to enable a Scout to keep .his urornise of being useful and helping others; seconl, us a means to learn all he can and beemcient hi his own particular hobby; third, as stepping-Moncs to the trade ‘or profession which ho takes up after school days, or as a special means of bccomummore efficient in the life work he has adopted. A Scout earning proficiency badges under anv of these three headings does- so in the right spirit. Ho will fc e thorough in his work and more worthy to wear them. The Chief Scout, Sir P. S. S. Baden-Powoll, K.C.8., recently wrote ; “ The _ true Scout is the chap who goes in for the training in order to make himself efficient and able to help other people. If the badge is awarded to him lie is glad to have it and proud of it, hut that was not Ins reason for taking up the work. A teout does bis work because it is his dutv, rot ip? any reward. I do hope that‘everv Scout will remember this, ‘ and carrv it out when he is grown np.“ A very comprehensive and useful took, entitled ‘The Scoutmaster’s Manual,' has been issued by tho Headquarters Council to. all Scoutmasters throughout the Dominion. This book deals with the working of a troop for one year, inking boys of ordinary intelligence from the recruit Mage, to lung's Scout. Scoutmasters will find it of immense value. The St. Kikla Noo. 1 and 2 Troops held their weekly parade last Wednesday evening. The attendance was fair. The .-onior bays under (he Scoutmaster, and tho remainder under Sergeant Gallagher cud Senior-leader Lindsay, did good work. Many boys ate now ready to go up for badges. The lust halt-hour was devoted to Scout games. The troop were dismissed at Gaines night was the item on the syllabus of the Mornington Troop for Friday last, and a- royal time the members had. The Teal indoor scouting game of ‘‘Snipe the Sniper.'’ was exceedingly well played; so quiet did the onlookers remain that no one succeeded in passing the blindfolded eiiipcv. Interpatrel competitions of tug-of-war caused considerable merriment. A question bos was held during tho last bail-hour, but tho members aro not used to public speaking.. However, this is only a matter of time, two or throe spoke verv well indeed. T hp tend had a full practice after the troop had been dismissed, .and put up a very good performance. The drummers were especially good. Most of the buglers arc hat beginners; we aro confluent that they will make good. The band are fortunate in having secured the services of Mr L- Napier, ex-sergeant of tiie original troop band, who will commence with them next week. It is gialifying. and indeed speaks well for the, movement, when ex-Sconts come forward and give a helping tend to their old troop. We weir, goal to welcome back to the ranks one of our old members after some months’ absence.