BOYS’ BRIGADE NOTES

Evening Star, Issue 22203, 4 December 1935, Page 2

BOYS’ BRIGADE NOTES

[By Chum.] AN IDEA. At the 50th Liverpool (England) Company’s annual inspection and display the interest and enjoyment of the audience was greatly increased by the broadcasting of n running commentary. A radio set with microphone attachment was used, and intervals were filled in by putting “ on the air ” boys’ impressions of their first session in the 8.8. and camp experiences. CAMP. Only three short weeks to camp. Now, some of you will be asking what you need to take with you to camp. First of all, you will need a military kit-bag to put your 'things in. There is nothing to equal this from the camper’s point of view, and you ’ should only consider a suitcase if you cannot possibly buy, beg, or borrow a proper kitbag. Having secured your kit-bag, you will need three good warm blankets, whicli should be as nearly the same size as possible. Each of these in turn should be twisted round till it looks like a thick rope, then coiled up into a flat circle and laid on the bottom of the bag. It may take a little practice to do this well, but it is the most compact way to fold them. Having packed in your blankets, you can then set to work on the other items, which should include a Bible, pyjamas, soap, two towels, brush and comb, knife, fork, and spoons, extra socks, gym. shoes, strong boots, two plates and a mug (unbreakable), two new sacks or small ticking for straw, pillow, toothbrush, overcoat, sweater or jersey, shorts, handkerchiefs, change of underclothing, sun hat, bathing suit. Experienced campers will know that there are many of these things they can ,do without. The only things that should be brought to camp in addition to- the above list are a torch, a camera, magazines, fishing tackle, and sports gear. On no account must cards, matches, cigarettes, or firearms be brought into camp. CAMP LADDER. The sth Invercargill has now slipped into the lead with 56 per cent., while the 12th Dunedin Company has appeared on the map with 28 per cent. Congratulations to both these companies. 11TH (SOUTH) DUNEDIN. There was a large gathering present at the final inspection of the 11th Dunedin Company, when the boys, who paraded 35 strong were inspected by Sir Todd, Despite the smallness .of the hall a march past was successfully carried out, followed by a well-execu-ted programme comprising a display on the parallel bars by the gymnastic squad, a drilling-out competition, an ambulance, and a signalling display, a camp scene, and a sing-song. Complimentary remarks were made by the Inspecting officer, Mr Todd, on the progress achieved by the company, whicli, he pointed out, was the largest in the battalion and so should seek to become the most efficient. Mr Vivian, the battalion secretary, added the congratulations cf the battalion. The various prizes and certificates gained through the session were presented by Mr Todd, a very happy evening being brought to 'a close by an acceptable supper. The company camp enrolments have increased by a few, and though one lieutenant has withdrawn from the company, it is hoped to have any other .officer at camp in his place; LIFEBOYS IN AFRICA. Can you picture 50 or more little boys, most of them with exceptionally bright eyes, which watch one’s every movement, and clad in all sorts of garments, from the loincloth only, to a full suit, tidy boys, and untidy boys, clean boys, and dirty hoys. They are a motley crowd, but all the more interesting. In 1930. Mrs Burns, wife of the L.M.S. Missionary, started the Ist Serowe. Lifeboy Team in BechuanaJand. During the first session she was pleased .if about half a dozen boys came along, but this session there were as many as 52. Mrs Burns is helped by a loyal band of- African leaders. The meetings begin by saluting the Union Jack, then a well-known hymn is sung, and a short prayer is offered. An indoor game is played before giving an address or story, to which they listen attentively. After that, some physical drill, a closing hymn, the Benediction, the flag again, and off the boys go to play football in high glee. The boys attend Sunday school, and when they reach a certain height which might be taken as that of a boy of 12 years, they are sent on to the Ist Serowe Company of the 8.8. 7TH DUNEDIN TEAM (NORTHEAST VALLEY. The closing parade of the 7th Dunedin Lifeboy Team was held on Friday* when a number of parents were present to sec the work of the team. In addition to members of the local committee, there were present by invitation a number of boys who will bo of lifeboy ago next year, and who it is hoped will become members of the team. Inspection was taken by Mr Young, »the area supervisor, who after wards gave a few words of advice to the boys. The regular work of the team, including figure and maze marching, physical 1 exercises, and games, was carried out, the visiting boys being invited to join in an exciting game of hoop relay against the boys of the team. A report was given to the parents of the work done during the year, and the points for the groups were announced. The boys then presented their parents with little gifts made during the year, while other articles were set aside to be sent to one of the children’s homes. After a hearty sing-song, supper was served, and jellies and cream, and other good things quickly disappeared. Rev. N. E. Oakley and Mr Clifford expressed the thanks of the church and of the parents to the leaders, and the gathering closed with worship conducted by the Rev. N. E. Oakley.