SCOUT NOTES

Evening Star, Issue 22671, 10 June 1937, Page 2

SCOUT NOTES

THE WOLF CUB, The ages of eight, nine, ami ton aio among the important of a boy’s life. He is then actively employed in looking about him and learning from and imitating those whom he meets. His young limbs are stretching and he is becoming surer of his grasp of things. The body seems full of restless, nervous energy, and the active youngster never seems to tire. The eager young brain is rapidly absorbing idas that will colour his mental outlook very considerably in the years to come. He is beginning to understand vaguely things that have never been explained directly before. His environment is beginning to influence him and lie is continually in search of fresh fields against which he can pit his young strength and prove his superiority. His mind is continually bringing before him desirable states of existence, and since it is impracticable that he can carry them out, ho must pretend he is doing so. Thus games and pretence form the basis of his life. The boy earnestly desires to be a tram conductor, a bus driver, an engine driver, a postman, or some other personality with whom ho is_ brought into contact either through his life or his reading. Similarly, he might want to be a pirate or a sailor, because fiction has conjured it to him as a desirable state of existence. Realising on the one hand his limitations, and yet on the other hand wanting to exercise his wish, he takes refuge in the only course available—• he pretends and plays his heroic part. In his playing, then, he is really educating himself, and any attempt to thwart him must have serious mental results, the possibilities of which we cannot gauge. On the play system, then, the wolf cub method is based—with excellent results. Good examples of living are placed before him in yarns, stories, and games, and he attempts in his Cub life to enact these. In this way Wolf Cub methods train an active and in telligent child and fit him for a larger training in Scouting, from which he finally attempts, in Rovering, to mould the course of his life. There is nothing in the end that was not in the beginning—and if we do not tap the source of noble action in the early boyhood—well, we cannot expect him to rise above the occasions later in life. In most nations famed for their “ woodcraft,” the best men were called after that other fine woodcrafter, “ the wolf.” What more natural, then, that those whom we want to follow those traditions of efficiency and fitness should he called “ Wolf Cubs ”? BADGE EXAMS. First-class signalling, axnianship, estimations, and ambulance will be taken at Passmore camp site on Saturday, at 2 o’clock. The cooks’ badge will ho taken on Saturday, June 19, at Logan Park, at 1.30. Scouts to be in uniform, and entries to metropolitan secretary. The following passed the ambulance exam, held on May 29: —L. Shackleton, M. Kirk, J. Driver. W. Nicholson, all North Dunedin; E. Payton (Knox) and R. Dickinson (Roslyn). PATROL LEADERS’ CONFERENCE All patrol leaders are invited'to attend a conference to be held at Scout headquarters on Saturday, at 5.30. Tea will be provided, after which a yarn will be given and then an open discussion. If you cannot come for tea, come as soon after ns you can. Scouters advise the secretary regarding This is your show, patrol leaders, so it is up to you to make it a good night. Bring your ideas, suggestions, complaints, or anything else you want to grouse about. ROVERS, The district Rover crew met round tho tea table to hear a yam on ‘ Honesty in Business.’ The speaker, in a very interesting way, outlined his personal experiences, both in Australia and in New Zealand, regarding the methods employed by various businesses iu which he had been connected. Rovers are now chewing over this subject for a general discussion at their next meeting. The . crew then adjourned to attend the concert at Reslyn. ROSLYN SCOUT CONCERT. Although snow was falling outside, it was easily counteracted by tlie keen enthusiasm that was shown by tho large audience which gathered iu tho Coronation Hall to listen to a concert provided by the Roslyn Group. At 8 o'clock the curtain rose to show the group of 31 Cubs, 20 Scouts, and seven officers all lined up to open the programme with choruses and Maori songs. Four of Miss Lennox’s pupils entertained tho gathering with recitation, musical monologue, and character sketch, all of which were excellently rendered. The “Leopard” Cubs, iu full Maori costume, gave a canoe haka and canoo song while paddling in a wellbuilt canoe. Members of Toe H assisted with individual songs, humorous recitation, and sketches, all of which were recalled. 4 Something About a AYolf Cub ’ and 4 Little Grey Tent,’ rendered by the Panther Pack were well done considering the ago of these Cubs. Four jolly sailorraon were greeted with loud applause, and had to return to the stage for an encore. A party of Scouts in full Maori costume sang and acted the story of a fishing expedition. A mouth organ solo by 0. Moore received hearty applause. 4 The Circus ’ was easily the main item of tbo evening. Here a good standard of acting was displayed by all the characters, the ring master (P. Black) and tho clown (I. Scott) being exceptionally good with their parts. This part was cleverly got up and warranted the applause it received. Tho whole group returned to tho stage to give the final item, which consisted of choruses. Supper and a dance was then run by tbo 'Ex-Scouts’ Association until midnight chimed out.

REPORTS. Mornington, —Sixteen Scouts_ braved the unpleasant weather conditions on Friday. Games stirred up the blood before dividing up for instruction in first class badge and cooking bints. Round the campfire songs were sung with tbo aid of a lantern showing the words. Scouter told the tale of the 4 Flying Dutchman,’ which was much appreciated. North Dunedin.—Shortly after 15 Scouts had answered the roll cal! a failure of the electric light called for the Scout motto (“ Be prepared ”) to be put into operation in tho form of some new games. Temporary lights being rigged up, tho programme continued under tho loaders in patrol corners. The weather conditions called for a general games night. Twenty-six Cubs answered Akela’s call ‘ to tbo jungle. The opening ceremony was followed bv a new game. Baloo gave a yarn on mail delivery in different parts of the world, after which this was turned into a new and fascinating game. The pack then divided up for work under the Sixers. 4 The King’s Navy ’ was rendered with great gusto before the Cub promise closed the evening. Miss Moss and Miss Didbam were welcomed as new officers. Mosgiel.—A large attendance greeted the “-cat ” call. The hoys are very keen to get some first class badges into the troop, and we wish them success in this venture. Scouter took the new recruits for tenderfoot while the others concentrated on first and second class tests. lan Ferguson and Eriq Crozier promised to livo up to the ideals of tho movement, and were welcomed to the brotherhood. Anderson’s Bay.—The usual largo muster was absent on Friday, but nevertheless good work was done in signalling and first aid. The crews then gathered round the fire to discuss items for entertainment, such as sea chanties, plays, etc, A hot supper was much appreciated. Messrs T. Somerville and Adess, from the Rotary Club, spoke valuable words of advice to the Scouts. Mohicans. —Good progress is being maintained here. The 15 on parade started the evening with hand Soccer, after which they split up for tenderfoot and second class work. During the light failure the period was occupied with a game of creeping up while avoiding the torch light. Dodge ball brought the evening to a close. Terra Nova Sea Scouts.—After inspection the company marched along to the residence of Mr and Mrs Fletcher, where it spent a very enjoyable evening. Mrs Poison and Mrs M’Kenzie were also present. After some instrumental items by some of the Scouts, Mr Fletcher gave all the opportunity of viewing his beautiful birds and later his curios. Some novel and amusing games and tricks followed before the company was served with an excellent supper. The skipper thanked the hosts for their wonderful efforts to give the company a treat. The weekly efficiency badge was gained by Scout Wright. St. Clair.—Adverse weather did not prevent a good attendance on Friday. After short patrol meetings three new games were introduced. A jig-saw puzzle in the form of flag work was played. Parts of the three flags comprising the Union Jack in paper were scattered to the four winds, and then tho patrols set to to get their flag complete. This soon proved which colours were in tho Scottish flag. Service scheme books were distributed, and it is hoped that all Scouts will he busy during the coming weeks.