SCOUT NOTES

Evening Star, Issue 23015, 21 July 1938, Page 20

SCOUT NOTES

|By Whur Fano.]

CAMPER RADGE Having previously arranged for camp site, programme, and menu, it is nowtime to consider the assembling of gear required in camp. This should not be left to the last minute, but have careful consideration long before camp. First let one consider the general camp gear. The biggest item is tents. Although it is possible to hire these, every troop should aim at having its own. The most serviceable type are the cottage shape touts, although a few troops are now- aiming to have hike rents for each patrol so that more of the week-end and personal hiking can bo done. Ifftho hike tent is chosen then it is necessary to have about three to each patrol. Apart from the num- . ber of sleeping tents required there should also be a store tent, Scouter’s tent and a rest tent for anyone who may be off colour. The rest of the equipment required should be carefully thought out to avoid any chance of carrying material which 'will not be used or leaving anything which is essential in camp. See that all this is in good order. Especially is this necessary where you have a hike camp, when the smaller you pack the better progress you will make. This mistake was made by several patrols darling the recent camping competition. Where a large number of boys are going to camp at.a place many miles from headquarters it is necessary to make eajdy arrangements as far as transport is concerned. A last-minute rush wall not do. Troops should aim at going well away from headquarters once in every few years. Seeing that you have now all your preparations well under way make sure that each boy has a list of the things he requires to take. This is important where you are running the first camp held by the troop or pack. It is so easy for the boy to forget his bathing suit or leave his plate and fork behind. See that the boys do not bring unnecessary gear and have their kits badly packed. Arriving at the camp site, the first consideration is'the setting up of the tents, etc. The practice of sending an advance party to pitch camp is not advisable, as it means taking away valuable training from the younger .members of the troop. In a troop camp let each patrol camp as a separate unit, and if space i permits have the patrols well away from each other. The store tent should be in the shade and handy to the cooking fire. Each Scout should then be instructed regarding the drinking water and Washing places. Put up the flagstaff, and then you will have the main jobs done, 'and camp can begin to function. Get your fire going, and the first meal of camp can be under way. CUBBERS TRAINING WEEK-END. Entries for this camp should be in the hands of the secretary by the end of this week, so that final arrangements regarding the instruction, food, and transport- can be made. This will be a wonderful opportunity for the younger officers of the district to further their knowledge of cubbing, and will be a stepping stone for those who seek to get their Cub wood badge. OFFICERS’ SPORTS NIGHT Great keenness is being shown in connection with the sports challenge night between Cub and Scout officers, which will be held on the last Tuesday of the month. It will also be an opportunity to meet and know those who have recently taken on warrants. Fuller particulars from headquarters. MORNINGTON. Flag break was followed by a general discussion on exhibits. Four were busy practising for their handyman’s badge. During an investiture ceremony R. France, I. E. Rusbatch, R. Reeves, and A. Sullivan were welcomed as members of the brotherhood. Second Macdonald gained his cyclist badge, and J. fElder his artist badge. In the interpatrql game the Stags showed their superiority, Kiwis being second. RAYENSBOURNE. Morse, ambulance, and tenderfoot work was put under way on Friday, after which entries were received for the hobbies show. A. Jobson, I. M‘Laren, P. Davie, and G. Trainer were welcomed as new members. A warm game- and renewal of Scout promise closed the evening. NORTH DUNEDIN. Nineteen answered roll call on Friday. Four now chums were welcomed. First aid, signalling, and tenderfoot work were taken. A yarn was given on the hobbies exhibition, after which arrangements were made for the parents’ night. Two members of the Mosgiel Troop wero welcomed, and joined in the activities of the evening. A leaders’ meeting was later held. MOHICANS. Eighteen answered Akela’s call when Furs were inspected. R. Fulton gained his first star during the instruction in this work. A yarn was held on Cub handcraft work. A welcome visitor was D.C.M. G. Payton, who spoke to the pack on ‘ Cubbing.’ Mr Davies also visited the pack. GREEN ISLAND. The last two meetings of the troop have been conducted, by different patrol leaders, who have put across wellvaried programmes. The improved standard is the result of leaders’ meetings on Monday nights. William Field was invested as a new member. Kira’s game tested the memory of the troop with very varied results, while boxing was also much enjoyed KNOX. Parents’ night proved an outstanding success. After the march in of the troop and ouck a hand Soccer match between fathers and sons was thoroughly enjoyed. The Kiwis and Bellbirds com-

bined to put on a play depicting school life. After a, parents’ peanut relay, a display of horizontal bar work was given'by the Scouts. The Cub pack gave the dance of Tnbnqui, followed by mat work. A. Grant was invested as a new member, and A. Aitken completed his tenderfoot test. KENSINGTON. During the month the average attendance has increased, and two new members have joined. Apart from the general instruction work, talks have been given in splicing and first aid. The 'carrying of a despatch to a policeman on duty involved many complications, as well as giving the troop an opportunity of making use of it. Work for the (lobbies show is well under way. and good results are expected, they would merely act as advisers to