WHAT IS SCOUTING?

King Country Chronicle, Volume XXV, Issue 3404, 15 December 1931, Page 2

WHAT IS SCOUTING?

(By Campfire.)

Throughout the whole Dominion we find an almost uiversal interest in Scouting, and a vague recognition that there is good in the Scout movement; but few have a definite knowledge of what Scouting is. Scouting is a way of living that puts deeds above words, moulds character through habit, teaches citizenship by service, learns through doing, and develops co-operation by cooperating. Pioneers, frontiersmen, sea rovers, athletes, etc., are the boys' heroes, and through woodcraft, camping, boating and athletics, he is led to acquire their habits of selfreliance, energy, pride in achievement, and of being useful and helpful to others. The methods adopted are as simple as effective. They are effective because they are based upon the known psychology of the boy between the ages of 11 and 15. From the boy's point of view, Scouting puts his into fraternity gangs which in their natural organisation, whether for games, mischief, oir loafing; it gives them a smart dress and equipment; it appeals to their imagination and romance; and it engages them in an active, open-air life. From the parents' point of view it gives physical health and development; it teaches energy, resourcefulness and handicrafts; it puts into the lad discipline, pluck, chivalry and patriotism; in a word it develops "character," which is more essential than anything else to a lad for making his way in life. The principle is in accord with that works is that the boy s j ideas are studied and he is encouraged to educate himself instead of being instructed. The principle is in acord with that of the most up-to-date educationists. It continues the education of the kindergarten and Montessori method in due sequence. "Campfire" has great pleasure in recording several promotions in the local troop recently. Scout J. Stranger has been appointed patrolleader and D. Jones second of the Weka Patrol, while Evan Archer is now patrol-leader of the Morepork Patrol. J. Ormsby is now second to Curlew Patrol-leader Joseph, and Scouts J. McKenzie and M. Ormsby have received their second-class badge. Scouts A. McLeod and D. Jones have each received the firemen's and athlete's proficiency badges. Colin Belcher and K. Duncanson have been invested as Scouts, having attained their Tenderfoot. "Campfire" also understands that several other boys have passed the Tenderfoot test and will be invested as soon as they have procured their uniform. On the whole the Troop is making very good progress and the officers are very pleased with the work done. The officers are very grateful for the valuable work rendered by the instructors of the above-men-tioned proficiency badges and wish to offer their hearty and sincere thanks.