Scout Notes

Northern Advocate, 11 July 1936, Page 2 (Supplement)

Scout Notes

STIMULATING INTEREST

by TUAKANA

In “Aids to Scoutmastership,” the Chief writes as follows:—“Through these (hobbies) the boy learns to use his fingers and his brains and to take pleasure in work*. For the well-to-do these may remain his hobbies for years; for the poorer boy, they may lead to craftsmanship which will give him a career. In either case the boy is not so likely to become a waster later bn.”

How is this question of hobbies to be tackled? Obviously the Scouter cannot be expected to give expert instruction in all the subjects covered by the varied ’ interests of his boys. Nor is this necessary. What is of importance is, (1) to stimulate desire by finding and incouraging that spark of interest in something creative which boys possess in a greater or lesser degree, 'by providing opportunities for the practice of various hobbies, and (2) by maintaining encouragement and taking a keen personal interest in what is interesting the Scouts.

Interest can be stimulated by showing the Scouts articles made by other Scouts or by the Scouter himself, and by having in the troop headquarters copies of such papers as the “Woodworker,” “Model Engineer,” “Hobbies,” etc. It should be possible also to arrange for occasional demonstrations by craftsmen and amateur enthusiasts. Such people might be roped in to give instruction to those Scouts who are interested.

I The provision of a few essential tools might be considered, and these could be added to with the proceeds realised on the sale of articles made, while the aim could be kept in view of holding a troop handcraft exhibition and sale. In all such work it is necessary to train the Scouts in habits of thrift and care by teaching the correct use and care of tools, as well as the economic cutting of material.

ARBOR DAY, AUGUST 5 “Oh, ye who enter the portals of this land to found homes, take the word of a child of the misty gorges and plant forest trees for your lives! So shall your mountain facings and river flats be preserved to your children’s children and to you for evermore.”— Burk Pass memorial. THE PLANTER. , Who does his duty is a question Too complex tp he solved by me. But he, I venture the suggestion. Does part of his who plants a tree. —James Russell Lowell. It is hoped Scout Groups will organise tree-planting ceremonies at suitable localities on August 5. The Hora Hora Group intend to plant further native trees at their headquarters at Hora Hora Park. HORA HORA GROUP This Group—Cubs and Scouts—are making quiet progress. Owing to the S.M.’s employment keeping him away from one or two parade lately, TroopLeader L. Aston has stepped info the breach and carried on most efficiently. Last week, L. Johnson was presented with a service star. “ORANGES AND DIRT” If someone asked you whether you would like “An orange and dirt,” you would be surprised, wouldn’t you? Yet the other day I saw a boy who wcfs really enjoying it—or at least he seemed to be. He had been given an orange, and his hands were terribly dirty. He started to peel the orange, and, of course, it was rather juicy. So the juice mixed with tjie dirt on his hands and all the dirt came off on the orange. It was really quite a black orange by the time he had finished it, but he didn’t mini. He went on eating the orange and the dirt, and I am sure he didn’t think of all the germs he was putting into his mouth. I don’t need to tell you that this fellow wasn’t a Cub, because no Cub would think of doing such a thing, would he? Every Cub knows that there are germs in dirt, and every Cub knows what to do before he touches food if his hands are black, doesn’t he? Doctors tell us that people are healthier in these days because they are more careful about germs. So Cubs who want to grow into strong healthy men mustn’t eat germs. SMILE AWHILE “Did you kill all the germs in the baby’s milk, Mary?” j “Yes, mum; I ran it through the I meat mince twice.” " j

Mother: Why are you making faces at that bulldog? Small child (wailing); He started it.

Mickey: Does your mother make it hot for you when you don’t show up for dinner? Rickey: No. I eat it cold.