SCOUT NOTES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23213, 10 June 1937, Page 3

SCOUT NOTES

By White Fang

THE WOLF CUB The ages of eight, nine, and ten are 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 ideas 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 he 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, he 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 he 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 wo 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, stones, and games, and he attempts in his Cub life to enact these. In this way Wolf Cub methods train an active and intelligent child and fit him for a larger training in Scouting from which he finally attempts in Rovering to mould the course of his life. In most nations famed for their " woodcraft" the best men were called after that other fine woodcrafter "The Wolf." What more natural, then, than that those whom we want to follow those traditions of efficiency and fitness should be called "Wolf Cubs?" BADGE EXAMS First-class signalling, axemanship. estimations and ambulance will be taken at Passmore Camp site on Saturday, at 2 p.m. The cook's badge will be taken on Saturday, June 19, at Logan Park at 1.30 p.m. Scouts to be in uniform and entries to the metropolitan secretary. The following passed the ambulance exam held on May 29:—L. Shackleton, M. Kirk, J. Driver, W. Nicholson ("North Dunedin); E. Payton (Knox); and R. Dickison (Roslyn). PATROL LEADERS' CONFERENCE All patrol leaders are invited to attend a conference to be held at Scout headquarters on Saturday at 5.30 p.m 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 as you can. Scouters must advise the secretary regarding numbers. 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 the tea table to hear a yarn 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 with 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 Roslyn. ROSLYN SCOUT CONCERT Keen enthusiasm was shown by the large audience which gathered in the Coronation Hall to listen to a concert provided by the Roslyn Group. At 8 o'clock the curtain rose to show the group of 34 Cubs, 26 Scouts, and seven officers all lined up to open the programme with choruses and Maori songs. Four of Miss Lennox's pupils entertained the gathering with recitation, musical monologue and character sketch, all of which were excellently rendered. The "Leopard" Cubs, in full Maori costume, gave a canoe haka and canoe song while paddling in a well-built canoe. Members of the Toe H assisted with individual songs, humorous recitation, and sketches, all of which were encored. ' Something About a Wolf Cub" and "Little Grey Tent," rendered by the Panther Pack, were well done, considering the age of these Cubs. Four jolly Sailormen 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 C Moore received hearty applause. " The Circus" was easily the best item of the evening. Here a very fine standard of acting was displayed by all the characters, the ringmaster (P. Black) and the clown (I. Scott) being exceptionally' good with their parts. This part was cleverly got up and warranted the applause it received. The whole group returned to the stage to give the final item, which consisted of choruses. A supper and dance was then run by the Ex-Scouts' Association until midnip'hl.

MORNINGTON Sixteen Scouts braved the unpleasant weather conditions on Friday. Games stirred up the blood beforedividing up for instruction in first class badge and cooking hints. Round the campfire songs were sung with the aid of a lancern showing the words Scoutcr told the tale of the "Flying Dutchman." which was much appreciated. NORTH DUNEDIN Shortly after 15 Scouts had answered the roll call a failure of the electric light called for the Scout motto ("Be Prepared") to be put into operation in the form of some new games. Temporary lights being r' 'god up, the programme continued under the leaders in patrol corners. The weather conditions called for a general games night. Twenty-six Cubs answered Akcla's call to the jungle The opening ceremony was followed by 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. " The King's Navy" was rendered with great gusto before the Cub promise closed the evening. Miss Moss and Miss Didham were welcomed as new officers. MOSGIEL A large attendance greeted the "cat" call last Monday The boys are very keen to get some first-class badges into the troop, and we them success in this venture Scouter took the new recruits for tenderfoot, while the others concentrated on first and second-class tests. I. Ferguson and E. Crozier promised to live up to the ideals of the movement and were welcomed to the brotherhood.

ANDERSON'S BAY The usual large mustei 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 shanties and plays. A hot supper was much appreciated. Messrs T. Somerville and Adess, from the Rotary Club, spoke valuable words of advice to the Scouts. The crew will meet in uniform to-day at 6.45 at the terminus, from where they will go to Tomahawk to assist with the formation of the Tomahawk Sea 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 torchlight. 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 they 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 us the opportunity of viewing his beautiful birds and later his varied curios. Some novel and amusing games and tricks followed before the company was served with an excellent supper. Skipper thanked the hosts for their wonderful efforts to give the comprny 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 flagwork was played. Parts of the three flagr comprising the Union Jack in paper were scattered to the four winds, and then the patrols set to tc get their flag complete. This soon proved which colours were in the Scottish Flag. Service scheme books were distributed, and it is hoped that all Scouts will be busy during the coming weeks.