SCOUT NOTES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23558, 22 July 1938, Page 13

SCOUT NOTES

(By “ White Fang ")

CAMPER BADGE Having previously arranged for camp site, programme and menu, it is now time 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 us 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 arc the cottage-shape tents, although a few troops are now aiming to have hike tents for each patrol so that more of the week-end and personal hiking can be done.' If the hike tent is chosen, then it is necessary to have about three to each patrol. Apart from the number 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 your pack, the better progress you will make. This mistake was made by several patrols during the recent camping competition. When a large number of boys are going to camp at a place many miles from headquarters, it is necessary to make early arrangements as far as transport is concerned. 'A last-mmvite tush will 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 and bring a pillow 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. The practice of sending an advance party to pitch camp is not advisable, as it is 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 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. Now set up the latrines. Other points being equal, these should be to the leeward of camp, but at a reasonable distance. It is a mistake to have these too far away or in inaccessible places. Rubbish pits and incinerator are the next move. P\it 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 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 chauenge night between Cub and Scout officers, which is being 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. Cleveland, E, Rusbatch, R. Reeves, and A. Sullivan were all welcomed as members of the brotherhood. Second Macdonald gained his cyclist badge, while J. Elder gained his artist badge. In the inter-patrol game the “ Stags ” showed their superiority, “Kiwis" being second.

RAVENSBOURNE Morse, ambulance, and tenderfoot work was put under way on Friday, after which entries were received for the Hobbies’ Show. A Jobson, I. McLaren, P. Davie, and G. Trainor were all welcomed as new members. A warm game and renewal of Scout Promise closed the evening. NORTH DUNEDIN Nineteen answered roll call at 1900 hours on Friday. .Four new chums were welcomed. First aid, signalling, and tenderfoot work was taken. A yarn was given on the Hobbies’ Exhibition, after which arrangements were made for the parents’ night. Two members of the Mosgiel Tcoop were very welcome, and joined 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 well-varied programmes. The improved standard is the result of leaders’ meetings on Monday nights. William Field was invested as * new member of the brotherhood. Kim’s game tested the memory of the troop with very varied results, while boxing was also much enjoyed. KNOX Parents’ night proved an ing success, there being a good response of parents and ' friends. After the march in of the troop and pack', a hand soccer match. between fathers and sons was thoroughly enjoyed. iThe Kiwis and Bellbirds combined 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 Tabaqui, followed by some' mat work. After a warming game, the Stags and Kingfishers gave an episode of the advancement in the newspaper trade. 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 certain policeman on duty at a certain corner involved many complications, as well as making use of our Scouting knowledge. This successful venture may be followed by similar episodes If our craft is maintained. Work for the hobbies show is well under way. and good results are expected.