SCOUT NOTES

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 19549, 3 February 1938, Page 15

SCOUT NOTES

PARADES RESUMING FIRST ON SATURDAY REPORT ON THE CAMP By "Scouter" Now that Christmas has come and gone it is time for all Scouts to get their uniforms out from the moth balls and camphor and dust up the hat and belt again ready for the first parade of the year, which falls on Saturday, February 5. The Scout parade halls have been dusted in readiness, so turn up in full strength and give your officers a real Scout new year cheerio. One other thing you boys must remember is this: Bring along another recruit with you, for 1 feel sure that there are dozens of.boys waiting to be brought forward to join the great and happy band of Scouts.

Any of the Herald readers who have boys of Scout age—from 11 years upwards—please send them along, for they will be heartily welcome, and think what a great opportunity you are giving your lads to become real outdoor workers, where they can think and play and do the things that only the Scout and kindred movements can put in their way. Look at the great times the lads have at their camps each year! Why, if-only some of the people of Gisborne had had the privilege of visiting the Scout camp this summer at Tolaga Bay they certainly would have returned home Scout-minded. Swimming and Life-Saving

The weekly parades will commence on Saturday, February 5, at both the Y.M.C.A. and Mangapapa Scout halls, while the Cubs also will meet. This year swimming and life-saving will be taken up more prominently than previously, and classes will be held regularly each week for instruction.

Scouters are reminded that the first meeting of this year is called for next Tuesday, February 8, at 7.30 p.m., in the board room at the Y.M.C.A. A full attendance is requested. The committee of the Mangapapa Boy Scouts also is reminded that the following Tuesday, February 15, the first meeting of the year will be held in the Scout Hall, Bryce street, at 7.30 p.m.. A full attendance is requested for this occasion, also. Y.M.C.A. Scout Group

In his report on the recent camp the scoutmaster, Mr. A. D. Williams, states:—

"The summer Scout camp was a combined Poverty Bay-East Coast troop camp held on Mr. O. G. James' property, Takapau, Tolaga Bay. The camp was opened on December 27 and closed on January 3. The site of the camp was an excellent one, being well sheltered from the wind and weather, and close to a stream with excellent bathing places. The surrounding country was very good for hikes, with plenty oi flat ground for field training and games. "The transport problem was a difficult one, both of the luggage and boys. The executive arranged for a lorry to take the equipment and Mr. Geo Aitken came to our aid at the crucial moment and put two cars at ou r disposal for the upward trip and one for the return. "There were 42 Scouts in camp all toId—Y.M.C.A. nine, Mangapapa seven, and Tolaga Bay 2li. The Rev. N. F., Benham was camp chief and associated with him were myself, Mr. Paul Sadler, A.S,M., Mi}.' Graham Foote, who was in charge of the commis'sariaty and made an excellent contribution to the success of the camp, and the camp nurse, Miss McCottar, who was very helpful in many ways.

"The health of the boys was excellent, there being no cases of sickness, and only two boys having to be treated Cor minor accidents. "I can give no report on the financial aspect of the camp. The camp chief being away on holiday the accounts have not been finalised, but there will be, I am sure, a credit balance.

"From all points of view the camp was an entire success. Scout work was the order of the day, this being carried out in a very happy manner and all the boys working together most harmoniously. The camp discipline was excellent, there being no trouble. We were fortunate in having ideal weather for the camp. The camp fires in the evening were an outstanding feature, giving great enjoyment to the boys and to the visitors who attended the final evening. At that camp fire there were between 90 and 100 visitors, including the Deputy-Mavor of Gisborne, Mr. H. Holmes, who lit the fire and gave a short talk. On Sunday, January 2, we had a "scouts own," when we had a large number of visitors, including the commissioner, Dr. W. A. Bowie, and the district Scoutmaster, Mr. T. D. Baker. While in camp many tests were passed by the boys qualifying them for higher grading." The report concluded with thanks to all who had helped to make the camp so successful and particularly to Mr. and Mrs. O. G. James.