THE INTER-PATROL COMPETITION

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLII, Issue 20509, 29 August 1936, Page 10

THE INTER-PATROL COMPETITION

TRY SOME OF THESE IDEAS’ The 14th Hampstead Group (England) recently spent six weeks in holding a mammoth competition which served, among other things, to brighten up Patrol and Troop activities. Some of their ideas may be a help to others: Points were awarded for attendance, punctuality, smartness and general discipline, and points lost for absence or lateness (without good reason). An inter-Patrol cooking stunt was held in which each Patrol had to improvise an oven and cook in it roast meat, roast potatoes, a boiled or baked rice pudding, and some bread, points being given for the way it was cooked and served up. A model camp kitchen had also to be made in the open to be judged with the above. A day was left free for a Patrol Day, points being given for the way it was spent.

Patrol plays were acted, based on any episode taken from “Scouting for Boys” (points for acting, scenery chosen, costumes, etc.). Besides these, there were several special stunts in connection with the competition: Each Patrol to keep a special Log (besides ordinary Patrol Logs) to mention all matters pertaining to the competition. An inspection held to discover the condition of Patrol gear, points being given for the condition of flags and bandages, and the splicing or whipping of Patrol lashings, etc. An inspection of the condition of Patrol Comers, with points for general lay-out and tidiness. Each Patrol to produce their Patrol coat-of-arms, and their idea of a Group coat-of-arms. Each Scout to produce a caned staff. An all-day hike to be held and reported in the special Log. A job to be done tor the Troop (consult S.M. about this). Model of a camp-site to be made. A Patrol Good Turn to be done and reported in special Log.