ROUND THE CAMPFIRE.

Waikato Times, Volume 96, Issue 15864, 8 December 1923, Page 23 (Supplement)

ROUND THE CAMPFIRE.

I BOY SCOUT NOTES. i (By "Pathfinder."). i j It is not generally known w*ny we j have itwo distinct branches of Boy Scouts—namely, Wolf Cubs and Scouts. Well, .Wie Cubs are the recruiting ground or .probationary stage of Scouting. The motto of the Soouts, "Be Prepared," has been found to be a real motto, as a Scout is generally prepared for any eventuality. The Wolf Cubs, in mfitation of the grand howl of fine wolves, say their motto 'in the form of a long, drawn-out howl—lt is Akel—Dyb—Dob. "Akela" means the 'Cub-master or the old wolf, and when he gives the first portion of the howl—D--Y-B (■meaning "Do Your Best") the cubs reply "We'll do our best" (D. 0.8.). Personally I think it a fine start for a youngster to commence life with "We'll Do Our Best." Not for self, but for others, for bis parents, his home, bis friends; in short, 'to turn bis life into an effort to do a good turn every day. I would like more of the parents to realise that the Cubs present a good form of training to young boys, an outlet with possibilities, a common ground where small boys can meet and yet be under good control. The cub-master is generally a live wire seeking to do his best for the boys. I would urge the parents to consider this form of scouting, and to give it heartier support than hitherto. Troop Topless. Another kindly letter from our good friend, L. Rasmussen (Auckland), with good wishes.—Thanks. I had news from the Isle of Man the other day. In it was enclosed the following:—-"During the Tourist Trophy motor cycle race here, the Scouts distinguished themselves, forming stewards for coppers, etc. A serious accident was averted by a from the track, after be came to grief, and thus preventing a bunch who were j close up from -crashing."—Good Scout. "Another rider came to grief 10 miles from Douglas. The Scout on duty near the spot pushed the disabled machine into Douglas—lo fearful miles." The writer has ridden over them, and thinks that the Scout was a real brick to have pushed the machine 1 mile.—Hats off to 'him. j Southern Cross Troop. Reported that they have an increas- : ed membership, over 30 Scouts now rolling up. In a few months they have doubled the troop strength. If all the proficiency badges were put end to end, they woudn't reach round the ' Equator, but they would make a good start. : I YJe Have no Badge Fiends. { We only allow 2i boys in the Cub' packs at once. The pack-master can only look 2i different ways at once., i We have a long waiting list. At present our senior leader is J. ! ! Whittaker. and senior Scout 0. j Clothier, our first King's Scout and ! holder of the Gold Medal. j I Last Saturday a portion of the troop ' went camping under the senior leader. i They had a good time you bet. The lawn has slanted to grow be- - I tween the huts. It must be refreshing- | because it moved a local poet to . j write: — S. M. Taylor may now be seen. I Wading deep in the grass so green, | j Wrestling hard its height to lower, j With the aid of Leak and the old j Church mower. j Thanks to St. Peter's chops for entertaining us the other evening. Hamilton East. The troop report is surely condensed this week; in short—Hght-o. Everything O.K. How's that for brevity, the soul of wit. St- Peter's troop invite any other | troop or part of troop to camp with j them next week-end. Please advise , Mr Prosser before Wednesday if you intend going. The investiture and presentation report will be held over until next issue.