SCOUT CAMP

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 7, Issue 43, 25 January 1944, Page 5

SCOUT CAMP

MUSTER AT RQTOMA

SEVENTY TROOPERS ATTEND

The. lirst district Scout camp held for many years in the Eastern Bay of Plenty is now in progress at Lake Rotonia, where some 7() boys embracing the Opotiki, Awakeri, Waiotahi. Te Puke and Whakatane's two troops are iioav haA'ing a Avonderful time 1 under Scoutmaster C. F. Thomas of the. Craigellaeliie. troop. The boys mustered at various points on Saturday and were transported to the recreation liall on the site of the old P.W.D. eainp, which makes an ideal central base, and sleeping quarters. They liaAc taken no time to settle in and enjoy themscla*cs and luive already explored most, of the immediate bush. Swimming is the main pastime, but if the full schedule of actiA'i-.-ties is adhered to OA*er the. Aveek, the lads should haA'C: plenty of A*ariety as ay ell as a Avonderful opportunity to gain an insight into practical scouting. Sunday found the boys awake with the larks and a three-mile route march gave, them a good appetite for breakfast Avhieh Avas served ij.t 8 a.m. under the Avatchful eye of Mr Bruce Parker and his band of huskies who attended to the cooking department.. A tramp and study of bush life Avas then undertaken by Scoutmaster Marsh (AAvakeri) and later a church service by Mr Te.H. ■ Fejgusson (Whakatanc). The afternoon Avas devoted to general leaac and a tAvo hour's swimming programme of organised competitions of. Avliicli Scout Doug Scarle of Te Puke, emerged club champion Avith Scout Bruce: Thomas (Craigellaeliie.) as a close runnerup. Water polo and a pick up game betAveen Seouters and Scouts proA'ided fun and' plenty of humour. The social hour on Sunday evening Avas a memorable feature and was taken by Mr Ferguson, S.M. Thomas and Commissioner KingslcySmith. j. Monday Avas likewise an eventful day embracing signalling from spe-. ciiied distances tracking and organised games. A SAvim .is-set down for cA*ery afternoon oA T er Avhieh monitors are appointed to watch out for any possible accidents. The camp is controlled by S.M.s Thomas (0.C.), J. Marsh and S. Lofley (Waiotahi) avlio luue been ably assisted by Messrs Anderson (Waiotahi), B. Parker (Awakeri) and. W. Hurst (Ohope). It. is described as one. of the most comprehensive camps 3 T et held in the Bay, and Avill break up on Saturday next when the boys Avill dispense for their homes.