SCOUT CAMP

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 7, Issue 64, 14 April 1944, Page 5

SCOUT CAMP

EASTER AT ROTOMA

ENJOYABLE WEEK-END

A very enjoyable Easter week-end was spent at Rotoma by the Wliakatanc Boy Scout Troop (Boyd's Own), where a camp, sponsored by the Citizen's Committee was held which took the form of live days of concentrated effort in everything to do> with scouting. The boj's were transported to and from the camp by railway buses, arriving on the 7th April, and returning on the 11th. The camp, which was controlled by Scoutmaster T. Fergusson was unanimously voted an unqualified success, and Avas fortunately, favoured by lair weather throughout. During the, camp, which was of an exceedingly practical nature, the boys received instruction in many sides of scouting the main ones being as follows: General scouting (Mr Swainson); Ambulance (Messrs Ramson and Dillicar); Signalling (Mr Mulholland); Knotting (S/MFer Fergusson); Observation (S/M Fergusson); Cooking (DSM S. Miller); Swimming and Tracking (Patrol Leaders); Drill (S/M Fergusson). Part of the menu of the boys consisted of venison, rabbit pic, apple pie, porridge, doughnuts, cocoa, fruit cake, vegetables and plum puddings, so it is evident that nobody went, hungry, and no wonder at all that many of them (including the S/M) came back looking very well fed and satisfied. During part of the time spent in camp the boys were given opportunities for swimming and rowing, whilst organised troop games, sports, and treks through the bush were undertaken. A tribute to the digestive systems of the scouts is the fact that they also cooked their own "damper"—although reports state that many of them were extremely appetising efforts and included only a minimum number of "sourdoughs." The entertainment included a Camp Fire on Sunday night to which all the visitors to Rotoma were invited and an enjoyable time eventuated, nearly all the residents, both permanent and temporary, of the lake being present. Many enjoyable items, were given by the boys, and the visitors did not hesitate to show their appreciation. A Camp Service was held on the Sunday morning by the Rev. Thomas at which all the boys were in attendance. Supper each night consisted of cocoa and fruit cake, (not. the tea and biscuits usually associated with Scout camps), while; each morning a pyjanaa parade was held when every boy indulged in a little physical training to "warm up the system." A tribute to the smooth running of the camp and the thorough supervision and management of it was shown by the fact that during the whole stay at Rotoma there; was not a single accident of any sort, and the boys are all eager to repeat the week-end at the first possible ' opportunity.