SCOUT ACTIVITIES

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 9, Issue 73, 13 May 1946, Page 4

SCOUT ACTIVITIES

WHAKATANE CITIZENS TROOP

AN INTERESTING PROGRAMME

An interesting programme has been followed by the Whakatane Citizens Scout Troop over the past few weeks.

During the Easter holidays, the Whakatane Citizens Scout Troop made an enjoyable and instructive hike to Otawairere. The Troop was divided into two “Patrols,” each of which followed a sepai'ate “trail that had been laid from Hillcresfto Otawairere by advance parties. All “signs” were picked up as were a number of hidden letters also. After lunch had been duly dealt with at Otawairere, a free period was allowed, during which rocks, streams and bush were investigated with traditional Scout, thorough nets.

The homeward journey took a different route; following a track from the northern end of the bay, the coastal hills were traversed to a point above the harbour signal station, and then along the ridge to the Whakatane Trig, which vantage point many of the boys had not previously visited. From there, the return to the Domain was via Hillcrest and Mokorua Road.

Last Sunday, the Troop attended a Church Parade at St. George’s Anglican Church. It is planned to hold these parades monthly, attending each church in rotation. The last day parade held by the Troop took place in the Whakatane Domain, and included lunch, with the boiling of the proverbial billy. This was followed by a hike to the old golf links where the afternoon was spent in “flag-raiding.” Each section of the Troop took turns at attacking and defending the flags, many boys displaying good stalking ability. The return trip was made over the hills to the Domain. The success of such activities is unmistakable, each and every lad showing increased interest, and enthusiasm for the work, and consequently a high standard of Scouting is obtaining,