Scout Masters On Course At Tatum Park

Chronicle (Levin), 30 December 1949, Page 4

Scout Masters On Course At Tatum Park

Tatum Park (Manakau) the New Zealand boy scout movement's training centre, is once again in occupation by candidates for the coveted wood badge, the securing of which brings the successful to the top of their- training. The complete, course, onee passed, carries with it, at the discretion of the Chief Scout, a parchment certificate signed bj) him and the wood badge, which . consists of two wooden beads worn on a throng around the neck. The wearer is automatically entitled to membership of the 1st Gilwell Park Scout Group (England) and to wea£ its special scarf. ,, In camp as candidatps , at the moment are 32 scoutbrs from all parts of New Zealand'. All are scout masters and what they learn at the course they will pass on to their sections on their return. The course lasts for eight days. . From the moment of entry they are expected to forget their positions in civil life, and the scout movement and be prepared for the rigid discipline and inspections which the youngest scout must expect when he enters camp. All prove very keen and follow the practical and theoretical lessons in all phases of scouting with an enthusiasm which augurs well for the future of scouting in New Zealand. In charge of the camp is the Dominion Commissioner, Mr. J. R. H. Cooksey. When the present course con-4 : cludes on January 4, the Rovers ; wih enter camp for a two-day ; course and they will be followed 1 by cub masters, who will have a - four-day course. The minimum ' age for candidates entering the ' camp for these courses is 21. : Yesterday morning when a : "Chronicle" reporter called at- the camp he found it a hive of industry with groups of scouters being instructed in the theoretical side of their course. Practical work was to follow later in the day. An obstacle expedition was to take place in the afternoon and a variety of obstacles had been arranged for their benefit. Completing a comprehensive programme next Tuesday will be a hike and manoeuvres in the hills, always a highlight of the course. All appeared to be really enjoying the experience and the camp will also prove an inexpensive and instruetive holiday. Each candidate, no matter from where he hails, pays £1 an additional 4s a day. _ The balance is met by the association : by way of a subsidy. On entering camp the candidates are arranged ■ into four patrols with Mr. Cooksey 2 acting as scoutmaster. Each patrol 1 draws its own rations from the 2 store and does its own cooking. ; Although the weather has not 1 been very kind to the candidates, ' the work goes on and all seem 2 undaunted. "They are a really 2 fine team of chaps," said Mr, 2 Cooksey.