SCOUTS’ CAMP.

Hokitika Guardian, 12 January 1922, Page 1

SCOUTS’ CAMP.

at waitaha

A gjood camping ground, a Wue ; river, fifty yards away hurrying down i to the sea, the blue sea. itself with' t many fish, lagoons and lake, and fai ; away from shops, telephones and socalled civilisation. What more could thirty boys want? Nothing more could be desired. That is what we feel every year when we go camping. Of course a lot depends on the site; that must be picked carefully before land, but all agreed this was ideal. We do not believe in ,large camps either; that s avou r s f°° .much of the army style, which of course sometimes is necessary, but our ideal ■is small independent groups, doing for themselves.

In this case both Hokitika and Ross

Troops were camped near each other and much good feeling and friendly competition was the result, but each , was quite independent of the othei. 'Then again our own troop was divided into three patrols and each had its own camping ground, erected its tent, worked separately and took its turn at ('■•m - ing. ' 1 Transport over 85 miles might sound i formidable hut the fare payable to H.M. Railways as far as Ross wa s our i drily expense. For the rest we were : much indebted to Messrs Stuart and Chapman for bringing us and our belongings on our way rejoicing, by the aid of their mill locomotive and then our own shoulders and “shank’s pony” 'did the rest. Although much depended on our own efforts, friends were many and foes few. These last consisted entirely of certain mosquitoes and a. stoat. The reveille whistle sounded at 5.30 a.m. for the ones selected to cook lor them •elves and their follows for a day. The latter had half an hour’s extra sleep, and all joined in a morning ration at 6.15 'before going to the river bed 1 when the lla.g was daily hoisted' and saluted, prayers said, physical exercises indulged in. To have a second meal it 8 o’clock put some quite out of their reckoning, so that at 10 a.m

enquiries were made if it was afternoon. However all soon settled down and enjoyed everything. Much resourcefulness was shewn in making tents as tidy and comfortable as pos- , sible; great work was done at cooking; ' many fish were, caught and glorious bathes wore had. Quite a lot of scout work—though it was all that—-to teach hnndiness and preparedness was got through. Several expeditions round about Were made and i much mOro known about the habits of native birds, berries (especially tutu berries). We quite welcomed the rain though it did upset some good plans; it gave us good experience aiin spirits went even higher (judging by the sounds from various tents) than ever.

Now why do we do it. Because we are bent on making our gen'ejsitirm stronger and better equipped than any other. To get towny means to deteriorate. Therefore we live in sunshine, wind and mud, among trees and birds arid- all things wliieh are natural, and which nlone can build us up.