BOY SCOUTS

Hokitika Guardian, 18 December 1924, Page 4

BOY SCOUTS

(Contributed). i The thief comp of the year is usually held during this summer vacation from school, and camp is just now a foremost subject in the mind of Hokitika wonts and cubs. Alter their wanderings afoot last Christmas lor many scores of miles, both troops have this year selected fairly “getntable” sites for their camps. Probably the “hike’’ or Touring camp approaches most nearly to the ideal of scout adventure, but ;he lixed or standing camp has adventures of its own, and sit least makes possi ble tho attendance of those who, through work etc. cannot be away for tlu> whole period. The Ist. Hokitika Troop are off on 'an. 12th. to Upper Koiterangi. while the 2nd. Troop will start about a weeklater for the sea-lieach near Chesterheld. . Cub Camps (under cover) are planned for the same districts, although the Cuhs will not he awaV from homo for so long a period as tho Seoul. s, who in each ease, plan to have 10 days’ under cover. . . From “.Mother’s” point ol view the most interesting or. at least, the most important item is the i|UCstinn ol “packing up,” and u few words about 1 what each Scout or Cub should bring to camn. may not be out of place. Sleeping kit comes first, and two rugs or blankets (for’a small cub one large blanket is usually ample) are the most bulky articles to stow away. Tin'll comes Pyjamas, or whatever style ol night attire is favoured, and if possible three or four “blanket pins,” or large size “safety.-,” to ensure against “coming undone.’ The scouts should bring wider-proof groundslicets or some substitute. such as cycling capes, if available. 1 although these are usually provided bv the troop. They can, ' brought, save the extra weight and bulk of an overcoat. Besides tins it is well to have a change of underclol4iing. shorts and jersey, in ease of wet weather. . , • , The next department is the important one of keeping clean, and. since camp is a grand opportunity to develop healthy habits of life, neither toothbrush nor soap should he forgotten, while even those mothei's. who for bid their young hopeful to go'"ear the water “till they can swim.” would he wise to include swimming togs which form a nice airy costume m hot weather ashore or alloat. Also a towel not of the (limsy nature—ami a boot brush and blacking would be important items. , . . , With regard to the most important item of all—POOD —every scout should trv to have his own “hilly.” even if this is home-made from a Unit tin, as well as mug. plate (both unbreakable at all costs), knife, spoon and probably fork If news of your erring son is desired. a few postcards (stamped and addressed) should he included, while sundries include needle and cotton, spare boot-laces, pencil and note book, spare handkerchiefs, safety pins, tin-opener, washing-up rags, string, and the normal outdoor equipment ol the scout 01 cub. It is important that every thing should be clearly marked and that nothing breakable or specially valuable be included. . Extra “tucker” and lollies, as wei. as excessive pocket money, are much better left at home, if the camp is to lie a happy one. ■