USA trip for Scout leader

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 9, Issue 434, 28 April 1992, Page 3

USA trip for Scout leader

A Scout camp in the Blue Ridge Mountains about 160km northeast of Atlanta, Georgia, USA is to be home from June to August for Ohakune Scout leader Grant Hays. In November, Grant applied to be part of the Boy Scouts of America International Camp Staff Programme. They asked for qualified leaders between 18 and 35 years of age and being "thirtyfive-ish" Grant applied along with 3,500 others from around the world. Only 200 are accepted annually and Grant is the only leader going from New Zealand this year. The camps are designed to give Scout leader s the opportunity

to gain new insights into the customs, life styles and cultures of a cross section of America while displaying their own Scouting skills and presenting a true picture of their own country to eager American Scouts. While Grant is not keen on doing a solo haka or poi exhibition, he is looking forward to being an ambassador for our country and explaining to his American counterparts what New Zealand is all about. With the aid of posters, slides and photos he is keen to promote New Zealand and in particular our own Waimarino region. Grant has lived in Ohakune for the last eleven years while be-

ing stationed in Waiouru with the Army, from which he has recently retired after 20 years' service. He has been the Ohakune Scout leader for the last seven years and in his absence the Troop will continue under the guidance of Laureen Hays and Trevor Reardon. Currently fundraising is under way to raise $9,000 to send 15 Scouts and leaders to the 1993 Jamboree in Trentham in January. The Scouts are selling firewood, Scout mints and "Scroggin" - the delicious combination of raisins, peanuts and chocolate chunks. Any enquiries about Scouts can be directed to Grant on 385-8297.