GUIDE CAMP

Wairarapa Times-Age, 2 May 1939, Page 7

GUIDE CAMP

GATHERING AT TAUHERENIKAU NEXT YEAR CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION. EXTENSIVE PREPARATION WORK. For a considerable time there has been much activity in the Guide world in New Zealand, in preparation for the International Guide Camp which is to be held in connection with the Centennial celebrations on the property of the Wairarapa Racing Club at Tauherenikau from January 16 to 26, 1940. The general public is usually not aware of the tremendous amount of organisation necessary to carry through such an undertaking, and from time to time the question arises—why are the Guides not doing something to attract the . attention of -the young people in the Dominions and countries overseas? Criticism has also been levelled at the Guides for not taking an active part in the Centennial celebrations in New Zealand. The answer is that the Guides are holding this International Camp, and that for a long time past, work has been in progress for the preparation of this camp.

The Original idea of the camp, conceived more than eighteen months ago, was that it should be held on a site typical of the rich beauty of New Zealand. A site, which will be remembered by the many visitors as well as the Dominion Guides, as belonging peculiarly to this country. A Guide camp which will recall not only the happy days spent in the companionship of other Guides of all faiths and nationalities, but one which will also be remembered for its natural beauties and for its spiritual appeal. With this end in view, many beautiful sites have been inspected. In Taumarunui, the mayor and councillors generously placed the old race-, course and reserve at the disposal of: the Guides. In Hawke’s Bay, Marton and the Akatarawa Valley much time was devoted to exploring the countryside in search of the ideal spot. Unfortunately the ideal spot (from the aesthetic point of view) does not always meet with the practical point of view, the main features of which are a pure water supply, shelter, and the right kind of soil for drainage in case of flooding by rain, and drainage for sanitation purposes. However, the search for a site came' to an end when the Wairarapa Racing Club gave permission for the camp to be held on its property. At Tauherenikau there is everything that a Guide camper could wish for. It is far from the crowd of the towns, and yet easy to get at. It is well known for its native bush and fine old native trees. The open country is typical sheep-farming land, while the distant hills and the river present a wide scene for tramping and exploring. Here in these lovely surroundings, the Guides will pitch their tents for the Centennial Camp in 1940. One of the chief features of organisation is the supply of camp equipment, which is not always readily available in New Zealand. Orders have often to be sent abroad, and these are not always promptly filled. But the work of equipping the camp has been going ahead for many months, and all will be ready when the great day comes. 1 The food supply is another specials ised branch. This is in the hands of the quartermasters and their assistants, and this work can only be carried out by those who are competent to arrange the best kind of meals to keep the Guides fit and healthy, as well as to satisfy the cravings of the inner man.

Invitations to the camp been issued to all those countries belonging to the World Association. From Australia, many beyond the two official visitors, will be present. These visitors intend to make their own arrangements as the camp is limited to 600. Sweden, Denmark and Norway hope to send a representative, but are not yet quite certain. Hungary, Suomi-Finland and Lithuania fear that they will be unable to accept the invitation owing to the distance and huge expenses of the Canada, United States of America, and Great Britain will each send two Guides if possible. Replies from Czechoslovakia and other countries have not yet been received. New Zealand Guides attending camp will require the following qualifications. A Guide must be 12 years of age, or over, by January 1, 1940. She must be a second class Guide and rtiust have camped under canvas in a Guide camp. A Ranger must be, an enrolled Ranger, or, in the case of Guides joining a Ranger company after June, 1939, must hold the Guide second class, and must have camped under canvas at a Guide or Ranger camp for at least a week, or two weekends, since January, 1938, and be recommended by the camp commandant. Everyone attending the camp, including visitors and staff, will pay the camp fee, which will be announced later. As the camp is primarily for Guides, it is regretted that no Commissioners or Guiders other than those required to staff the camp will be able to attend. The limited number of 600 may seem a mere handful to those who have seen or heard of large camps abroad. It is entirely a question of how many Guides can be efficiently and happily handled by, the limited number of licenced campers who form the camp staff. Her Excellency, Viscountess Galway, hopes to spend a night in camp, and in the absence of the GovernorGeneral, will take the salute at the march past. The camp committee in charge of arrangements meets from time to time in Wellington, and further progress reports will be published in the press.