BOY SCOUTS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2391, 5 January 1909, Page 6

BOY SCOUTS.

TRAINING IN CAMP

A number of boy scouts have been in camp at Kaiapoi, near Christchurch, and seem to be having the time of their lives. Their training, while in camp, says a reporter who paid i visit to the camp, is based on the lines laid down in Major-General Baden-PoweTs book on “Scouting for Boys.” The training includes instruction in tracking and in the art of unobstrusive • and intelligent oh*-' ervation. The lads are also taught to construct shelters from easily procured material, and the proper building and tending of camp fires. Physical drill is not neglected. The instruction is presented in a series of games and Avell-defined rules, and the result- is that the boys enter into the spirit of the thing Avh.ole-heart-ed and enthusiastically. In the. course of a chat with Major Cossgrove, the reporter was surprised to learn that the training was given for reasons entirely excluding any aim at military efficiency. The physical and mental benefits derived from the- training are valued merely so far as they go to promote good citizenship, and there is an ethical side to the life of the camp upon aa hich considerable importance is placed. Every opportunityis taken to inculcate the duties or courtesv and chivalry. Every evening the members of the camp gather round the camp fire and what is called a “camp fire yarn” takes place, m AA-hich the Major or some visitor to the oamp (generally a clergyman) gives a brief informal address to the boys, dealing with one or more of the many aims which the promoters of the movement have in view. Every scout wears a loose, full tic, issuing from under the turned-down collar of his khaki jacket, and in the end of every tie is a knot. That knot is to remind the wearer that he must do at least one good turn to somebody during that 1 day, and these “good turns” are done faithfully and willingly. Of course tho hoys are not exactly a collection of little “plaster saints,” and punishments have to he inflicted occasionally. On the first Sunday in camp two boys broke the rule against swearing, and a “Court of Honor” was held. The culprits fully admitted their guilt, and a time-honored Scotch penalty was inflicted. AHa'rge pannikin of water was poured down the coat-sleeve of each offender, in the presence of the entire camp, -and the offence has not oeen repeated since. It may he stated . that there is no risk of the punished hoys taking cold. They AA'ore only their jackets and knickers, and Avent to bed at once until their uniform Avas dried. AVith ia- certain amount of judicious supervision the boys are alloAved to administer their oAvn affairs in minor matters, and the reporter witnessed the carrying out of sentence unon a small malefactor Avho had declined to take his share the Avork of the day. AVith a grimily humorous notion of making the punishment fit the crime, his companions securely trussed him up with a wope and left him in enforced inactivity to meditate upon the errors of his ways. A party of eight, including one of the instructors, went aAvay from camp one night, and bivouacked some miles away/ posting sentries throughout the night. The only hoys who objected to that bivouac were those who were, not alloAved to take part in it. The members of the camp are. divided into “patrols,” each having six members, and being in charge of a senior hoy, who acts as “scout master.” Each patrol has its distinctive colors displayed in a shoulder knot of ribbon and a flag, on, which some animal’s head is introduced as a distinctive badge.