Scouting

SENIOR SCOUT TROOP

Activities during the term were rather curtailed by examinations and only a limited number of full meetings could be held. These were largely out-of-doors, concentrating on Pioneering and Tracking subjects. Indoor instruction was given in various parts of the Ambulance, Fireman, and Public 'Health Badges, all Public Service Badges which contribute towards the ultimate objective of any enthusiastic Senior Scout, the Queen's Scout Badge. Second (S.) D. M. Walker is to be heartily congratulated on becoming a Queen's Scout, the fourth since the formation of the Senior Scout Troop in September, 1952. He is also to be congratulated, along with Second (S.) D. Pfluger and Second (S.) E. H. N. Turner, on gaining the Bushman's Thong.

Although no Senior Scout camp was held this Summer, three members of the Troop assisted at one or other of the camps run by the two Scout Troops, so gaining va'uable experience in assisting in the training of younger scouts.

We have, reluctantly, to ray goodbye to two of our Queen's Scouts, P./L. (S.) J. 'H. Baines and iP./L. (S.) J. E. H. Quickfall, and in so doing we would like to thank them for all they have done to help put the Senior Scout Troop on its feet.

SENIOR SCHOOL TROOP

The term started with a period of intense activity in preparation for the York Scoutcraft competition. The bridge-building team, in particular, gave up a good deal of time to the practices, and produced a very efficient bridge in the forty minutes allowed. The competition was won by St. George's Troop and the School was placed third out of the score or so teams taking part.

P./L.s Burn and Carolin gained the First Class Badge early in the term, and several other boys were near this goal by the end of term and hope to complete the tests in the holidays. The patrol weekend camps at Dunnington were fewer than usual, but the boys who braved the weather seemed to enjoy themselves and gained useful experience. For field day, the patrols cycled to Skipwith Common Exploring, stalking, and swimming provided a full programme, and the Squirrels also included some realistic first-aid on the way home.

The last few weeks of term were spent in preparations for the camp at Seahouses. The cooking practices were especially popular, and the jam tarts which the Parkin brothers made in their biscuittin oven were really delicious. The camp itself was very enjoyable; the patrol cooking was excellent and a high standard of camping was achieved. A report of the camp by one of the Senior Scouts who attended is given separately.