SCOUTING We were very pleased to learn this term that Mr. Holbeche, though having no previous experience of Scouting, is proposing to join the Scout Group. During the term he has been learning about many of the curious activities carried out by the Scout Troop, and it is hoped that he will have a Warrant as Scoutmaster before we go to camp at the end of the Summer Term. Holt, Oldman, and Pfluger have continued to work with enthusiasm for the Troop and at the beginning of term they were presented with Warrants as full Assistant Scoutmasters. Progress has been maintained in both the Scout and the Senior Scout Troops, and one of the most pleasing aspects of this progress was the gaining of five Ambulance and eight First Aid Badges. Many Scouts are within striking distance of the First Class Badge and during the holidays seven are taking part in First Class Journeys, while four Seniors are undertaking rather more strenuous Venturer Journeys. Those Seniors who will be attending either the Jamboree itself or the Jamboree Camp are making great efforts to become Queen's Scouts before the end of the Summer Term and there seems to be little doubt that they will achieve this goal. The Summer Camp will be held, from Tuesday, 30th July, until Wednesday, 7th August, at Birkrigg Farm, Newlands, Keswick, Cumberland. The site, which the Seniors used four years ago, and which is some 51 miles from Keswick in a very secluded position, is ideal for a Scout camp and it is hoped that all possible members of the Scout and Senior Scout Troops will attend. Full details will be sent out early in the Summer Term. As before it may be possible to arrange for rock-climbing instruction for those Seniors who produce written permission from a parent or guardian, and this arrangement can also apply to any First Class Scouts who will be joining the Senior Scout Troop in September.
GILWELL, 1957 The Boy Scout movement is at the moment sorely in need of men and boys to carry on the work started by Baden-Powell 50 years ago. Whilst the movement flourishes in its junior sections, the majority of boys leave before the age of 15 and are then often lost to Scouting. As part of a policy to stop this trend, a course in "Leadership in Scouting" was held for Public School boys in their last year at school, at Gilwell Park in Essex. Gilwell is set in the heart of Epping Forest and is regarded as the fountain-head of Scout training in the world today. Under the inspired leadership of John Thurman, the Camp Chief, the ideals of Scouting are given a practical basis and are thence passed on throughout the world by the many Scouters from all over the world who attend the various training courses there. Its truly international aspect was well shown by the fact that on the staff during the week we were 45
