Scouting for Boys

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Making a Camp Loom—Plant a row (No. 1 row) of five stakes, 2 ft. 6 in., firmly in the ground.

Opposite to them, at a distance of 6 to 7 ft., drive in a row (No. 2 row) of two stakes and a crossbar (or of five stakes). Fasten a cord or twine to the head of each stake in No. 1 row and stretch it to the corresponding stake in No. 2 row and make it fast here. Then carry the continuation of the cord back over No. 1 row for some 5 ft. extra, and fasten it to a loose crossbar or “beam”.

Fasten other cords from the other stakes in No. I row to the stakes of No. 2 row, and then to the beam, tying them here the same distance apart that the stakes are apart.

The beam is now moved up and down at slow intervals by one Scout, while another Scout lays bundles of fern or straw in layers alternately under and over the stretched strings. The bundles are thus bound in by the rising or lowering of the cords attached to the

beam.

On a camp loom it is easy to weave a comfor table mattress

out of bracken, fer ns, heather, straw or grass.

If you move the beam first slightly to the right and then to the left so that the strings fall first on one side and then on the other side of he stretched strings it will twist the cords and make the binding much more secure.

HINTS TO INSTRUCTORS

Camp Orders

In going into camp it is essential to have a few “Standing Orders” published, which can be added to from time to time, if necessary. These should be carefully explained to Patrol Leaders, who should then be held fully responsible that their Scouts carry them out exactly.

Such orders might point out that each Patrol will camp separately from the others, and there will be a comparison between the respective cleanliness and good order of tents and surrounding ground.

Each Patrol usually has a tent to itself, well away from any others, but within call of the Scoutmaster’s tent.

Patrol Leaders to report on the good work or otherwise of their Scouts, which will be recorded in the Scoutmaster’s book.

Rest time for one hour in middle of day.

Bathing under strict supervision to prevent non-swimmers getting into dangerous water.

“Life Guards will be on duty while swimming is going on, and ready to help any boy in distress. These guards will be on shore or in a boat (undressed). They may only swim when the general swimming is over, and the last of the swimmers has left the water. A life-line must be available.” The observance of this rule has saved the life of more than one Scout already.

Orders as to what is to be done in case of fire alarm.

Orders as to boundaries of grounds to be worked over, damages to fences, property, good drinking-water, etc.

CAMP FIRE YARN NO. 10

CAMP COOKING

Cooking- Hay-Box Cooking - Bread Making

- Cleanliness

HINTS TO INSTRUCTORS

Practise mixing dough and baking; it is useful. if possible, get a baker to give a lesson. But let each Scout mix his own dough with the amount of water be thinks right. Let him make his mistakes at first to get experience.

A visit to an abattoir and butcher’s shop to see the cutting up is useful for boys. Get Scouts to make their own linen ration bags.

Issue raw rations, and let each Scout make his own fire and cook his own meal.