SAFETY IN SCOUT PIONEERING CAMP.

 SAFETY IN SCOUT PIONEERING CAMP.

Any Scout pioneering camp puts safety first. Here are some precautions to take in a pioneer camp to maintain safety:

1. Qualified and trained adult supervision: Ensure that all leaders and volunteers are qualified to run a pioneering camp by checking their backgrounds. They must to be familiar with safety procedures and emergency procedures.

2. Risk assessments: Carefully evaluate the activities and campsite's level of risk. To reduce risks, recognize potential hazards and implement the appropriate safety measures.

3. Campsite setup: Verify that the campsite is appropriate for pioneering activities by inspecting it. Get rid of any clutter or dangers, such sharp objects or uneven terrain. Make sure you organize and promote safety at the campsite.

4. The right tools and equipment: Ensure that all pioneering gear, including ropes, poles, and other items, is in good shape and is frequently maintained. Use the right tools for the job at hand, and make sure everyone knows how to use them safely.

5. Adequate training: Educate participants on safety protocols, emergency readiness, and pioneering practices. Show them safe and responsible ways to use equipment and tools.

6. Activities under adult supervision: Have qualified adult leaders oversee all pioneering activities. They should keep a careful eye on the participants and step in if they have any safety concerns.

8. First aid provided: Make sure the campsite has a first aid kit that is well filled. Make sure that someone with advanced first aid training is present and instruct adult leaders and participants in basic first aid techniques.

9. Communication and emergency plans: Create a communication plan and make sure that everyone who will be involved in it, including leaders and emergency services, is aware of it. Include meeting places, evacuation routes, and emergency contact information. Hold drills to put emergency protocols into practice.

10. Weather awareness: Keep an eye on the weather and frequently check the forecasts. Make sure participants are aware of the protocols and have a strategy in place for cases of extreme weather.

11. Hygiene and sanitation: Encourage good hygiene habits including washing your hands and maintaining cleanliness. Ensure participants have access to clean drinking water and maintain hygienic facilities.

12. Medical and permission forms: Obtain permission forms from each participant's parents or legal guardians. Additionally, to be aware of any particular health issues, acquire medical information and any relevant prescription facts.

Keeping everyone safe is everyone's duty. Encourage campers and leaders to take an active role in providing a secure and ethical camping experiences.

HAZARDS/RISK & RISK MITIGATION IN SCOUTING.

Scouting is not so easy and secure activity. Our scouts are drawn to this absence of a sense of safety. They are taking chances, which makes the journey fun for them.

Making scouting "safe" would take away from its purpose and be the movement's death knell. This is not to argue that dangers are not considered at all. Indeed, a lot of effort is invested towards lowering hazards. However, a balance must be maintained between risks that are fair and those that are not. By enrolling your child in scouts, you willingly consent to accept the dangers that scouts are subject to on your child's behalf.

According to my observations, parents have a very limited grasp of the potential risks associated with scouting. For parents to make an informed choice about whether to allow their child to participate in an activity, they must be aware of the hazards associated. While it is hard to cover every risk associated with every action, this section does so in a concise manner.

#Hiking:

Risk is a part of hiking by nature. Scouts run the risk of suffering personal injuries from slips and falls. When trekking in hot weather or in cold or rainy weather, they run the danger of developing hyperthermia (heat stroke) or hypothermia, respectively. More if senior scouts hike into isolated areas where they are hours away from assistance and cell phone communication, greatly extending the time it takes to respond in the event of a danger occurrence.

We mitigate these risks through:

Training – First Aid, Emergency procedures and good hiking practices;

Equipment – Discussions on suitable equipment;

Emergency response procedure – How to respond to an emergency;

Matching the scout to the hike – Scouts are evaluated for hiking ability, stamina and fitness.

#Camping:

Camping is considerably less risky than hiking. Nonetheless, accidents happen on camps. 

To mitigate these risks we teach our scouts safe axemanship, handling of equipments and the correct handling of fires. Responsibility while swimming and ensuring that our scouts are well trained in scouting skills are essential parts or the reduction of risk on camps.

Pioneering

Heavy pioneering uses poles up to 6 meters long and weighing several hundred kg each. As one might expect, there is always the possibility of calamity in the event that a pole breaks, a rope snaps, or a lashing is simply not tight enough. We reduce the dangers by doing the following:

-Changing and inspecting ropes on a regular basis;

-Making sure lashings are properly and tightly knotted;

-Carefully controlling and supervising the construction and dismantling of larger structures.

#General_Activities;

Even during Troop/ Crew meetings, accidents can occur. Accidents can happen during an activity or occasionally they happen as a result of the games played. 

Through instruction, adult supervision, and activity selection, we reduce the hazards.

So, it is very essential of each Unit Leader to Analysis the Hazards associated with the scout activities and risk mitigation.

 1. “Wood Craft is the knowledge of animals and nature” 

a) When and where it was told by B.P.? In Scouting for Boys –page No.14,15 Campfire Yarn No.2 

What Scouts do? “WOODCRAFT” – Woodcraft is the knowledge of animals and nature. 

We learn about different kinds of animals by following their tracks and creeping up to them so that we can watch them in their natural state and study their habits. The whole sport of hunting animals lies in the wood-craft of stalking them, not in killing them. 

No Scout willfully kills an animal for the mere sake of killing but only when in want of food –unless it is harmful. 

It teaches him which are the best wild fruits and roots for this own food, or which are favourite food for animals, and, therefore, likely to attract them. You learn to notice, by small signs, such as birds suddenly starting up, that someone is moving near, though you cannot see him. By noticing the behavior or dress of people, and putting this and that together, you can sometimes see that they are up to no good. Or you can tell when they are in distress and that chief duties of a Scout, namely, help those in distress in any possible way you can. Remember that it is a disgrace to a Scout, when he is with other people, if they see anything big or little, near or far, high or low, that he has not already seen for himself.

1.       b) What opportunity do you provide for, to have the knowledge of saving the animals and nature?

Ample of opportunities are provided to the Scouts by getting qualified for the Badges from Pravesh to Rashtrapati Award to have the knowledge of saving the animals and nature in the topics as given below:

PRAVESH :

(i) Have brief information of the Origin of Scouting… -Scouts are learning how BP lived and enjoyed in woods saving animals and nature, in his young age.

2. Scout Law… - As in 5th point of Scout Law: “A Scout is a friend to animals and loves nature”, most of the Scouts are growing Pet Animals and fresh house gardens with vegetables and flowers.

9. Undertake a 4 hour purposeful Outing with his Patrol…. - Scouts are aware of not to pluck flowers, which are on the sides of their Outing pathway, as it would harm the Nature.

 

PRATHAM SOPAN:

a. Learn about your Patrol, its Flag, Yell, Song, Cry, Patrol Corner, Patrol Call and participate in Patrol in Council –

Scout Patrols are named out of 62 Animals and Birds as given in page No.40-46 of Scouting for Boys. BP has given all the 62 Animals and Birds Cry which induced the Scouts to refer the sounds whenever they are taken to Zoo.

4. a. Undertake a Troop Service Project in your School or Scout Headquarters under the guidance of your SM. -Scouts are expertise in Tree Plantation and maintenance at their School Ground. e. i. Discuss with your S.M. and render some service involving any one of the points of Scout Law and submit a report to your S.M.

Scouts are practically doing and reports shows their dedicated service on the 5th point of Scout Law- A Scout is a friend to animals and loves nature.

 

ii. Undertake a Nature Study Project in consultation with your Patrol Leader and submit the report within 10 days.

As Patrol Leaders had experienced “Learning by doing” –the PM Shield Competitions: Nature Study Projects are allotted to the Scouts on any one as under:

(i)                 Organise a Tree Planting Campaign- select a suitable spot eg. A Camp site, a Village, a Road Side, a Stream, School or a Picnic Spot approved by the District Commissioner and plant four trees there and maintain these so that they grow.

(ii)               Maintain at least twelve pot plants with variety of plants or vegetables.

(iii)             Grow and maintain flower bed or Terrace Garden.

(iv)              Grow and maintain a vegetable bed or kitchen garden and obtain produce from it.

(v)                Select a place of eroded ground and work on it to prevent soil erosion and maintain it as such.

(vi)              Make a composite pit of a reasonable size and prepare manure of dry leaves.

(vii)            Set up a grass lawn and maintain properly.

6. a. Know the simple Wood Craft Signs & follow a trail with his patrol of not less than ½ Km. - Scouts have enjoyed tracing the Wood Craft Signs on Trees by smelling the Nature.

c. Participate in a Nature Study Trail: - Scouts have climbed a hill and collected varieties of flowers and leaves and returned in an hour and assembled on the table with their names exhibited in the Patrol competition.

DWITIYA SOPAN:

Know different types of Fire used in Camping/ Outing: - Scouts have arranged the Fire types of 4 for Cook and 4 for Heat.

Lay and light a wood Fire in the open with not more than two match sticks: - Scouts have done the above Fire lighting at the boundary of the Headquarters before Cooking.

Follow a Trail laid out using Compass bearing & distances: - Scouts are sent for a Trail by Patrols with a Map directing them to follow the Compass bearing using Compass and distances marked.

Undertake a Development Project in your School in consultation with the head of the Institution: - Scouts have successfully undertook the School Development Project and served for a Month and submitted the Reports –Patrol wise.

Participate in an Anti-Litter Campaign with your Patrol and help to clean up an area around your School or Headquarters. - Scouts are doing the Anti-Litter Campaign regularly and helping to clean up around their Schools.

Friend to Animals -Scouts have knowledge & care of such birds, insects and reptiles as are generally kept either as pet or for domestic purposes and have kept a pet in good condition of comfort and health for at least 12 months.

Gardener -Scouts knows names of 12 plants pointed out in an ordinary garden and understood the meaning of Pruning, Budding, Grafting and Manuring and demonstrates any one of : Pruning, Budding, Grafting.

TRITIYA SOPAN:

Camel man -Scouts knows the tradition attached to journeys on Camel back in night or during the day.

Hiker - Scouts are trained to make an article of hiking kit such as a tent, a sleeping bag, campfire blanket, rucksack or a bag or other container in which to pack daily food or toilet necessaries etc.

Undertake a Day Hike of 10Kms on Foot with Patrol / Troop members. Prepare Meals & Tea. Make a report & submit it within a week after the hike is over. The hike route is to be given by the Examiner. - After getting DC’s permission, Hike route from the Examiner, Scouts have undertook a Day Hike of 10 Kms on Foot with Patrol and prepared Meals & Tea and submitted the report with Route Map excellently prepared.

Cook food for your Patrol by using Backwoodsman Method: - Scouts by Patrol, have prepared food using Silver Foil by scrapping the Potatoes cutting into pieces, tomatoes cutting into pieces, a green chilly to longside cut, onion into pieces, making the Silver Foil like a Cup, putting every chopped vegetables into it, pouring a little water, putting a spint of chilly powder, salt to the required, a tea spoon full of oil, and tied the Silver Foil cup on top tightly, and kept hanging on the Fire prepared with dry sticks with two Match sticks lighting, kept for 20 mts for boiling and got it nicely cooked with a very good taste.

Ecologist - Scouts are propagating against cutting Trees, Organising Van Mahotsav in Monsoons, Educating people about pollution problems in the area, regularly.

World Conservation - Scouts have made a list of “What to do” and “What not to do”- in order not to damage but improve nature when Hiking and Camping.

Naturalist - Scouts have made 10 sketches of animals or birds from life and gave the history of 5 of them.

Demonstrate Bucket Chain Method of Putting off Fire: - Scouts demonstrated the Bucket Chain Method of putting off Fire by standing in two Rows.

How to tackle Dry Grass Fire: - Scouts are experienced in tackling the Dry Grass Fire, as happens every often in the Villages.

RAJYA PURASKAR:

Undertake Overnight Hike for 10 Kms, along with group of Scouts of his own Troop and submit report to the S.M. within 10 days (OR) Cycle Hike for 30 Kms. - After completion of Tritiya Sopan tests, Scouts who are preparing for Rajya Puraskar Award, undertakes Overnight Hike for 10 Kms on Foot.

Work on one of the following for 6 Months and submit a report –

Nature Collection: - Scouts have collected thirty different species of Flowers, Ferns and Grasses dried and mounted, giving names, places and dates and recognize them, giving a short description of the Ten Specimen. Soil Conservator: - Scouts have submitted a report for having given service in any of the following projects at least for 40 hours:- Methods used for Soil Conservation such as Mer Bandi, (Tree Plantation) or Afforestation filling up the Gully (Khai Patan) etc. Literacy Scouts taught three R’s (Reading, Writing and Arithmetic) to 10 illiterate people / helped 10 children in their studies. Community Worker Scouts had worked as liaison between Community and other resources of development ie. Banks, Hospitals, Specialists etc.

Rural Worker - Scouts have helped 20 Children got immunized.

Starman - Scouts have Pointed out in the sky –

Constellations visible all the year round;

Constellations not visible all the year round;

First magnitude Stars, knowing to which constellations they belong and what time of the year they are visible.

Forester Scouts have knowledge of growth and development of 12 different species of Trees in the locality and are abled to recognize them at a distance, at any season of year, as well as by the bark, leaf, flower and fruit and knows their chief respective uses in fuel, fodder, fruit, medicine, timber and other uses.

Naturalist Scouts have made 10 sketches of animals or birds from life and gave history of 5 of them. Farmer Scouts are able to weed, water the plants and does after culture, as mostly they are from the family of Farmer.

Dairyman Scouts have produced Certificate from their parents (as home), having worked for at least 3 months, having gained knowledge by practice of the management of at least one animal (Cow / Buffalo or Goat). Sea Fisherman Scouts had a practical knowledge of the various methods of catching sea fish for market by means of trawls, nets and lines and catching shell-fish, have practical experience of at least 2 of these methods, as their families are from Coastal Area.

2. Camping is the great point in Scouting which appears to the boy and the opportunity for teaching himself reliance and reposefulness besides giving him health. 

a) In which camp fire yarn B.P. told like this?

B.P told the above statement in the "Campfire Yarn No. 09" in the 'Note to Parent' Section.

b) Plan and conduct atleast two week end camps and report?

The Plan shall be prepared at your own and a report of the same shall be prepared. 

Brief Introduction to our founder BP

Baden-Powell

1. Full name: Robert Stephenson Smyth Baden-Powell

2. Nick Name : Stephe (pronounced "Stevie") by his family

3. Place of Birth : at 6 Stanhope Street (now 11 Stanhope Terrace), Paddington in London.

4. Date of birth: 22 February 1857.

5. BPs School : He attended Rose Hill School, Tunbridge Wells. He was given a scholarship to Charterhouse School in Surrey, a prestigious public school.

6. Fathers Name: The Reverend Baden Powell,

7. What was his father: Savilian Professor of Geometry at Oxford University and Church of England priest.

8. Who was his God father : Robert Stephenson, (the railway and civil engineer)

9. Mothers Name: Henrietta Grace Smyth. Born on 3 September 1824 – and died on 13 October 1914

10. Fathers of BPs Mother: Admiral William Henry Smyth. (eldest daughter)

11. BPs father year of Death: 1860, (to identify her children with her late husband's fame, and to set her own children apart from their halfsiblings and cousins, his mother styled the family name Baden-Powell. (The name was eventually legally changed by Royal Licence on 30 April 1902)

12. Siblings: Six full Siblings

(i) Warington (1847–1921)
(ii) George (1847–1898)
(iii) Augustus ("Gus") (1849–1863), (often-ill)
(iv) Francis ("Frank") (1850–1933),
(v) Agnes (1858–1945)
(vi) Baden (1860–1937),

BPs half Siblings: (Baden-Powell had four older half-siblings from the second of his father's two previous marriages) as well as three others.

 Henrietta Smyth, 28 Oct 1851 – 9 March 1854;
 John Penrose Smyth, 21 December 1852 – 14 December 1855;
 Jessie Smyth 25 November 1855 – 24 July 1856),( who had all died very young before he was born. )

13. Hobbies and STA : Playing piano and violin, enjoyed acting. Spent his holidays on yachting/ canoeing, stalking and cooking game.

14. First Job : In 1876 Baden-Powell joined the 13th Hussars in India with the rank of lieutenant.

15. Wife / Spouse : Olave St Clair Soames (1889–1977) Children's: 3 Nos.

 Arthur Robert Peter Baden Powell.
 Heather grace Baden Powell.
 Betty St. Clair Baden Powell.

16. Arthur Robert Peter Baden-Powell (1913–1962) (later 2nd Baron Baden-Powell),Carine

 Robert Crause Baden-Powell (b. 1936) (later 3rd Baron Baden-Powell)
 David Michael Baden-Powell (b. 1940) (current heir to the title of "Grand Master Scoutsman")
 Wendy Dorothy Lilian Baden-Powell (b. 1944)

Heather Grace Baden-Powell (1915–1986), married in (1940) to John Hall King (1913–2004)

 Michael Robert Hall King (1942–1966), who died in the sinking of SS Heraklion
 Timothy John King (1946–1995)

Betty St Clair Baden-Powell (1917–2004), married in (1936) to Gervas Charles Robert Clay (1907–2009)

 Gillian Clay
 Robin Clay
 Nigel Clay
 Crispin Clay

17. BPs last Breath : 8 January 1941 (aged 83) Nyeri, British Kenya

18. Burried : St. Peter’s Cemetery, Nyeri, Kenya.

Bharat Scouts & Guides Prayer

Daya kar dann Bhakti ka 

Hamain ParamatmaDena 

Daya Karna Hamari Atma main

 Shudhata Dena 

Hamare Dyan main Auvo 

Prabhu Ankho main Bas Jao

 Andhere Dil main aakar Ke 

Param Jyoti Jaga Dena

 Bahado Prem Ki Ganga 

Dilo main Prem Ka Sagar 

Hamain Aapas main miljul Kar 

Prabhu Rahana Sikha

 Dena Hamara Karma Ho 

Seva Hamara Dharma Ho Seva 

Sada Eeman Ho Seva 

Va Sevak Char Bana Dena 

Vatan Kay Vaste Jeena 

Vatan Kay Vaste Marna 

Vatan Par Jaan Fida Karna

 Prabhu Ham Ko Sikha Dena 

Daya kar dann Bhakti ka

 Hamain Paramatam Dena 

Daya Karna Hamari 

Atma main Shudhata Dena. 

Lord Baden Powell 

(Act in Harmony for Harmony )

Lord Baden Powell’s foray to begin a movement for boys is well known. It is part of Scouting history that when serving as a British military officer who saw service in England, Afghanistan, Ghana, India, Malta, South Africa and Zimbabwe, Lord Baden Powell received much recognition and fame. Of special significance is the never-tiring lore of the Siege of Mafeking in South Africa. While serving as Garrison Commander of Mafeking during the South African War, the town was besieged by the Boer Army for about seven months. It was lifted only when a British relief column came to their aid in the summer of May 1900.

It was at this moment of tiresome agony, that Lord Edward Cecil – the son of the incumbent British Prime Minister, Lord Salisbury – began to assemble a ‘troop’ of youngsters aged 12-15. This was to make sure that those adults, who could be allocated soldierly duties, would be able to take up arms in case of necessity. These boys handpicked to be messengers, errand-runners, lookouts, sentries, orderlies, scouts impressed Lord Baden Powell, that he would later on in his handbook Scouting for Boys [1908, p.10] recollect them as an efficient troop full of pluck and resilience, jolly, smart and a useful lot.

A study published on Baden Powell’s life [Sharma 2003, p.90 and Jones 2004, pp.59-60] states that it was that war of 1900-01 that had taught Baden Powell to further respect the worth of self-reliance, independence of judgment, ability to live with nature, and using of one’s own strengths to help one another. For Baden Powell, fitness was of prime importance, but not the only characteristic needed. He believed firmly, thanks to his experience with the young lads in the Boer War, that the exemplary resourcefulness of the ‘natural’ youths of South Africa could be promulgated for every young lad/youth. He was convinced that the inherent virtues of a youth could be developed through wise leadership and not through the imposition of blind discipline. In effect, he is said to have exclaimed: “we teach not so much by precept any instruction as by personal leadership and example.”

 When one considers Lord Baden Powell’s life, one cannot but ponder his zest to be able to equip the young so as to create a better world. In his Scouting for Boys, Baden Powell included the sub-title: A Handbook for Instruction in Good Citizenship. Further on, in his Scoutmastership Baden Powell would describe Scouting as “a game in which elder brothers [sisters] can give their younger brothers [sisters] a healthy environment and encourage then to healthy activities such as will help them to develop citizenship.” In the same book, Baden Powell describes Scouting as an answer to newness, renewal and a building up of physical selfdiscipline. He lists the national inefficiencies, stating that irreligion, indiscipline, irresponsibility, want of patriotism, selfishness, corruption, disregard of others, cruelty, crimes of violence, lunacy, thriftlessness, loafing, showing off, shirking, low moral standards, gambling, illegitimacy, and disease are remedied through physical health education [Scoutmastership 1920, p.23] This when read with his “our effort is not so much to discipline the boys, as to teach them to discipline themselves,” is such an eye-opener for any scout, guide or leader/trainer.

For Baden Powell, Scouting had immense possibilities, especially in the field of international cooperation. He writes that Scouting makes possible: “(a) The making of the individual into an efficient and happy citizen, (b) The harnessing of the individual to work for the community, (c) The promotion of International goodwill [...] as a practical step towards permanent peace.” Of course, he was also concerned that the strengthening of the bond of the British Commonwealth would happen through this movement of brotherhood. (Scoutmastership 1920, pp.21-22)

Fundamental of Scouting

Fundamental of Scouting

Definition

The Bharat Scouts & Guides is a voluntary, non- political, educational Movement for young people, open to all without distinction of origin, race or creed, in accordance with the purpose, principles and method conceived by the founder Lord Baden Powell in 1907.

Purpose

The Purpose of the Movement is to contribute to the development of young people in achieving their full physical, intellectual, social and spiritual potentials as individuals, as responsible Citizens and as members of the local, national and international communities.

Principles 

The Scout/Guides Movement is based on the following principles

Duty to God

Adherence to spiritual principles, loyalty to the religion that expresses them and acceptance of the duties resulting therefore.

Note : The word “Dharma” may be substituted for the word “God” if so desired.

Duty to Others 

Loyalty to ones country in harmony with the promotion of local, national and international peace, understanding, Co-operation. Participation in the development of society with reorganization and respects for the dignity of ones fellowmen and for the integrity of the natural world.

 Duty to Self. Responsibility for the development of oneself.
 The Method 

The Scout/Guide Method is a system of progressive self-education through :

• A Promise and Law

• Learning by doing

• Membership of small groups under adult leadership involving progressive discovery and acceptance of responsibility and training towards self- government directed towards the development of character and the acquisition of competence, self-reliance, dependability and capacities both to co-operate and lead.

• Progressive and stimulating programmes of various activities based on the interests of the participants including games, useful skills and services to the community taking place largely in an outdoor setting in contact with nature.

Lord Baden Powell in his wisdom & foresight

LORD BADEN POWELL

(1857-1941)

Lord Baden Powell in his wisdom & foresight wanted the Boy Scouts to be true to themselves & to God. Is it any wonder then that the Scout Promise has as its driving motivation, the words “On my honour, I will do my duty to God” as its starting phrase? Perhaps, the Chief Scout understood the value of our actions stemming from our attitude to God.

God is love & if we understand this concept then perhaps it is easier to gauge the immense visionary foresight of Lord Baden Powell in his wisdom to place emphasis on God. God is love & every action oriented towards our fellow-beings, our brothers & sisters is an outpouring of our love of God. The working of the ‘divine’ in each of our lives is evident through our personal experiences.

If having understood well that God is indeed love, we will experience the working of God

in our own lives & the consequent actions that we perform daily to emphasize the fact that all our

actions are born out of love. When we understand that God or the Divine is at work in us, then all our thoughts, words, deeds are an outpouring of that love from within our hearts. In such a scenario, each person that we encounter in our daily lives reminds us to relate or interact with them as an image of God. The workings of God in our own lives & in the lives of those around us, invite us all to be holy. This holiness then is part & part of our character formation. It is a reminder that though each of us is unique in our own way, together all of us can be heralds of a society that is morally upright, virtuous & holy in our being & doing. Holiness is then, in the Chief Scout’s understanding not just for the sake of an individual. It has to pay dividends for the transformation of society as a whole. Though we may be belonging to different faith persuasions – Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Jain, Buddhist, Christian, etc. we are all members of one

body, the human family. 

Scouting inspires selfless service, yet this spirit of service & self-sacrifice arises out of our

deep conviction & belief in the Divine Being or God who loves us & invites each of us to share this love with others. “Selfishness is almost a universal evil. However, in & through Scouting, it is transformed into selflessness, being based upon the development of service for others, and the Daily Good Turn is an important factor in the development of a habit of service and attitude of mind which offset a tendency to selfishness.”

Scouting’s focus on doing a good turn fits so well

with the ideals of service taught by so many religions. Service truly is the gateway to happiness

and friendship. Cheerful service associated with the Scout & Guide movement is a sure sign of

the call to holiness that each of us has to respond to!

Snaps of Camp at badshapur , Gurugram -Haryana.

CAMPFIRE

CAMPFIRE

What is a Campfire?

            It is an atmosphere as much as an occasion. It is generally the last part of the day’s programme in a Camp. It is a special feature of Scouting/Guiding born with Scouting/Guiding. It is Campfire, not Camp on fire.

Importance of Campfire in Scout/Guide Training

• B.P. called the Chapters of “Scouting for boy/girl s as “Campfire Yarns. This shows that the philosophy and techniques of Scouting/Guiding can be taught in Campfires.
• A place of inspiration and understanding each other.
• A brotherhood/sisterhood circles that foster Troop/Company /Group spirit 3^rd point of Scout/Guide Law has its roots here.
• Patrol system works well and leadership qualities develop;
• Boys express themselves very freely in a Campfire and the Scout/Guide can see them in their true Colours.
• A taste for music and art and histrionic talents developed.
• Campfire lets off the steam of boy/girls and fills them with fun, laughter and enjoyment. 
• Best place for the moral and spiritual Part of Scout/Guide Training. 
• It is a ceremony and even Investiture of Patrol Leaders and Seconds and Presentation of other awards and badges can be done during the Campfire to better effects.

Physical Arrangements: -

• The Campfire place must be dry and free from mosquitoes and other insects.
• Notice the prevailing winds-let nobody “gulp” the smoke.
• Have a good supply of wood in the centre of the fire.
• Torch or Mashal is more effective to light fire than a match stick-clear the dry grass in the circle before lighting.
• Good seating arrangements to protect from the ground chill. Stones, not a bad idea-Let not Physical discomfort spoil the spirit of the show.

Design of the Campfire: - 

• Always a Circle – a symbol of oneness and brotherhood/sisterhood– Leaders and Guests will also be on the circumference of the circle. 
• Fire is at the centre. Extra firewood can be well kept around the fire to mark the fire zone. The participants do not enter this.

Laying the Fire: -

            Fires may be laid either on the ground or in a pit. Cone fire is preferred – Log Cabin fire and Pagoda fire can also be used. Star fire is also worth trying. This is prearrangement.

Lighting the Fire and Opening Ceremony: 

1. Appropriate to the occasion.
2. Backwoods methods like – Flint and steel or Bow and drill will be interesting.
3. In huge gatherings-fireballs, fire smokes, other crackers may add to the thrill.
4. After tthe fire is lit (as the ceremony demands) the SM/GC/Chief Guest ceremonially declares the Campfire open.

(a) Camp fire Dress: - 

Boys/Girls like it very much – adds to the fun and jollity-Protects from chill – Bed sheets, Dhuppata can be well improvised. Scouters/Guiders (and Commissioners) can also were the Campfire robes (campfire cape) – The badges they earned previously may also be stitched on the garb. This is a source of pride to the Scouter/Guider and inspiration to Scout/Guides.

(b) The Beginning Part of it: -

The Campfire leader of the Troop/Company will be in charge. He/She assembles the Troop/Company in campfire circle. Patrols take positions – Fire is lit – Troop/Company brought to attention and then S.M./G.C. is reported and requested to open the Campfire – No harm if at times he in turn requests the ASM/AGC to do it – This may add to the healthy spirit of the Troop/Company. Scouter/Guide captain need not run the campfire but he is responsible to control it.

(c) Learning the Campfires: - 

Patrol items always to be preferred. Normally 5 minutes maximum for an item. See that all members of the Patrol are involved. The first song has to make every one participating in both singing and good fellowship. Announce the next item and the item to follow. Encourage participants by cheering them with yells whenever an item is over. Look for originality. A yell of appreciation after every item is meaningless. Change the items to suit to the mood. If necessary be resourceful in creating the new items and keeping the Troop/Company in the mood. Begin with brief, popular items fairly boisterous. Towards the end, the items should be a simple and effective-right place for a short and interesting yarn by SM/GC. Campfire will be enjoyable only when proper order is maintained-on talking during the time of items.

(d) Closing the Campfire: -

Closing time can be little elastic but close it when all feel to go on. Announcements, if any, should be very brief and quick. Closing can also be made ceremonious – serene and serious atmosphere to be created-either Taps or silent prayer will be effective. The Patrol responsible for putting off the fire should be alerted after the dismissal of the Troop/Company.

What items can be presented at a Campfire 

Please remember that a Campfire item does not have to be funny always or to do with Singing only.

Some of the following can be tried: -

1.                  Stories (short but funny)

2.                  Quiet games or singing games.

3.                  Group Singing.

4.                  Group dances

5.                  Folk dances

6.                  Jungle/Tribal dances.

7.                  Devotional or Patriotic Songs.

8.                  Action Songs.

9.                  Bhajans

10.              Comics

11.              Small Playlets

12.              Dialogues

13.              Mimicries

14.              Physical displays

15.              Occasional Foreign Songs

16.              Puppetry.

17.              Classical music

18.              Dumb Shows

19.              Melodies

20.              Yells

21.              Mono actions

22.              Charades

23.              Rounds

24.              Shadow graphs

25.              Midget acts

26.              Scoutcraft skills

27.              Imitations

28.              Quiz.

29.              Book reading

30.              Surprise items.

31.              Instrumental music and so on.

What items to be avoided: -

1.                  Vulgar items

2.                  Religiously objectionable items

3.                  Fearful scenes – like Ghosts etc.

4.                  Mean things and destructive criticisms

5.                  Things like dead bodies and dreadful cries

6.                  Anything belittling any class or creed

7.                  Anything against the Government or law of the Country

8.                  Anything un-scouting and purposeless.

In Rallies and other Functions: -

These can partly be publicity-oriented. Any V.I.P. or Commissioner can be requested to open the Campfire. The opening ceremony should be thrilling – rehearsal essential. Involve audience also. Better to include items of good standard. Take extra care about uniform; cleanliness and orderliness.

Beware of overdoing in the Campfire:

There will always be over-enthusiastic boy/girls who may, at a time just by little act, spoil the sanctity of the campfire. Your individual efficiency will go a long way. When necessary don’t hesitate to use your whistle sharply but sparingly.

Improvisation in Campfires:  

In many of the items like play – acting, Dramatization, Fancy dress etc., improvisation or making up with readily available material in the surrounding may be essential. Here are a few suggestions for improvisation.

1.         Grey hair and moustache           Ashes, paste, paint, cotton, maize, hairs etc.

2.         Face powder                              Ashes

3.         Lipstick etc                               Red ink, flower juice

4.         Musical instruments                   Hand-sticks, plates, mugs tumblers, empty tins etc.

5.         Long teeth                                Pieces of cardboard and palm leaves.

6.         Garlands                                   Scout ropes, paper balls etc.

7.         Curtains etc.                             Duppatties and bed sheets

8.         Crown etc.                               Green leaves, flowers etc.

Strictly speaking, make-up like the professionals when acting on stages with cakes etc. is not required in campfire. boy/girl s should be inquisitive and imaginative.

PHOTOS

SErvice is our motto as A ROVER

Me in Office

Inspection time

HORSE SHOE Formation

Khemraj Gurung(raja), Me and My Scouts

Group photo after the Rajya Puraskar Testing Camp

Me and Guides of Papumpare Distt. Arunachal pradesh

Me along with SBP Singh DOC(s) Papumpare, Arunachal Pradesh and my Scouts of SHIVAJI GROUP

Jaime Mauheniya and me.

during Camp at Badsapur , gurgaon Haryana,India

 me and my Scout friend