The Tidridge Family Website

The Following Notes relate to John Tidridge, Scouter (1961-1971)

There are two reasons for these notes... it is time to downsize and to have some record for the children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren,with a little of the history of John Tidridge

In 1961 John T was half listening to a conversation between his wife and her friend. He nodded at what he thought were the appropriate places. It turned out he was volunteering to lead the 54^th Wolf Cub Pack of the Highlands Baptist Church.

Thus began 10 years of mostly fun. It brought back memories of his days at St, Mary's Church, Eling, Hants, UK. where Captain Wardle, Church Army, was the Cub Master. John remembers only being sent home for some misdemeanor!

Attending the first meeting John soon discovered that the then leader wanted out and quickly... he must have noted John's obvious skills with the lads... he left shortly thereafter.

It is fair to say John took full interest in his job, getting all the training he could. He succeeded in earning his Wood Badge which was quite an onerous chore. It meant a week at camp, plus some written material as well. But it was well worth it, learning all the skills a leader needed.

At that time the program was the same world wide. It consisted of the cubs learning different skills and finally earning two stars. There simply was not much choice of topic...which at the time John Tidridge thought was OK. In the early sixties a new program developed that gave the boys far more choice and his opinion the easier ones were chosen over the harder tasks. By now he had served ten years and it was time to leave.

During the ten years the cubs managed to attend Skeleton Lake Scout Camp on two occasions for a week-long camp. These camps were conducted along military lines and were a great success. It required a great deal of help from parents who were the cooks, nurses and general camp moms. There were two memorable occasions... during the 1965 camp John became a father... and no one showed up with vehicles to take the boys home... it took a world record of cramming boys into two vehicles to get home! It was accomplished.

Two other incidents stand out...remember there were three cub packs at the same camp, well separated from each other. One camp signalled all their activities by the use of trumpet blowing. The other pack's senior leader sported a coolie hat which he greatly treasured. We thought it would be a good source of food if we could borrow both items... we succeeded... the trumpet was returned for a plate of cookies.. which we found had been doctored with salt. The other group exacted their 'revenge' at the campfire... our leaders were encouraged to be part of a performance... some how or other we found our faces were daubed with I think grease of some sort... all in good fun!

Competition was fierce at cub meetings...the six ( a group of six boys) winning the monthly prize was usually taken on a trip of some sort... the police station, water works, a local radio station and the best one, a trip in the Edmonton City Police aircraft, piloted by classmate Bob Stanton.

MORE CUFFS FROM THE PAW OF BALOO
Greetings Little Brothers! It is now some time since you received the last verbal cuff from the Paw of Baloo. It was just the other day that I was speaking to Akela about how well "Our Cubs" responded to The Old Wolves instruction. You must admit that you were all a rather stickey, spindly lot when you arrived at Sylvan Lake, and it was with pride that Your Old Wolves watched the sleek bunch move off to their distant Lairs at the end of the weeks course. You had learned the Law of the Jungle well and it was with confidence that you left to resume once again, charge of your own Packs.
 

My greatest wish is that you use whatever knowledge you obtained on your Part ll Woodbadge Course for the benefit of "The Boy". Never forget that it is "he" that you are serving. Train him well, Little Brothers, and you will have achieved your Aim..
 

Good Hunting to you, one and all,
BALOO,
Ron Hardy.

RAKSHA'S MESSAGE
Hear ye! Hear ye} All you of the Jungle. Raksha is on the prowl. What is she after now? Is it bugs or beetles? Is it those Handicrafts, S.T.A.'s? Is it a camel? No, no, no. I think it's for the Body in the Bag this time.
 

Wasn't it fun though, and you were all such jolly good Cubs, Please accept my sincere thanks for the privilege of being a part-of, the Gilwell Camp of '63. I just hope that if I ever go again, there will be one more Brown Six around. 

I can't help but marvel at the wonderful spirit of Scouting so evident at this course. Monday, when we all finally found Camp Woods and Gilwell lodge, we were strangers. By Tuesday, we were all friends. Must have been that delicious cup of tea, the Scouts prepared for us To the Cubs on course, I would like to say that I trust you got as much out of the Course as you put into it. Your enthusiasm and your interest made it a pleasure to be on Staff.
 

I would also like to say a word of appreciation to the other members on Staff, A more congenial group, I have never worked with, I'm sure. Thanks for having me.....even the kicks I received are nearly forgotten. Congratulations Akela, on a wonderful job well done.
 

Good Cubbing to you all, and to Simonne, I would add "Good Hunting".
RAKSHA,
Lillian Thackeray.

I would like to send this short message to each of you who went to Gilwell at Camp Woods last month. It was certainly an inspiration to me - as a member of the staff - to meet and to get to know so many enthusiastic leaders.

There is a figure at the centre of this movement, It is the BOY! Let us not forget him, as we plan our program in the years to come. You will note that I have used the word "him". We cannot generalize and just say "them". Each boy thinks and acts differently. Each reacts in a different manner. Give that personal interest as often as possible. There is sometimes a danger of us thinking too much of ourselves. We must guard against this possibility. Many times a boy will fail us. Let not your belief in him fail. Your continued confidence in him will give that encouragement which he needs to become a better citizen.

There is a great fellowship in Scouting which builds up over the years. It is a splendid thing and a lot us develop it further by bringing other people into this Movement. Dedicated men and women are needed. We must encourage those people who arc interested in the development of boys as future good citizens.
 

A good Leader must be understanding, compassionate and willing to sacrifice many of his or her own pleasures, Please do not forget your own families as they must not be neglected, Let your personal example be above reproach,
 

Now that you have completed Part 11 of the Wood Badge, make it an objective to remain in the Movement for as many years as possible, Pass along what you have learned to the boys and to other Scouters. A great responsibility is yours,
 

May God bless you in your work and I hope that we will meet again soon,
 

BAGHEERA Howard S. Ritchie.

A MESSAGE TO THE COURSE FROM THE PROVINCIAL COMMISSIONER
(taken on tape when he wasn't looking)
 

Akela and Candidates: This is just one of the finest things that can happen to me -- to come here to a camp where the candidates are participating in a Gilwell course. I don't know whether you realize it or not, but this particular circle here is a very dear one to me because of all the experiences that I have had here on various courses. I have always looked forward to being among you when you are here taking part in this wonderful experience of Gilwell,

I sincerely hope that, and I would judge from the way you are entering into the campfire, that you are getting something from this Gilwell training which is over and above the regular program. By this I mean, the real Gilwell spirit... because when B.P. instigated Gilwell, this is what he wanted the candidates to have... the real spirit of Scouting and Cubbing. If you go home with that, it matters' not what else you may have learned here because if you have the real spirit, I think that you can overcome just about any obstacle that there is in this movement of ours.

I don't think that I have to say anything to you about responsibilities as Leaders because you are all aware, as I am, and all the rest of us who are in this game, just how the Scout Movement is growing in the Province of Alberta. It is just growing by leaps and bounds. For one who gets around as I do and sees the enormous amounts of boys that are still trying to get into our Cub Packs and Scout Troops, it's a tremendous challenge. Therefore, it's people like you, who when you go back will really have to carry the cross and help those other Leaders who ha have not had training, to get it, to follow in your footsteps here to Gilwell in order that they can do a real good job for us also.

So I hope you've had a good week. I know those who are on the team very well and I'm sure, that they have given you some real experiences. These are all dedicated people who are working on the training team and believe me, they themselves' know how difficult it is at times to meet the mark. But if you enter into this program the way you should, and the way I see you are doing, I'm quite sure that you are going to go home and we are going to consider you some of the most successful candidates of Gilwell that we have had.

Thank you very much,

WE ALSO WONDER
 

- Who ate the cheese that the Black Six had stashed away for last night festivities?

- If the "Wolf" ever got back safely to Cold Lake with characters like Evelyn and Irene?

- How many Scouters were trapped in a certain grease- pit?

- How many really got their S.T.A.'s finished?

- if the next owner of "Klonker" will be able to afford the oil?

- How many are still peeling their sun burned knees?

- if the Black Six lost any weight on Friday night because of the lack of a cook?

- If they've moved the "Little Boy's Privy" to a more inconspicuous place. If nothing else, we learned that Baloo was pretty regular...,

- Just how long Uppy practised "Fire lighting"?

- How many will return for the reunion?

- How many Scouters are using what they learned at Gilwell to advantage in their Packs?

- How many really did get to see the "Cub's Own"?

- How many nationalities were represented at this particular Gilwell?

- If Akela ever got over the shock of his first Gilwell being such as it was?

A SCOUT'S EYE VIEW OF A WOLF CUB PACK

You have made it -- you are a Trained Wolf Cub Leader

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!

The Wolf Cub Pack is different from the Boy Scout Troop. Like Boy Scouting, it has its games, crafts, advancements, a "Good Will" which is like the Scout Good Turn. But the difference is that the Cub activities are what boys 8 to 11 years old like to do, not what Boy Scouts do, For you will recall when at the Wood Badge Course, it was emphasized, Cubs do not go camping like Boy Scouts, but they do camp, as a family - which of course, is fine experience against the time when they do become Scouts.
 

There is a lot of fun ahead of you if you'll play the game with the Cubs. Be a Leader who pulls - not one who pushes, Help these boys make the best of their Cub years.
Remember that you are still a Boy Scout - a better Scout because you are a Leader helping boys to become good Cubs and eventually, become good Boy Scouts. Younger boys will imitate you -- follow you. Set them a good example. Above all, be not only their Leader - but their friend,

Good Hunting,
 

KAA,

Rod McGeachie
 

A MESSAGE FROM WHITE HOOD.
,
Gilwell 1963 was a most joyous experience. It was truly an original experience..."young" Akela, "yodelling" Baloo, "wise" Kaa, "smiling" Bagheera, "blackened" Raksha, the Bander-log, Slip and Slop, the Pack with an occasional red devil and flipper thrown in.

This reminds me of a story "Once upon a time, a cook boiled a number of prunes. The prunes were bad so she had to throw them out. A crow, who was sitting on the pump handle, flew over to the garbage heap, picked up a prune, flew back to the pump handle and ate it, He flew off the pump handle, got another prune, flew back to the pump handle and ate it. He continued until all the prunes were gone., He fell off the pump handle - dead."

Moral to the story -- Don't fly off the handle when you are full of prunes.
 

Keep up Good Scouting with plenty of fun and games.
 

Sincerely,
 

WHITE HOOD, Ross Hallett.

FIRST BEATS OF THE JUNGLE DRUM
July 22nd, 1963. The Staff 
 

On Monday, the 22nd of July, The Gilwell Training Ground was over-shadowed by an early morning overcast. No sign of activity until almost eight-thirty. The hounds, Slip and Slop, had slept in, being exhausted after a strenuous night of "Snipe Hunting".
 

After a late breakfast, Akela and Co., busied themselves getting ready for the incoming course. When it came to raising the new flag pole, Kaa and White Hood had disappeared on one of their many mysterious trips into town.
 

came the time for commencing the Course, tensions grew and at 1:30 P.M. --- HORRORS --- only one cub present and even he disappeared after finding out where the parking lot was. Soon they began to arrive - popping up from all directions.

We ended up with 19 Cubs. These were:
Great Cubs, Small Cubs, Brawny Cubs, Black Cubs, White Cubs, Yellow Cubs, Grey Cubs, Grave Old Plodders, And Gay Young Friskers.
 

It must have been the exotic odor of White Hood's tea served on the lawn according to true Gilwell traditions. They came 300 odd miles from Athabasca in the North and 3 quarts of oil and 4 gallons of gas from Lethbridge in the South.
 

A late start but nevertheless, a good one. Thank heaven's White Hood gave us steak instead of the promised Roast Beef.
 

Tomorrow Baloo says he will crack the whip..........
 

SECOND BEATS OF THE JUNGLE DRUM
July 23rd, 1963. Yellow Six
 

After a successful campfire with entertainment provided by the Staff, "mug up" was held at the Gilwell Lodge with George and Pierre (Slip and Slop) doing the pouring. The "Cubs" from the "tropic zone" found it extremely cold and necessary to use their prized possession "The Hot Water Bottle". Upon retiring, some of the feminine members decided to warm up by doing the "Twist". We don't know what the masculine members did -- but from our camp, they sounded like a bunch of party poopers.
 

After a very short night, the day started as early as 5:00 A.M. for some Cubs and as late as 6:00 A.M. for others. The camp ground was a beehive of activity - what with the building of alter campfires, starting breakfast and heating "bath water" for the more cowardly Cubs. At nine sharp, the bell tolled to let all "well fed" Cubs know it was time for Flag Break. What-holl! Disaster struck our camp -- the flag was hanging upside down and Akela doesn't miss a thing. However, after Kaa came to the rescue, the program was underway again. We played a few strenuous games before the Old Wolves saw fit to let us have the results on our Lairs. Baloo wasn't kidding when he said he'd crack the whip as all pennants were flying very low - about a foot in the ground to be exact, after his daily inspection.

The afternoon sessions went well until White Hood was put in charge. Never mind, White Hood, the scenery was beautiful, even if it was the wrong trail. The day wasn't all bad as we all enjoyed the session of "relaxation" while Kaa and Akela proved that it was possible for only two people to put up a wall tent. Thanks Kaa - we'd like more of this sort of thing:
 

We're also'grateful to Raksha -- who knows -- if she hadn't jumped up and down and shouted, we may never have seen a white rabbit. As for Bagheera (the silent but dangerous type) we feel he should receive a medal of some sort as he was the only one publicly brave enough to try "Cub Coffee".
 

After one full day of Gilwell we have one question to ask of the Old Wolves:

"One user of outdoor plumbing was relaxing a bit when the whistle blew for Lowering of the Flag. What does one do when this situation arises???"

"Leaders answer for those interested -- "Lower the Boom and Carry on Canada..."
 

THIRD BEATS OF THE JUNGLE DRUM
July 24th, 1963. White Six
Another enjoyable campfire with Yellow Six entertaining, ably assisted by some members of the Staff:
 

"Mug Up" at Gilwell Lodge had an international favour -- songs from Germany, Denmark and a "dirge" called "Ikely Moor B'Tat" -- This is alleged to be the "National Anthem" of the Uncivilized Natives who live North of London, London, England, that is Baloo appears to have "the most frightfully" English accent of the attending "kippers".
 

The "weaker" sex then retired -- and apparently although exhausted, spent the "once again short night", doing battle with mice.
 

Dawn broke -- this time in a solo effort by "Abe" -- no relation to the late lamented president -- joined later by other "tardier" males. The "weaker" Cubs just made it by breakfast time. Flag break was nearly conducted by a "MacAkela".
 

Baloo returned from his daily tour of inspection, looking slightly pooped -- this caused by him having to raise each pennant a "mighty 3 inches.

Raksha bearing gifts of money and tobacco - left presumably as  a bribe, returned to the Parade square where she very kindly distributed her gifts among the Old - Old Wolves.
 

Cubs retired for "fairy tales" from Bagheera where we learned of St, George who chased a dragon with a thistle - causing the dragon to step upon a snake whereupon it - the dragon - changed into a fish - and the fish swam away to a lake called "Sylvan",
 

The Cubs re-gathered to be inspected by "Baloo" - who showed great interest in the "gleaming - shining fur" of one of the young Cubs, White Hood having finished inspecting the "fangs" of the Cubs, handed them back to their respective owners:11 Kaa inspected "claws" -- it was rumored the Old Wolves were short of sausages.
 

Sometime during the morning the Cubs were "herded" by White Hood into a Stampede. As a new item) we include here the fact that the village of Calgary was named after one particularly bad stampede.
 

It was noted at lunchtime, the Old Wolves visited each "grub site") all with hungry looking faces -- what have "Slip and Slop" been feeding the Old Wolves
 

First blood letting of note occurred when a young Cub tried to grub out a tree trunk with her little right toe -- Baloo sent for an adult and first aid was rendered.
 

Raksha instructed the Cubs on handicrafts and after the talk, one Cub was noted trying to set several square and clay-like wolves into a Round Parade Circle.

THIRD BEATS  -- Continued (Who said women were long winded?)

Afternoon sessions ended with an overcast sky - chilly wind - and the threat of rain, All Cubs in high spirits, energetically employed on STA 's such as eating, drinking, taking the occasional breath -- with an ear ever cocked for "two clangs" on the bell or "several blasts" on a whistle. 

Supper filled the air with the smell of onions, burnt liver -- and jeers from the hungry Cubs for the unfortunate cook. Rumor has it that Kaa is practising for the Operail Also - a word of warning -- we have a beak pincher in the crowd.

A new method of washing clothes was devised today. Whitewood took the Commissioner to the Laundromat known as "Sylvan Lake". Their method of transportation was a canoe - we believe. The method was to immerse all their clothing in the choppy waters. The only thing that might appear a little unusual was the fact that they were still inside the clothes. Nevertheless, they are to be commended for their great example in "cleanliness".
 

After a minor fracas in Black Six Area:
Akela: "Mac, did you kick a nice person like Maggie in the stomach?"

Mac: "Please., Akela, I didn't mean too, and it was her fault."

Baloo to himself: "That isn't the way I heard it," Akela: "Well what did Maggie do?"

Mac: "She turned around too soon."
 

After lights out one night: Ella: Hey! There's a mouse squeaking?"

Pat: "Well, what do you want me to do, oil it?"
I

Irene: Did you know that -I don't have all my toes on one foot?"

Evelyn: (Sympathetically) "No - How did it happen?"

Irene: "I have five on one foot and five on the other."
 

Helmut: "Did you know that Mary beats Uppy up every morning?"

Bagheera: "You don't say;"

Helmut: 'Mary gets up at 5:30 A.M. and Uppy gets up at 6:00 A.M."
 

One day, while strolling down Jasper Avenue in Edmonton,  and not having anything to do for an hour or so, Simonne decided to have her fortune told. After going on for 10 or 15 minutes, the fortune teller looked up at Simonne and told her that her future would soon be filled with many fine, handsome men. Her prediction was soon to become true -- as two weeks later, Simonne was a proud leader of a Wolf Cub pack,
 

FOURTH BEATS OF THE JUNGLE DRUM
July 25th, 1963, Grey Six
 

Apologies to the Grey Six but we, the Log Committee think that your "First thoughts" are too good to leave out.
 

Last evening Baloo's big brother was seen swimming around the Camp Ground. Following his lengthy swim, we, the Grey Six, had the highly esteemed and coveted honor of shining his slightly dampened clodhoppers for which we were highly honored at the Pack Sing-Song later in the evenings
 

With the White Six providing entertainment, the Pack enjoyed A Sing-Song in the Gilwell Lodge. During the evening, as the humidity proved to be somewhat heavy out-of-doors, all entertainment was held indoors. At the opening of the evening program, Mary Kemp was invested as a Scouter by Akela. We also learned that Baloo's brother was Assistant Provincial Commissioner, Dick Fowler from St. Albert, who, during the program, entertained us with a most amusing skit. [As the evening wore on and Baloo's socks slipped, many tired Cubs went to bed] After a cup of coffee, many tired Cubs retired for a damp sleep.
 

Thursday morning, July 25th, got off to a slow start. The Red Flower of the Grey Six did not blossom forth until 5;30 A.M. Many Cubs woke up and wondered if they were floating in the Lake. By 9:00 A.M., all had risen, wrung themselves out and participated in some sort of breakfast. At 8;15 A.M., the White Six were desperately fanning smoke in an attempt to air dry the soaked wood in the cold fireplace. We wonder if the White Six ever did eat more than smoke for breakfast  
 

The Grey Six served coffee to the unfortunate White Six early in the morning to encourage them in their hour of trial and also assisted the three Yellow Six damsels in distress, to produce their Red Flower.
The brave pack watched Akela and Baloo from the windows of Gilwell Lodge, as they broke the flag in the rain this morning. Kaa, in the first session spoke on "The Cub's Own". This was followed by a "Cub's Own" service which was most inspirational.
 

Raksha was flying high with her pack on a Games session with Cubs slipping and sliding until [Big Bad John almost broke his n]  tripped over his own feet.
 

Lunch was served to the hungry Cubs in the Lodge to insure that no one got wet feet.
 

This afternoon, Akela, the Kernel, and Baloo, the Station Sergeant Major, conducted Field Manoeuvres with the Cubs reminiscent of the Boer War and the Siege of Mafeking. Winding the Siege up, everyone went for a bath in the near by Foot Tub - Sylvan Lake,
 

A hearty supper was enjoyed by all.

FIFTH BEATS OF TH E JUNGLE, DRUM
July 26th, 1963, Black Six 
 

At 21:00 hours on Thursday evening, the Tom-Tom was passed  over to the Black Six, - At our campfire Akela  presented us with food for thought in his talk to us. Tom presented us with thoughts of a different type -- his ditty on worms went down well. This was followed by "Mug Up", Quite a jolly duo.

This morning was rise and shine to a fine day for a change. Our first session was a talk on Proficiency badges by Bagheera -- we sure enjoyed that lively discussion that followed Bagheera!

During noon break, we saw two Banderlog in the trees in the vicinity of the Lodge, Baloo warned about the possible visitation of the hordes. Chile, the Kite, volunteers to carry out a rescue job, Reports are that these are probably only two Scouts of the main body spotted some miles away,

Also during our noon break, we had a very pleasant visit from White Hood -- not one of those quick "pop in what can T find wrong" visits but a nice long social coffee break and we certainly enjoyed it for a change.

After lunch, we all trotted off through the woods for an "Expedition". Our Leaders are a jolly bunch in the wide outdoors -- first they walk us for a while -- then they run us around in what they gleefully call a "wide game". Then they walk us a couple of miles more, with bottles of bugs in our hands, and then off we go again on another jungle dance, We are now beginning to fool like fat sleepy bears, ourselves. By the way Baloo, as one of our crew reminded you --you can't gather bugs on the run, you have to sneak up on them,

We noticed one of our little Cubs went to great trouble to make himself a fine thumbstick which was appropriated by Baloo very early in the afternoon, By the way -- Yellow Six -- we know you are the youngest Cubs in camp, but how could you possibly get lost with a Scout to follow.
 

We finally "rambled" back to camp where we gratefully grabbed a rest period in which we had nothing to do but build our fires, cook our suppers, build a campfire, do a few dozen STA's (nonexistent spare time) retrieve our damp bedding off the clothesline, and change for the evening.
 

All in all, a full, enjoyable and exciting day for a bunch of tired but happy little Wolf Cubs,
 

A group of city "Cubs" were on a ramble out at Wood camp, One of them, Tom was his name, came upon a heap of empty milk bottles. In great excitement he yelled to his companions: "Hey fellows, come here quick. I found a cow's nest.

SIXTH BEATS OF THE JUNGLE DRUM

July 27th 1963. Yellow Six

Flag  break was held promptly at 7:50 P.M. (or thereabouts). It was held in great tradition with all the Yellow Six standing at the alert while our "Pet" Sixer did the "Ye-Yo" dance after letting go of the loop. However, our "Master Whistle Blower" who happened to be a bit taller, retrieved the rope and with a sigh of relief, all went as taught by the Old Wolves,
 

Upon entering Raksha's den shortly after, we found it a beehive of activity. Our experiences gained on make up of wounded British soldiers came in real handy as we decorated Raksha's black eye that had been previously damaged by one of the Bander-log.
 

The campfire was enjoyed by all including our guests - Mr. Harry Halloway, the Provincial Executive Commissioner for Alberta for the Boy Scouts of Canada and Mr. and Mrs. Ernie Kumm - Ernie being the Provincial Commissioner. He should have said "Campfire was enjoyed by all but one" by the name of "Hoot Owl" who was completely fooled by our black eye makeup.
 

The Black Six were in charge of the program with our "German speaking Englishman" acting as Master of Ceremonies,
 

After campfire, we all gathered at the Gilwell Lodge for "Mug Up" where we saw an interesting film on B-P's life and some of Gilwell camp in England. This was most inspirational to all concerned,
 

After another Star Performance of "Three Wood Pigeons", the Pack retired, or so the Old Wolves thought, It didn't seem to take them long to find out that the Grey Six had invited us all to coffee before retiring -- again. Here we decided to try the Bander-log way of life. Several of the monkey people decided to try the "Limbo" as well as the "Twist". We noticed a few Cubs this morning who were acting more like Shere Khan, Never mind Uppy, John and Mac -- you learned real fast. We wonder why Bagheera was limping around like Chester this morning. He must have been doing some "play acting" and couldn't find a Mr. Dillon.
 

Sessions started early this morning with the complete "Cub Life" of Johnny Goginheimer portrayed by "little Baloo". We note that this is the first Cub in Scouting history, whose voice had changed before investiture. This session was followed by a few "Forget your age kids, You're really a Cub" games conducted by Raksha. We note that Raksha didn't take part -- she must have spent the night chasing Mickey and Homer - our pet mice. Bagheera took over from here and although his session was real interesting, we all thought his watch had stopped. To add insult to injury -- he conducted his session within a stone's throw of food and the Q.M. store.
 

This afternoon's session was an animated pack meeting with a jungle theme. Many of us wondered if this course had been too strenuous for the Old Wolves when we noticed Kaa and Raksha doing some sort of a squaw rassle in among the trees.
 

Akela decided to give us a real break late this afternoon and gave us a swimming half hour. "Hoot Owl" disillusioned us when he reminded us that we had chicken to cook for supper, This cut the time down to the usual 5 -- 6 minutes. Many Cubs took advantage of this and stampeded down to the Public Bath Tub. Here all acted in a brainwashed manner and proved they had the real spirit by doing the Dance of Baloo, Ring Around The Rosie, Dance of Baloo, Mowgli and Shere Khan, Dance of Baloo etc. while having their daily baths. We were also given expert instruction on how to float on our back by one Cubs Very well done except that several Cubs were required to rush in retrieve the instructor from the bottom of the lake.
 

Akela called a meeting at seven o'clock and all attended looking rather "well fed" after a chicken supper. Rumbles have it that we ate better than our Scout cooks who had supper cooked for them tonight by a couple of Old Wolves,
One Cub turned up at the meeting with a new perfume called "Evening In The Garbage" Believe me Helmut -- it won't sell,
 

This evenings session ended with the Cubs from the Banana Belt volunteering (Hrmph) to do the Log of Gilwell 1963. Let's hope we get it so that it can be enjoyed before our reunion in 1965.

NOTE IN CLOSING OUR LOG

Campfire tonight was led again by the Staff. There was an air of sadness as we all realized that this was our final one and that tomorrow we would wend our weary ways homeward. I'm sure that each and everyone of us has gained a wealth of information, songs, tricks, handicrafts, etc. that will be a great help in running our Packs and like myself, can hardly wait to start the Pack in September to put all we learned to good use. Here again, we must thank our leaders for their valuable lessons, help and untiring devotion to Scouting in general - and mostly for that extra push that we all appreciated,
 

Mr. Harry Halloway made us all feel much better when he presented us with our "badges" to wear proudly, and -Akela finally admitted that we were a fine bunch of Cubs and that he would recommend us all for our Part 11 -Woodbadge.
 

The Yellow Six were in charge of the program - this being the second time round, we're not sure whether the other campfire was just plain enjoyed or they thought we needed the practise most. A skit was put on which sort of "evened" the score with the Staff.
 

After Akela closed the Campfire, we all went down to Gilwell Hall where another singsong was enjoyed. Mr. Harry Halloway also gave an explanation for his most colorful hat. Baloo introduced two guest Troop Scouters and told us about his first meeting with one of the Troop Scouters who was later to lead us in a couple of songs.
 

We took pity on the tired, overworked Staff who all had work yet to catch up on, and gathered at the lair of the Yellow Six. Here we sang our hearts out til the Black Six remembered that they had some crackers, cheese, cookies and "leftovers" stashed away that they just happened to forget to return to Whitewood. This was a perfect ending to our Gilwell -- even if the cheese had mysteriously disappeared.
 

SUNDAY
Kaa, bless his heart, started the day off bright and early by clanging the bell at S:30 A.M. Staff had breakfast all prepared so that all Cubs could get an early start -- even if we didn't want one.
 

By eight o'clock, Wood's Park had again settled down to peace and quiet with only the Staff and the odd Cub still remaining.
 

THUS ENDETH ANOTHER GILWELL PART 11 COURSE one, that just can't be beat.... ever.

CAMPFIRE #1
 

Monday July 22, 1963
 

OPENING:  

As the red log glows - so may our hearts,
 

As the flames leap upward - so may our aims,

As the grey ash fades - so may our sins,

As the good fire warms this circle - so may our ideals warm the world.

PROGRAM
Welcoming Speech from Akela to the New Candidates

Gilwell Log Ceremony

Copenhagen Baloo

Gathering of the Nuts Raksha

Detergent Yell Bagheera

The Ants Go Marching Whitewood

Kum By Ya Kaa Yarn

Akela Gilwell Song Baloo

Sweet Little Susie Bagheera

Do Lord Kaa
 

CLOSING

A little bit of kindness to each other now and then

A little bit of blindness to the faults of other men.

A happy kindly smile

And then as on through life we go

e find it all worth while.

CAMPFIRE

Tuesday July 23, 1963

OPENING

The world is a mirror and gives back to every man the reflection of his own face.
 

PROGRAM
Monkey, Nuts and Grapes Baloo

Ging Gang Gooley Kaa

Sweet Lil Susie Bagheera

Indians Are High Minded Yellow Six Old Bill Raksha

Chinese Firecracker Yell Yellow Six

Alhouette Whitewood

Jungle Drum Yellow Six Little Johnny England Akela

Automobile Skit Yellow Six Pewtiful yell Slewfoot ????

Apple Pie Baker Baloo

Yarn Akela

Rosyn Fra Fruen Kaa

Ezekiel Saw A Wheel Whitehood

It's Me Oh Lord Bagheera
 

CLOSING

When the great scorer comes to mark against your name, it will matter not if you won or lost, but how you played the game.
 

THOUGHT AFTER TWO DAYS OF CAMPING (by Whitehood)

We all appreciate the benefit of prunes, which after all, are like missionaries, since they go into the interior and do good.

CAMPFIRE #3

Wednesday July 24, 1963

Indoor Sing Song

PROGRAM         

Investiture Akela

The Damper Song Kaa Bingo Baloo

Railroad Medley Bagheera

Quarter Master's Stores Whitehood

Little Peter Rabbit White Six

Wolf Cubs Hunting Kaa

One Man Went to Mow Baloo

Specialty - Allah Raksha

Yell White Six

The Graveyard Song Akela

Skit - The Fish White Six

Yell Bagheera

Jungle Drum White Six

Three Pronged Specialty ??? Baloo

Shaggy Dog Raksha

Yarn Akela

Three Wood Pigeons Baloo
 

Closed with Mug Up and an Ld lib sing song.
 

CAMPFIRE #4

Thursday July 25th  1963.

OPENING

To each is given a bag of tools,

A shapeless mass and a book of rules.

And each must fashion ere life is flown,

A stumbling block or a stepping stone.
 

PROGRAM
Cheer Boys Cheer Baloo

Three Blind Mice Kaa

Sweet Little Susie Bagheera

Jungle Drum Grey Six

Old MacDonald Whitehood

Skit Raksha

Copenhagen Akela

Worms Grey Six

Gilwell '63 Kaa

Bingo Bagheera

The Ants Whitehood

Skit - Call for Water Grey Six

Yell Raksha

Three Craws Baloo

Yarn Raksha

Swing Low Sweet Chariot Kaa

Yarn Akela

Round the Blazing Council Fire  Akela
 

CLOSING Thou who hast given so much, Grant us one thing more. A grateful heart.
 

CAMPFIRE #4

 Friday, July 26th 1963

OPENING

By this campfire we are met

In fellowship tonight.

And so with song and yarn all set

Let us on for soon we part.
 

PROGRAM
Introduction of guests Lucy & Helmut

Indian Action Song White Six

Crowning of Raksha Helmut

Presentation to Whitehood

White Six Skit Grey Six

Yell Black Six

Song - Zimba Yellow Six

Jungle Drum Black Six

Skit - Freight Train Black Six

Six Song White Six

Song - Old Pine Tree Mac

Viper Skit Yellow Six Yell Black Six

Gilwell Song Mac

Stunt Tom Yell Yellow Six

Song - Whole World In His Hands Black Six

Yarn Akela Spirituals All
 

CLOSING Scouters, as we come to the end of our campfire

Let us pause for a moment in praise

The Almighty God who saw fit to inspire

The Founder who gave us these days,
 

CAMPFIRE #6

Saturday July 27th, 1963
 

OPENING

Brother Scouters in the light on this campfire, let us come together with thankful hearts and may our ideals be ever before us like a blazing torch lighting a straight and narrow path -- the light not dimming and the pace not slackening

-- THE CAMPFIRE IS NOW OPEN

PROGRAM
 

Ging Gang Goolie Kaa

Bingo Bagheera

The Damper Song Baloo

Three Craws Big Elk

The. Ants Whitehood

Specialty - Indian Story Raksha

Presentation Yellow Six

Skit Yellow Six

Gilwell Clap Kaa

Copenhagen Akela

Song Yellow Six

Presentation of Crests Big Elk

Kum B A Lord Big Elk

Oh Come and Go With Me. Kaa

Akela is Yarn
 

CLOSING

Comes the last day of many days

The Last Campfire of all too few.

Last - but not least - in the years ahead

These times our memories shall renew.