The Tidridge Family Website
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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 TidridgeIn 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 54th 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 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, RAKSHA'S MESSAGE 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". |
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 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.
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A MESSAGE TO THE COURSE FROM THE PROVINCIAL COMMISSIONER 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.
Thank you very much,
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WE ALSO WONDER - Who ate the cheese that the Black Six had stashed away for last night festivities?
- 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?
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A SCOUT'S EYE VIEW OF A WOLF CUB PACK You have made it -- you are a Trained Wolf Cub Leader CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!
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. Good Hunting, KAA, Rod McGeachie A MESSAGE FROM WHITE HOOD. 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.
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FIRST BEATS OF THE JUNGLE DRUM 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: 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..........
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SECOND BEATS OF THE JUNGLE DRUM 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.
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".
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THIRD BEATS OF THE JUNGLE DRUM "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: 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?"
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 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. 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 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.
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, 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.
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NOTE IN CLOSING OUR LOG
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 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.
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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 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.
Tuesday July 23, 1963 OPENING The world is a mirror and gives back to every man the reflection of his own face. PROGRAM 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.
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 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 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
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. |
YELLS Good, Good, Very Good, PHEE NOMINAL. Chinese Firecracker Claps --Hissing sound—Firecracker travelling in all directions (Motion with arms.)
Soap Yell--- Is it Vell? Is it Duz? Is it Fab ? FABULOUS. Rocket Yell ____Set Rocket Light Rocket (Match) ---Ping Bravo Bravissimo (3 times) Jolly good shows
Guillotine __- Lady knitting at foot. Knit, knit (six times) Pull rope to raise blade; Creek; creek (six times). Bolt blade. Click. Blade drops. Swish, blub, blub, blub --ONE. Repeat end with two. Locomotive ___ Leader uses arm like a piston. Pack claps at end of each stroke . Watermelon __- Three bites out of watermellon. Get ride of pips. Cape Canaveral --- 10, 9,8, 7,6, 5, 4,3,2,1.Darn another one! Loudly ___ P.U. Softly . Wonderful! Is it 4? (no) Is it 3? (no) Is it 2? (no) Is it one? Yes, WONDERFUL .
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SKITS TRAIN: Six people line up and make noises and motions like a train trying to start. Try three or four times. Call in a couple of "cars" on the end. Try to start again, this time succeeding. Leader says, " I guess all we needed was a couple of jerks on the end." GRANDMA: Grandma sits in centre. One comes in and asks ."Feeling better, Grandma. Answer "No." Repeat until last member of six who says "Grandma's too sick, I guess we can't have a skit." VIPER: Each member of six comes in one at a time shouting (terrified) ''The Viper iss comingk. The Viper iss comingk". Last member comes in with cloth and says "Vitch Vindows did you vant me to vipe? Man lying on ground exhausted. Someone comes by and asks him what he is doing and he replies, "Water, Water, Water." Another comes by and asks what he is doing and he again replies "Water, water, water." After this has happened several times, someone comes in with same water for the poor dying wretch. He then pulls out his comb and dips it in and combs his hair. Man walking around with extremely large magnifying glass (bent coat hanger) He is obviously searching for something. Finally someone asks him what he is looking for and he replies, "Tracks", so they volunteer to assist and then help him look for tracks. This happens several times and finally the last one asks, widhat are you looking for and he replys, "Tracks". Someone asks "What kind of tracks". To which he replies "RAILROAD TRACKS." Several people are taken from the audience for a sense training and observation test. They are lined up and told to do exactly what the tester does. He produces a bottle of liquid made up from the worst stuff available. He then asks them to smell, and taste with their finger, the liquid. After they are all done, he asks what they smelled and tasted. After receiving everyones reply, he then advises those who tasted anything that they were not very observant, because he dipped one finger and tasted another. PEANUTS: Court room scene. Two boys come in, one policeman, one prisoner. Judge: "What is the charge?" Policeman "Throwing peanuts off the roof." Judge: "That is no charge, case dismissed." MA AND PA: "What ya doing' Ma?" "Churninl Son" Whatcha doin' that fer ma?" "Gotta eat Son, ''Where ya, bin Son?" "Out to the barn Ma" "What ya see Son?" " "Pa was hanging from the rafters Ma". "Did ya cut him down Son?" "No, Ma, he weren't dead yet". |
SKITS _2_ COBRA: Performer is snake charmer. Attempts to bring a cobra out of a basket. Circle must concentrate to assist snake charmer. After several unsuccessful attempts, call in several assistants to help concentrate. Try a few more times. Snake charmer then says "'Tell we couldn't get a Cobra but here's several monkeys. TELEPHONE: Two persons on end of rope (telephone line) rope on ground. Try to talk to one another, but can't hear too well. Call in telephone poles, one at a time. Each one improves the sound a little. When five or six poles on line say "Hello, Joe, how's the fishing?" "Not very good, but I see we have five suckers on the line". FIFI TRAINFD FLEA: Set two stakes in ground, stretch imaginary tight line between open small box and produce imaginary trained flea on line. Fifi performs by walking across line, jumping wand, etc. Fifi disappears. Search for Fifi among spectators. Find flea and put back on line. Fifi won't perform anymore. Final statement, "THAT'S NOT FIFI." ACTION STORY - THE LION HUNT: Narrator says "Let's all go on a lion hunt," (All cubs follow his actions) "Get our jacket" (walks over to jacket / claps knees at walking pace.) Puts on jacket (pretends to put it on.) Get our rifle (slings rifle over shoulder.) "Water bottle" (hangs on hip). 'Well here we go". (Claps knees - walk to door - open it,or - walk out -close door - walk for a while) "There is the river, Hmm, bridge is out, have to jump - back up, get run at it (Continue walking until you reach the river, stop, back up - drag hands on knees, stop, run - clap knees at running pace, pause as tho' jumping.) Whew, made it. (Make sound as the landing heavily, start walking :again.) "Take a short cut, long grass Rub knees as tho' walking through grass) "Back on the road " normal walk). "Hill up ahead" (Reach hill, walk gradually slower as if getting tired.) "whew it's hot, have a drink of water" (Drink from bottle) "Hot" (hand up rifle, mark tree). "There's the top, have rest. Look around for the lion. Don't see one. Climb a tree (Pretend to climb a tree). "Look around, there's one, climb down" (Run down hill, pick up water bottle, rifle, jacket, on road, through long grass up to cabin, open door, turn around, aim rifle, shoot lion. BANG ????? BALOO (muttering in his tent) I've taught them all I know and still they don't know nuthin" The party who says where there's smoke there's fire, never tried cooking at camp.
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GAMES JUNGLE PICTURES SWOP THE HANKIES Players arrange in two teams lined up opposite one another and numbered from different ends. Two chairs between teams, one at each end; a red handkerchief is tied to one, and a white one to the other. NumIbers are called, and the players indicated run to their respective handkerchiefs, untie them, and run to other chair and tie to that, regaining their places. First in scores point for side and so on. HIDE THE PENCIL QUACK,QUACK MAN OVERBOARD GAMES SHEEP DOGS
SCRAMBLE LETTERS . BUNNY HOLES Cubs in threes, two standing- with hands on each others shoulders are the tree, the third crouching down between them is the rabbit. There should be two odd Cubs, one of whom is made a dog. and the other a rabbit. Dog chases rabbit, who can take refuge by running into any tree. As he runs in, the rabbit already there must run out. If dog touches rabbit they change roles. OBSTACLE COURSE BROTHERS
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At this point in the handbook numerous songs are printed.. The titles are: Bingo, Zimba Song, Heads and Shoulders, We are the Redmen, Railroad Medley, Ezekiel Saw a Wheel, Copenhagen, Tommy Tinker, Graveyard Song, Sweet Little Susie, Let me call you Brother, Pick up your Wieners, Cheer Boys Cheer, Worms, and Hasten Jason . |
WE WONDER IF: AKELA ... will ever tackle another Gilwell BALOO ever got his voice back? RAKSHA is mooching cookies from the neighbours now? WHITEHOOD ever managed to balance the budget the way we all ate at camp? BAGHEERA is still smiling while picking up "Paw-Paws"? KAA is still singing before breakfast (especially at 5:30 A.M.)? GEORGE AND PIERRE - ever did learn how to cook? LENA ever reorganized her Group Committee? MAC ever finished cutting down the "Old Pine Tree"? HELMUT ever patented his new perfume - "Evening In The Garbage"? MAGGIE is still wrapped up in polythene - to keep warm?? EVELYN is feeling better now that the "spirit" finally moved her? MARY still gets up for coffee at 5:30 A.M. or was it really weak kidneys?? UPPY is bald yet with worry over the 1963 Log committee?? LUCY has caught up on her sleep yet? TOM is still eating Worms and still has his deep, base voice?? JOHN ever got the peak sewed back on his field cap? FREDA ever made the five foot mark? BERT really was the Supreme Master of the Log Committee? IRENE ever got toe-maine poisoning? SIMONE misses "Homer" as we know he misses her? PAT is wearing her red underwear now that she's back in the banana belt? SEAN still scrounges at home like he did at Gilwell? ELLA still sits at the alert when she hears a whistle blowing? (STAs -you know) PETER ever found all the Wood Pigeons or has learned to float on his back? FLIP still sleeps with her Hot Water Bottle? |
RAKSHA'S SHAGGY DOG STORIES There was a mouse who was very, very friendly with a bartender. The friendship they built was a wonderful thing to behold. However, the mouse knew that old age was taking its toll, and that soon he would be a-dying. So he asked his friend the bartender if he would do him a favour when he had died. Would he cut off his tail and hang it over the bar, then the bartender would be always reminded of the beautiful friendship they had had. The bartender promised.
Sure enough, soon after that the little old mouse died. True to his word, the bartender cut off the mouse’s tail, and had it mounted just above the bar. Then quite often the bartender would glance up at the tail, and be reminded of the wonderful friendship he had had with the tiny mouse. It often made quite a topic of conversation.
However, the mouse was not faring so well. He went to the gates of heaven and was met by St. Peter. But when St. Peter saw that the mouse was lacking a tail, he refused him entrance because only mice with whole bodies are allowing into heaven, and if a mouse were lacking a tail, well, he just couldn't’t enter heaven.
So very sorrowfully the mouse went back to earth as a spirit. He went back to his favourite haunt, the bar. Here he went inside and began to talk to the bartender. But the bartender could not see the mouse as he was now a spirit, but the mouse explained the situation to the bartender, and explained how he had gotten to heaven, but was refused entrance because he did not have a tail. Well the bartender was very distressed by the story told by the ‘spirit’ mouse, and he said,”It’s very busy now, but if you come back after 11.00 tonight, I’ll see what I can do for you”.
So the mouse hung around until after 11.00 and then went back to the bar. But hanging on the door was this sign: Sorry, but we cannot retail spirits after 11 O’clock.
If you can stand another one, read on:
It seems the lights went off in a theatre in Vancouver. The manager, by use of a flashlight, went to the stage and asked the people to be calm, as they would try to fix the lights as soon as possible. He appealed to an electrician who might be i the audience, to come and assist.
Suddenly he found a little China man on the stage beside him. “Are you an electrician” he asked. The reply came: “No, I am no electrician, but I fix lights.”
Well, the theatre manager thought he had nothing to lose, so he told the little China man to go ahead.
The China man addressed himself to the audience. “When I clap hands will all the ladies in the audience raise their right hands”.
“Now” he said, “When I clap will all the gentlemen raise right hands”. He clapped and all the gentlemen raised their right hands.
“now”, he said, “When a clap my hands will all ladies raise left hands. He clapped and all the ladies obediently raised their left hands. He did the same for the gentlemen.
“Now”, he said, “Finally, when I clap this time will both ladies and gentlemen raise both hands”. He clapped and both ladies and gentlemen raised both hands, and immediately the lights came on. Well the theatre manager was overjoyed and he rushed over to the China man and thanked him profusely. “But”, he said, “would you mind telling me just how you accomplished such a miraculous feat?”
“Very easy”, said the China man, in our land there is an old saying by Confucius: “Many hands make light work”.
SCOUTERS QUOTATIONS
John Tidridge: “these are kids games? I think my ankle is broken”.
Stan Ingram: “Ouch” Translation: Pot on fire also has hot handle”.
Lena Kinsman: “Doesn't anyone else know how to wash dishes?”
Freda McLeod: “Come on everybody. Let’s sing”
Bert Kormos: “Has anybody seen my hat since last night?”
Lucy Smart: “What? Another STA. I’m still on yesterdays”
Bagheera: “Hey, does anyone know where the sun tan lotion went?”
Kaa [after inspection]: “OK, so who belongs to these teeth?”
Raksha: “Did anyone think to bring a needle and thread?”
Whitehood: And how many quarts do you think you’ll need today?”
MORE JOKES????
Some people don’t think their jokes are very funny but we threw them on the fire and they just roared.
Pierre: Why do cows wear bells around their necks? George: I don’t know...why? Pierre: Because their horns don’t work.
Flip: You're not going into the water right after dinner, are you?” Don’t you know its dangerous to swim on a full stomach?
Peter: “That’s all right ..I’ll swim on my back.”
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MORE SONGS Boy Scout Day, The O=Porridge Tragedy, Kum By Ya Ging Gang Gooley, Six Song [Clementine{}, Get Acquainted, Trek Cart Song, Row, Row, Row your boat, Rheumatism, O Come and Go with Me, Angels watching over me, THe More we get together, There are crowds, Waltzing Matilda, Zun Gali Gali, The QM;s store, How do you do, Lovely Evening, SMILE, Gilwell Song, Don't go Cubbing tonight, Clementine, Little Peter Rabitt, Mary had a William Goat, Scout Vesper song, McTavish is Dead, Macnamara's Band, To old to camp, The campfire Trail, The Damper song, Land of the silver birch, Do Lord, If you're happy, Akela' Pet, Apple Pie baker, We're on the upward trail. |
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