O 26
Annexe E.
REPORT ON THE HONGKONG BOY SCOUTS ASSOCIATION.
The total number of youths and boys in the Colony of Hongkong now receiving Scout training is approximately 300. Since October steady progression has been shown in all Troops, the junior branch, Wolf Cubs, in particular making great headway. All troops have been steadily improving their positions by insisting that only such boys as attend troop parades and meetings regularly shall be kept on the Troop Rolls. This has had the effect of making it possible to give the training more in accordance with the principles of the movement, which aim at placing the main responsibility of discipline and instruction in scouts craft on the leading boys.
Apparently when the Association was first restarted in the Colony there was a tendency to aim at numbers, but the weakness of this policy quickly became apparent, as there was comparatively early decrease in attendances. The result has been that in the case of at least two troops the number of the boys on the Roll has been halved, and other troops have also suffered in a similar way.
Hence the course taken as stated above, with wholesome and beneficial consequences.
A great source of weakness has been lack of training for officers, and it is now the aim of the Association to get in motion a scheme of training for officers and senior scouts by courses of lectures, and practical lessons in training camps, so soon as a satisfactory site and equipment have been acquired. Instruction is also given by combined "Rallies", and by means of the official organ the "Silver Wolf".
Various troops have taken the opportunity of going to camp at week ends and during holidays, and all would have done so but for the non-arrival of camp equipment from England owing to shipping strike.
The feeling of Brotherhood has been encouraged by troops visiting troops in their respective headquarters, and the exchange of ideas has been correspondingly beneficial.
The Commissioner cannot but speak with admiration of those men who spending all the week in schools and other educational establishments give up their spare time as well to running scout troops.
He is also surprised at the extremely able way in which the Chinese Scoutmasters have grasped the main idea of a system entirely novel to them, and at the keenness which they are succeeding in implanting it in their scouts.
O 26
Annexe E.
REPORT ON THE HONGKONG BOY SCOUTS ASSOCIATION.
The total number of youths and boys in the Colony of Hongkong now receiving Scout training is approximately 300. Since October steady progression has been shewn in all Troops, the junior branch, Wolf Cubs, in particular making great headway. All troops have been steadily improving their positions by insisting that only such boys as attend troop parades and meetings regularly shall be kept on the Troop Rolls. This has had the effect of making it possible to give the training more in accordance with the principles of the movement, which aim at placing the main responsibility of discipline and instruction in scouteraft on the leading boys.
an
Apparently when the Association was first restarted in the Colony there was a tendency to aim at numbers, but the weakness of this policy quickly became apparent, as there was comparatively early decrease in attendances. The result has been that in the case of at least two troops the number of the boys on the Roll has been halved, and other troops have also suffered in a similar way.
Hence the course taken as stated above, with wholesome and beneficial consequences.
A great source of weakness has been lack of training for officers, and it is now the aim of the Association to get in motion a scheme of training for officers and senior scouts by courses of lectures, and practical lessons in training camps, so soon as a satisfactory site and equipment have been acquired. Instruction is also given by combined "Rallies”, and by means of the official organ the Silver Wolf".
Various troops have taken the opportunity of going to camp at week ends and during holidays, and all would have done so but for the non-arrival of camp equipment from England owing to shipping strike.
The feeling of Brotherhood has been encouraged by troops visiting troops in their respective headquarters, and the exchange of ideas has been correspondingly beneficial.
The Commissioner cannot but speak with admiration of those men who spending all the week in schools and other educational establishments give up their spare time as well to running scout troops.
He is also surprised at the extremely able way in which the Chinese Scoutmasters have grasped the main idea of a system entirely novel to them, and at the keenness which they are succeed- ing in implanting it in their scouts.
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