Recollections of a Scout Leader at 1st Eaglemont Scout Group by Bob Phillips
When I was a lad during and after World War 2 scouting became very strong and also my activity. Our Rover Section provided training and opportunity to hike and explore the Mountain Ranges of Victoria and follow the paths of the early prospectors and cattlemen.
Prior to ski lifts in 1945 the Rover Section supplied blueprints so I bent my own skis in my mother’s washhouse copper and subsequently toured the Bogong High Plains, Mount Buller, The Baw Baw Plateau and Lake Mountain as my winter activity.
1st Eaglemont Scout Group
In 1967 I was appointed GL, Group Leader of 1st Eaglemont Scout Group, we had 24 Cubs, CL John Anderson, 24 Scouts, SL Ken Little and 12 Ventures, VL Gib Hewison. An active Parents Committee had extended and enhanced our ex army hut into a respectable scout hall at Chelsworth Park. There was a rule in scouting that “No Leader could be in charge of boys after the age of 55 years.” I was retired as Scout Leader at the AGM 1985.
After attending our Christmas Scout Camp held near Erica on the slopes of the Baw Baw Mountains, Ken Little requested that we swap our leadership roles and I became the Scout Leader.
Training
The Victorian Scouting Association provides excellent and time-consuming training for all levels. I had completed the Group Leader training and was then trained as a Scout Leader.
The words Scoutmaster and Class were out of favour and the old Baden Powell system of grading boys by progressing from Tenderfoot, to 2nd Class Scout then to 1st Class Scout was deleted. The new system was introduced and I was retrained. In line with modern education systems the boys could progress at their own pace by setting their own objectives. The new levels being
Camp Nights required
Scout-craft 4
Pioneer (Blue) 10
Explorer (Red) 20
Adventurer (Green) 30
A wide range of interest badges provided the opportunity for a boy to get a treasured coloured shoulder cord at each level.
When a Cub came up to Scouts at 11 Years old and progressed to Venturers at 14.5 years old there were only 3.5 years to achieve the top levels. This meant that a boy needed ten nights camping per year. To facilitate these levels our program was set for a summer camp of seven nights and 3 nights Easter Stradbroke Cup Competition Camp. An activity every month of one day or overnight was required to meet the other Hiking, Rock climbing, Water activities, Rafting, Billy-cart trials, Pioneering Towers, Community Service etc.
System Qualifications
An analysis of the new system qualifications showed the Emergencies Qualification was required in a number of Badges eg. Camp-craft, Water Activities, Fitness and Construction. Each month the program covered one of the badge requirements and if the boy attended scout meetings regularly and he performed the tasks in his patrol he achieved the recognition. The boys were enthusiastic campers so the camp night targets were easily achieved. In order for boys to attend the summer camp, parents holidaying in Queensland, New South Wales and Victorian country or beach towns arranged for their boys to return in time to attend the scout camp.
Using the old patrol system where boys teach boys the Patrol Leaders had a PL’s meeting every month and set the program for the next year and each month. A copy of the coming year’s program was supplied to every parent to be read alongside the family planner and the football fixture. PLs and APLs attended the monthly meetings and the Scout Leader became the secretary and servant of the boys who looked forward to, and meticulously shared the pikelets supplied by my wife Helen.
Occasionally a boy behaved in a un-scout-like manner and I nominated the scout to attend the Court of Honour and answer my charge. The Patrol Leaders formed the Court and made their decision and I never interfered. I had to accept the decision and answer the irate parent’s phone call the following day.
Target
Initially I set myself a budget of 100 badges for the year. Recording all the activities and keeping accurate attendance records for each boy was a major task. This was prior to the computer age. I believed that if the boy performed the task he was entitled to the badge in recognition.
After many years as Scout Leader my original 100 badges budget was insignificant because the Troop grew to 47 boys with an average of 29 nights camping per boy and most of the boys progressing one level every year. With a large Troop I was fortunate to have a team of Assistant Scout Leaders and my tolerant wife Helen and other mothers assisting in the QM Store.
“Never cancel an activity.”
The policy was “Never cancel an activity.” Maybe circumstances dictated that we relocate as in the case of the January summer camp. One hot drought year it would have been foolish to camp in the forest with only one access track as a way out from a bushfire. One parent offered the ski lodge on Mt Buller as an alternative. The ski lodge had a stone firewall all around the building and was situated in the deserted village. Life in the lodge was fun with patrol cooking as in camp. Every evening we had activities like indoor Olympics, card championships, mapping and triangulation of the distant mountains, the Park Ranger was our guest for one meal and he answered questions for over an hour. We hiked to the Mt Buller summit for the sunrise and walked down the spur to Mirimbah. Little Buller, the Rocky Knobs and the Howqua track were also explored. On our journey to Mt Buller we were the invited luncheon guests of the University Army Corp at the Puckapunyal Army Camp.
In February 1983 two weeks after our camp the Scout Association banned all scout camping in Victoria because the fire risk was extreme.
Summer camps
Summer camps were also held at Strangways, Gilwell Park and the Eumarella Scout Camp at Anglesea. After discovering Anglesea the PL’s gave me three options every year: Anglesea, Anglesea or Anglesea. We had the facilities of Anglesea River for water activities (canoes), the picnic area with electric hotplates for bushfire days, a patrolled surf beach for safe surfing and a wide beach for cricket. The Scout camp was in a shady bush setting with tap water and a refrigerator in a nearby cabin. The two kilometre long, private, scout beach was at the foot of the scrub covered 300 foot cliffs, which were ideal for our game of ANZACS. Safeway in Geelong delivered the supplies for the QM store to the site. With 47 boys plus three ladies in the QM store and the male Leaders in camp we were catering 55 bodies. One year 12 Venturers joined our camp for five days. Sunday was a popular visitor’s day and another 50 family members distributed themselves into their respective patrols and stayed for the evening campfire.
The Patrol Leaders secretly brought tape recorders to camp so that the patrol could rehearse their new campfire stunt and their new patrol song. Any joke can be acted and evolved into a good campfire stunt and the boys became proficient in presenting the stunts. Boys of this age go through stage of, what I call” lavatory humour” and it was necessary to accept the subject matter in some of the sketches. This was the boys’ world and I was lucky to be invited to join and had to control any criticism.
Stradbroke Cup
At the competition Stradbroke Cup Easter camps at Macedon or Gilwell Park we were the largest Troop requiring two sites and we were usually one of the highest achievers. Easter in Victoria can be warm or cold and wet and we performed well in sometimes very adverse conditions. Each of our six patrols usually achieved Gold standard. At the Stradbroke final parade presentations of awards, it was noticeable that we were a very strong Troop in numbers and all the boys were high achievers as the badges on their uniforms showed.
In the tent each boy had a sleeping area about 50 centimetres wide and about 1.5 metres long. His pack and shoes were in the community pack-rack near his head. The patrols uniforms were in plastic garbage bags hanging from the tent centre pole. The Patrol Leader and his assistant slept on the outside of the group and the new boys in the centre. We believe that the PL knew how to avoid getting wet from the flapping tent walls. Each boy had his respective place at the patrol dinner table and performed his daily rostered duties, which were previously arranged at the Patrol Meeting. Two Hurricane lamps supplied the only light after dark. A two-burner gas cooking stove under the eating fly provided safe cooking. Gas cylinders were not allowed in the enclosed tent because the boys slept on the ground and escaping gas, being heavier than air, could kill a sleeping patrol.
The final qualification for the Adventurer Badge was to build and sleep up a tower.
Model flying fox, flag poles, towers, etc were built from sticks and twine in the scout hall and troop critical analysis performed in order to study the favourable and features that could be improved. Each year the 6 metre high tower was built in my back garden. The whole Troop participated in the building and the sausage sizzle. The Patrol Leaders were in charge of construction and safety and being the senior boys they slept up the tower overnight. The following Sunday morning the tower was dismantled and the poles, ropes and tabletops were returned to the scout hall. This activity was dangerous because of falling poles, decking or boys. Mobile phones were not invented and the scout hall did not have a phone, so my back garden was the obvious safe location for the tower.
As I had attended the life saving classes we adopted the same method as taught by the Royal Lifesaving Society. The boys were paired and one boy acted as rescuer and the other the patient. Then they changed roles. This method had the capacity to instruct many boys at the same time. CPR was a major part of the first aid training.
District Scout Billycart
In preparation for the District Scout billycart I notified the boys to bring their billycarts to my house on one Saturday afternoon. I was working in my garage improving the numerous carts. Most had nails, which I replaced with nuts and bolts and replaced worn and frayed ropes. I instructed the boys to keep to the left on the side street. The street has a good hill and a safe runout at the bottom. The hill is ideal for testing the carts. After an hour or so renovating the carts I went outside to inspect the boys. All the children in the neighbourhood had seen the activity and joined the fun with their carts. The parents of these children had spread across the top of the hill, which diverted any cars from using the road. Similarly, the crossroad at the bottom of the hill was crowded with parents preventing cars crossing the street. We had an unofficial billycart event in my side street and no council permit and no insurance. I must admit, that I had very tolerant neighbours because there was never one complaint.
Christmas Party
The Scouts and Guides had a party at the scout hall every Christmas. The invitation read Bring your own “get wet clothes, towel, water pistol and a plate.” Rules- The Guide Leader and the Scout Leader are not to get wet. When wet with water and a little detergent, the vinyl floor in the hall became very slippery, particularly with the children’s bare feet. Combined races through the cones with a children lying on a blocks of ice became a confusion. I must say that the rules were respected although all the Assistant Leaders had very wet uniforms.
“Learning by doing”
Scouting is “learning by doing” and a critical analysis after the any activity is important in order recognise the areas that can be improved. The Patrol Leaders became very proficient in conducting the analysis.
When an 11 year old boy joins Scouts he becomes a proud member of a patrol and a 13year old boy, Patrol Leader, guides, shepherds, protects, involves, dictates and instructs the behaviour and expectations of the new scout. It is an orderly clearly defined level of authority that is easy to understand. The new scout feels wanted and part of the gang and it is fun.
Yarra River
During my eighteen years of scouting service the Yarra River was polluted. It is a different stream today. The Scouts used the river extensively for water activities such as raft races, canoes, bridge building and swimming. After each activity the boys washed all equipment and themselves. Eyes, nose, ears, mouth and hair received particular attention.
A Different Boy
One parent commented to me that his boy (a Patrol Leader) had shirked his music practice so the father said. “You can’t go to the Stradbroke Cup Easter camp.” He now realised that I had been penalised more than the boy. I asked, “If I could have the Patrol Leader for the first two days?” I don’t know how the problem was resolved, but the boy came to the camp and his patrol, under his leadership, rightfully achieved a Gold Award. Later the parent commented to me. “I don’t know what you did at camp Bob, but prior to the camp my son was disorganised and his room was an untidy disgrace. Now his room is tidy and he has organised his school work into a set timetable. He is a different boy.” I could only comment that, “Christopher just grew up.”
Organization and rules
The Scout Association has a book of Policies Organization and Rules. There are Commissioners and a variety of leaders who all have levels of authority. The end result is simple. The only authority that the Scout Leader has is that given to him by that little boy aged about 12 years. Scouting is a voluntary organization and the boy can retract that authority and walk away at any time.
Community Service
The East Ivanhoe State School Fete provided an opportunity for Community Service together with a promotion of our scout group. The Guides joined the Scouts and we built our rope bridges on three occasions and progressed to a double flying fox in the later years. The Guides and the Scouts who attended the school received the recognition of their peers by being involved in a project beyond the normal ability.
Old fashioned activities
The Scout Headquarters Advertising Campaign showed Scouts doing exciting activities like Flying, Sailing, Motor Bikes and Horse Riding and the boys asked why we don’t do these new sports. I replied that, “I only have so much time and if you want these activities show me what we can take out of the program and we will include the new.” The following week I was advised that we do not alter the program. The program that we operated was the old fashioned activities that I enjoyed as a boy. Boys really don’t change. They are better educated, taller, stronger, can talk and express themselves better and they are certainly more confident than the boys in my era.
Weekend Patrol Leaders camp
At a weekend Patrol Leaders training camp held in the old church at Strangways I had rented a video from the local Ivanhoe Video Shop. I chose a title “Shane of the Jungle” and took the video to camp to show as a relief from the work. The boys were in the sleeping bags and I put on the video and walked away. While having a coffee in the back room we could hear the boys laughing and eventually we went in to see the reason for the laughter. The movie was an R rated show named “Shame of The Jungle.” I removed the video and suffered the howls of disapproval from the boys. My Assistant Scout Leader commented that his boy was there and it was a good chance to learn under that environment. If some parent complained my warrant was in jeopardy. In the following weeks many parents referred to my error and it became a joke about my reading glasses. Many parents commented that the boys have to learn sometime and my mistake was a good learning experience for their boys. These comments came from parents who I thought would be upset. For twenty minutes the boys certainly did get an explicit education.
True Leaders
During the winter of 1975 I suffered a broken leg while skiing with the Rover Section at the Bogong High Plains. I returned to the Scout Troop with a full-length leg plaster and a pair of crutches to facilitate walking. I positioned myself against the wall in the centre of the hall and the Patrol Leaders operated the weekly meetings around me. I explained to the Patrol Leaders that I could not go to the Stradbroke Easter Camp because I could not load the trailer or pitch my own tent. The boys told me that they would load the trailer, pitch my tent and look after me, all I had to do was drive my automatic car and trailer. At that time I was the only Leader and I could drive with my leg in plaster. We went to camp at Macedon and each of the four patrols achieved a Bronze award, which is the normal scout standard. My respect for my 13 year-old Patrol Leaders developed because they accepted the responsibility of being true leaders.
During 1985 I suffered a stroke causing me to mumble my words and my right hand was useless. Consequently I had difficulty in communicating and again the Patrol Leaders performed the tasks for me.
You don’t need bad language
At one weekly Scout Meeting I became frustrated at the bad language being used so we locked the door and I wrote on the blackboard a number of the unpleasant words being used. The boys did not know the meaning of the word bugger and were shocked when I explained. A number of other words were discussed and I summarised with the comments that, “You have the education and the vocabulary to express yourself properly so you don’t need bad language.”
Learning from Scouts
There were some occasions when a boy asked this mother something he learnt from Scouts. The mother was shocked and the father in an aggressive mood telephoned me. I usually let the tirade exhaust itself and then I would ask questions identifying the real problem. By this time the aggression would have subsided and I could explain that you as parents are fortunate, that the boy had the confidence to ask you for the truthful answer to his query.
One parent asked if I suggested that her boy do push-ups each morning to build up his upper body. I said, “Yes because he could not hold his own weight with his arms.”
Evidently her boy had been practicing my preaching. I had to be careful what I said because as another mother told me, “In our house, what Bob says is law.”
Midnight Feast
At camp I told the Patrol Leaders that raiding the QM Store was not allowed but if you do only take the patrol’s allocation. Of course the Leaders heard boy comments during the afternoon. The next morning all the allocated goodies were gone and I could imagine the Patrol Leader rolling under the tent wall and returning with the midnight feast.
Going-Up ceremonies
Our Going-Up ceremonies were simple because 28 Cubs, 45 Scouts, 15 Ventures, 16 Rovers, plus Leaders and parents were crowded into our small moonlit hall. The single subdued moonlight created an environment, which was appropriate for the occasions. There was no alternative. I bent over as shook hands with the 11 year Cubs coming into Scouts and stood tall offering my raised hand to the Patrol Leaders going to Venturers.
Citizenship
The Citizenship was an important part of scouting and it was necessary to avoid political preference and at the same time to encourage the boys to discuss politics and respect parents’ views. We invited Councillor Temby and Bruce Skeggs (MLA for Ivanhoe) to open the new extension to the Scout Hall and to regularly present our achievement badges. Both guests talked about their work, their representation and responsibilities without mentioning politics or parties. The boys asked questions like “How heavy is the Mayor’s Chain?” and “How much do you earn?” I believed in the Westminster system of democracy and the Kerr, Whitlam episode was an example of the system in action.
Day Hikes
Short day hikes where the boys did not carry heavy packs were satisfactory because heavy packs push the shoulders down on young people. Night mapping, triangulating forward and back compass bearings from the streetlights along Irvine Road was successfully held on the adjacent football fields of Chelsworth Park.
Old Fashioned
During a scout meeting I asked the boys to cut and whip lashing ropes 18 feet long and received the reply, “How long in metres because we don’t understand feet.” I knew then that I was old fashioned. At a camp fire the patrol put on a song and I mentioned that they used a tune from Gilbert and Sullivan. The Patrol Leader replied, “It is the tune from the TV McDonald’s advertisement.” I now know I am getting old.
Skipping
We opened our meeting ten minutes before time by turning the rope for skipping and as boys arrived they took their turn in the queue and skipped. At first the boys thought it was a girls’ game but when they developed the technique they appreciated the skill. One boy tried and failed to skip at every meeting until one night he ran into the rope completed one skip and ran out falling against the wall. Everyone spontaneously clapped at the achievement. A boy arriving late for the scout meeting was not necessarily the fault of the boy. It was often a busy mother looking after her family running behind time. So skipping served two purposes. Late arrivals were tolerated and the boys had some of their energy expended in the skipping warm-up.
Canoe
One year a farmer friend of mine donated a large stringy bark tree to our scout troop. For safety reasons the farmer felled the tree prior to our arrival at the farm on the slopes of Mt Towt. Two patrols of boys straddled the fallen tree trunk and cut a longitudinal line through both the outer and inner bark. Meanwhile two other patrols cut the bark to length, about fifteen feet long. The bark was then stripped from the trunk. Being wet with sap the heavy bark was carried by the entire Troop to the long fire. The bark was surprisingly flexible and when heated the sap steamed so the bark was turned inside out. The boys cut and sewed the ends and loaded the canoe onto my trailer. When we returned to the scout hall the accumulated waiting parents saw the completed canoe on the trailer and someone commented. “They have actually done it. I am surprised.” All the boys went suddenly quiet as their parents gathered around the trailer. The parents’ spontaneous re-action was very high praise. At a field day on the Yarra bank the Bark Eagle canoe was launched and successfully tested.
Patrol names
Being Eaglemont the patrols were named after birds so Rosella, Owl, Curlew and Kingfisher gave a lead for our organization ROCK. When we formed the next patrol a name starting with S was the obvious. The patrol selected Spoonbill as their name. So at camp the chant “Eaglemont Rocks Stradbroke” developed. The sixth patrol selected the name Egret so we misspelt the word ROCKES.
Gun Safety
When I raised my arm all the boys facing me stood and also raised their arms and that signalled the other boys to raise their arms and face me. I only required a whistle to start or umpire games. Hand signals were more efficient and if I said fall in along a line “ROCKES” all the boys knew their place. These methods were invaluable when we had a gun safety night lecture by a Gun Club President. He handed out a variety guns for the boys to inspect. I immediately said, “Patrol Leaders take control of those weapons and form along the line, we will treat this line as a firing range.” After each boy stepped forward and had his turn with the weapon the patrols exchanged weapons. Every boy handled every weapon. Every boy was expected to be able to speak on behalf of the troop or patrol. Following my normal practice I selected one boy to thank our guest.
Parents’ Committee
Because our group had good leaders at all four levels boys progressed naturally into the next section. Our parents’ committee became strong and it was fashionable to be involved in an active strong group. Transport to the activities was always available. Money was also available and well controlled by the committee. Each section supplied their budget for the coming year and all the leaders in the group identified the priorities. Capital expenditure such as hall maintenance and improvement was the parents’ committee responsibility.
Letter to the New Parent
1st Eaglemont Scout Troop
We welcome you and your son to our Scout Group.
We need some of your money and some of your time and in return your son will receive good scouting.
The Dollar commitment is set out in the enclosed schedule. A
The uniform can be purchased from the Scout Shop after four weeks when your boy has confirmed his decision to become a scout.
We need transport to and from camps and other activities.
The Parent’s Committee needs active participation.
It is a strict rule –No bare feet allowed on any scout activity.
Get wet runners must be worn in and out of the water.
The only exception is in the water at the Surf beach where the buddy system applies.
Scout Knives – Swiss Army knives have points and the marline spike is useless
Sheath knives are not allowed.
Recommended but not essential.
Black or Silver handle Yachtsman pocket knife has a no point blade and an easy open facility.
The marline spike is useful for rope work.
It can be secured to a lanyard or belt with a strong secure loop.
All clothing including uniform should be name tagged. Inside each shoe should be named.
At camp – washable drawstring material bag containing- 2 Plates plastic or enamel, 1 bowl, knife fork and spoon, 1 good size enamel mug.
All items to be named tagged.
A bag containing soap, comb, toothbrush and tooth paste.
A normal size towel for beach or shower- Name tagged.
Big beach towels are inconvenient.
At every camp an old tea towel is to be supplied by you for use in camp. This item will not be returned.
For hygiene reasons tea towels are supplied to the patrols every day and the used tea towels are collected and machine-washed after the camp. Your tea towel will go into the troop equipment. At parent functions it is not unusual for a parent to recognise one of her ex tea towels.
Cooking.The Scout Leaders and the Ladies in the QM store eat with the patrols and suffer the patrol’s cooking. The senior boys are good practical cooks and supply good meals.
The new boys need to learn –
How to strike a match and light a stove or BBQ.
To boil water and make Tea Coffee Milo or hot cocoa or chocolate.
To cook a simple meal for the family.(Job Name Cook)
To serve a meal for the family including wine or fruit juice. (Job Name Steward)
Wash Up The boy should be trained to wash and dry the dishes. Job name Slush.
The boy should be trained to wash and dry the cooking equipment.Job Name. Slave.
Tent OrderlyThe boy is delegated the task of cleaning and brailing the tent and cleaning lanterns. He is also responsible for a clean camp site.
Equipment.Sleeping bag, Ground sheet, Case or Pack, Small pack for hikes etc.
Clothes, shorts Shirt jumper Jams socks underwear, Camp shoes, camp hat, raincoat or garbage bag.
No money required we have tuck shop.
Eating gear in a bag.
Toilet gear in a bag. Sun screen.
Small torch.
Wear uniform to and from camp. Coat hanger and garbage bag to keep uniform clean.
Money, sweets, computer games and tape recorders are not required in camp.
Leadership by example
Because I believed in “Leadership by example,” I developed a personal criterion for my own standards. Be truthful. Keep it simple. Never lose my temper. Never swear or use bad language. Listen to the boys and ask questions rather then tell them. Let the boys make their own decisions and help to critically analyse their actions. Be aware of the consequences that can arise as a result of decisions. Have an understanding of the thirteen-year old boy going through puberty, suffering the older man’s rebuff and being clumsy because of rapid growth, often three or four inches per year. I did not treat the boys like children, I treated them like young adults and they responded. Scouting is providing an environment where the younger boy learns independence and self-reliance and senior boys get a practical taste of leadership. My scouting recollections are having fun and I believe the boys had fun. It was a privilege to be invited into their world.
Bob Phillips
Recollections of a Scout Leader at 1st Eaglemont Scout Group.
