The White Falcon - 22.08.1969, Blaðsíða 4

4
THE WHITE FALCON
August 22, 1969
Undampened scouting spirit*
endures dreary elements
Story and photos by lST/LT Bob Upson, Scoutmaster ,
For a majority of the personnel and dependents sta-
tioned at Keflavik the cool, damp, gray Sunday afternoon
of August 10 was no time to be enjoying out-of-door ac-
tivities. However, in the minds of 45 naval station boy,
girl and explorer scouts, it was the first of a six-day
summer camp on the banks of Hvalfjordur — better known
to most of us as Whale Bay.
The scouts enthusiastically assembled themselves at
their respective meeting places and amid noise and an
atmosphere of excitement with undampened spirits loaded
two busses, a two-and-a-half ton truck and a pickup truck
with food, tents and other camping equipment required for
the week. By 8 p.m. a small hillside overlooking the
upper end of Whale Bay was inhabited by what appeared
to be a settlement of gypsys. The native sheep would
just have to graze elsewhere for a week.
Why would 45 young adventurous adolescents and seven
adult leaders strike out to do battle against the elements
under such seemingly unexciting circumstances? Perhaps
the answer is to be found in the game we call scouting —
there is adventure in the out-of-doors. The word “scout"
opens up to a young boy or girl the picture of fields,
woods (and there are many beautifully wooded areas to
be found in Iceland), rivers, lakes and mountains which
provide a playground where he or she may find adventure.
While having fun, scouts learn hiking, camping, pio-
neering, handicraft and first aid skills; and at the same
time receive recognition for their efforts by advancing
through the ranks of achievement. Also, by learning to
teach and help others, care for themselves in the outdoors
and work together as a team, scouts develop character,
leadership and physical strength desired in responsible
adults.
As for the adults, well, it is a rewarding experience to{
influence a kid who is rapidly maturing into manhood or
womanhood.
During summer camp this year the scouts were quite
active working zealously toward advancement. Although
weather conditions at times presented an undesired en-
vironment, spirits were not to be dampened, and the out-
ing proved quite successful as a majority of the scouts
advanced a step in rank.
Camp activities for the week included instruction in
compass and map reading, handling a knife and ax prop-
erly, pioneering, knot tying, first aid, signaling and hiking.
One main highlight came when the scouts had an opportu-
nity to observe whales being processed at the Hvalfjordur
whaling station; a fascinating and educational experience.
After having returned to Keflavik the energetic, but
weary, scouts can appreciate the comforts of home living
and look forward to another trip into nature’s great out-
doors.