Yes or no, hot or cold
Published: Thu, 04/03/14
When I was in the scouts we had a Group Scout Leader who was very
old school. At camps all cooking was done over open fires and we
learned how to use axes and bush saws, hatchets and knives, how to
select firewood and how to light and maintain a fire. We also
learned how to cook since most cooking was done in patrols and so
it was the responsibility of the patrol leader to collect rations,
listen to instructions on how to prepare that evening meal and then
cook it with the help of the rest of the patrol. The leaders were
around to keep an eye on things and give advice and help if
required but the idea was that we would learn how to fend for
ourselves. It seemed to work for me, I am confident about using
practical tools, I have always been able to cook for myself and
others, I can take care of myself out of doors so I had a head
start in the Territorial Army and even now when I go to an event
such as Fightcamp camping is part of the fun. Even organising a
Stav Summer Camp doesn't worry me after my years in the Scouts.
I also remember that there were occasions when meals would be
cooked centrally by the quartermaster. Probably at the beginning
of the camp before or after the patrol equipment had been un-packed
or re-packed. Sometimes some one would look at the food provided
and ask if there were a choice. The answer would always come back.
"Yes of course there is, yes or no, hot or cold!"
One of the rules of marketing is don't give people too much
choice or they will be unable to make a decision. So I will try
not to give you too many choices today. This Saturday you
can come to Crewkerne and have a day of Stav training, or you can
choose not to. If the choice is made for you because you live on
the other side of the world then you might like to think about
coming to the Summer Camp in August, you can have six days of
training including three days preparation training at the Stav
Centre and then three days with Ivar Hafskjold. So choose to come
this Saturday or come in August for the camp. Booking details at
http://www.iceandfire.org.uk/forthcoming.html
regards
Graham