| (3 revisões intermediárias por 2 usuários não estão sendo mostradas) | |||
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A few years later the Siciliano family loaned their stables (a popular headquarters, it seems, in those days!) on Av. Paulista, but this was for use of the new 2nd. São Paulo Troop, founded in 1931 | A few years later the Siciliano family loaned their stables (a popular headquarters, it seems, in those days!) on Av. Paulista, but this was for use of the new 2nd. São Paulo Troop, founded in 1931 | ||
==DEVELOPMENT OVER THE EARLY YEARS== | |||
In 1931 the 1st. Troop moved to a hut loaned by Frigorifico Armour at Anastácio, which served as headquarters until the Troop closed down. | In 1931 the 1st. Troop moved to a hut loaned by Frigorifico Armour at Anastácio, which served as headquarters until the Troop closed down. | ||
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It was also during a Mogi camp that a Scouter, probably Ken Willey, who used the African Indian name of “Zaiki”, decided to clear an area around his tent, by setting fire to it. The fire got out of control and the Scouts had to be called back from a Wide Game to fight the bush fire which was threatening the tents. The danger signal of three repeated long whistle blasts was given to call back the Scouts and, to this day, this is the traditional call for camp-fire, three long whistle or horn blasts. | It was also during a Mogi camp that a Scouter, probably Ken Willey, who used the African Indian name of “Zaiki”, decided to clear an area around his tent, by setting fire to it. The fire got out of control and the Scouts had to be called back from a Wide Game to fight the bush fire which was threatening the tents. The danger signal of three repeated long whistle blasts was given to call back the Scouts and, to this day, this is the traditional call for camp-fire, three long whistle or horn blasts. | ||
==BOY SCOUTS FORM FIRST-AID TEAMS DURING THE 1932 REVOLUTION== | |||
True to their motto of “Service”, Rover Scouts of São Paulo, composed mainly of the “Boy Scout Paulista Association”and with support of our Rover Crew , plus other Rovers of various nationalities, assisted the “Cruz Vermelha”during the revolution. They acted as messengers close to the trenches and fighting areas, along the borders of the States of Rio and São Paulo, helping the First Aid Posts and Field Hospitals, to the point of actually living in trenches and in every possible way assisting the medical services in field operations. | True to their motto of “Service”, Rover Scouts of São Paulo, composed mainly of the “Boy Scout Paulista Association”and with support of our Rover Crew , plus other Rovers of various nationalities, assisted the “Cruz Vermelha”during the revolution. They acted as messengers close to the trenches and fighting areas, along the borders of the States of Rio and São Paulo, helping the First Aid Posts and Field Hospitals, to the point of actually living in trenches and in every possible way assisting the medical services in field operations. | ||
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(Japanese). | (Japanese). | ||
A further 94 Scouts served the Red Cross in São Paulo city, including Eric Olsen of the 1st.Troop. Thirteen Wolf Cubs also acted as messengers, all from the Boy Scout Paulistas. | A further 94 Scouts served the Red Cross in São Paulo city, including Eric Olsen of the 1st.Troop. Thirteen Wolf Cubs also acted as messengers, all from the Boy Scout Paulistas. | ||
==JARDIM PAULISTANO HEADQUARTERS== | |||
Despite the fairly ample facilities for meetings offered by the Siciliano family, during the years 1933 to 1936, the Association was on the lookout for permanent headquarters. | Despite the fairly ample facilities for meetings offered by the Siciliano family, during the years 1933 to 1936, the Association was on the lookout for permanent headquarters. | ||
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The Assocaition now had its own headquarters which was extensively used, being open almost daily in those times of easy transport and until the end of 1940 when it was moved to S.P.A.C. cricket grounds in Pirituba. | The Assocaition now had its own headquarters which was extensively used, being open almost daily in those times of easy transport and until the end of 1940 when it was moved to S.P.A.C. cricket grounds in Pirituba. | ||
==THE MID THIRTIES== | |||
These were busy days in the life of the 2nd.São Paulo. Under the experienced guidance of Etubom, who always stepped in to give a hand when required, the Group was under the leadership of competent Scouters. | These were busy days in the life of the 2nd.São Paulo. Under the experienced guidance of Etubom, who always stepped in to give a hand when required, the Group was under the leadership of competent Scouters. | ||
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Early in 1937 the Scouts formed a Guard of Honour at the Luz Station for Sir Hugh Guerney, H.B.M. Ambassador to Brazil, on his arrival in São Paulo for a two day visit. Sir Hugh, who was an ardent supporter of Scouting, had given his whole- hearted backing to the forming of a Jamboree Contingent among British Troops in Brazil, visited the Scout Hut that afternoon and donated a large coloured portrait of B.P., signed personally by the Chief. It was a great day in the life of the 2nd. São Paulo. That picture hung in the Troop room until the temporary closing of the Group in 1940, after which it was never found again. | Early in 1937 the Scouts formed a Guard of Honour at the Luz Station for Sir Hugh Guerney, H.B.M. Ambassador to Brazil, on his arrival in São Paulo for a two day visit. Sir Hugh, who was an ardent supporter of Scouting, had given his whole- hearted backing to the forming of a Jamboree Contingent among British Troops in Brazil, visited the Scout Hut that afternoon and donated a large coloured portrait of B.P., signed personally by the Chief. It was a great day in the life of the 2nd. São Paulo. That picture hung in the Troop room until the temporary closing of the Group in 1940, after which it was never found again. | ||
==5th. WORLD JAMBOREE - HOLLAND== | |||
Travel being by sea in those days, the Jamboree Contingent left Brazil early in July and the 2nd. São Paulo was represented by: Jack Hunter, Frank Dawe, Tom Gregory (Cobra PL.) and Billy Pond (Eagle PL.). Two more Scouts from the 1st. Baden-Powell Group of Rio joined them for this great Jamboree, the last before the War and the last at which the Chief Scout of the World would be present. They all personally greeted the Chief who visited the camp-site of the British Scouts from Brazil, giving Etubom a replica of the Jacob Staff, the Jamboree symbol, in the Troop room to this day. | Travel being by sea in those days, the Jamboree Contingent left Brazil early in July and the 2nd. São Paulo was represented by: Jack Hunter, Frank Dawe, Tom Gregory (Cobra PL.) and Billy Pond (Eagle PL.). Two more Scouts from the 1st. Baden-Powell Group of Rio joined them for this great Jamboree, the last before the War and the last at which the Chief Scout of the World would be present. They all personally greeted the Chief who visited the camp-site of the British Scouts from Brazil, giving Etubom a replica of the Jacob Staff, the Jamboree symbol, in the Troop room to this day. | ||
==THE LATE THIRTIES== | |||
During the several months of absence of Etubom and Pancho, Patrol Leaders Ray Racy of the Tigers and Bill Bennett of the Beavers, ran the Scout Parades and other activities with the help of a member of the Toc.H. They did a fine job until handing over to Pancho again at a camp-fire (there was a camp-fire circle behind the Scout Hut) to welcome back the Jamboree Contingent. At this camp-fire, Tom Gregory introduced a custom which became a tradition for many years. He had managed to collect a few embers from the last grand camp-fire of the Jamboree, attended by all participants and Lord and Lady B.P. These ashes were poured from a horn into the fire at the start and some new embers taken out at the closing of the | During the several months of absence of Etubom and Pancho, Patrol Leaders Ray Racy of the Tigers and Bill Bennett of the Beavers, ran the Scout Parades and other activities with the help of a member of the Toc.H. They did a fine job until handing over to Pancho again at a camp-fire (there was a camp-fire circle behind the Scout Hut) to welcome back the Jamboree Contingent. At this camp-fire, Tom Gregory introduced a custom which became a tradition for many years. He had managed to collect a few embers from the last grand camp-fire of the Jamboree, attended by all participants and Lord and Lady B.P. These ashes were poured from a horn into the fire at the start and some new embers taken out at the closing of the | ||
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An important event took place during 1938 with the surprise visit of the Committee Chairman, Mr. Ashley-Brereton, to a Saturday Scout Parade to hand Etubom the Medal of Merit, awarded by I.H.Q. London in recognition of his good services to Scouting in Brazil. | An important event took place during 1938 with the surprise visit of the Committee Chairman, Mr. Ashley-Brereton, to a Saturday Scout Parade to hand Etubom the Medal of Merit, awarded by I.H.Q. London in recognition of his good services to Scouting in Brazil. | ||
==THE YEARS 1939 AND 1940== | |||
The Cub Pack had been through a difficult period owing to shortage of Leaders, until Mrs. Isabel Govier took over. In fact, for a short time Etubom himself had run the Cubs, as he did the Scout Troop when it was in difficulties. There were few Cub outdoor activities and there are no membership records available. | The Cub Pack had been through a difficult period owing to shortage of Leaders, until Mrs. Isabel Govier took over. In fact, for a short time Etubom himself had run the Cubs, as he did the Scout Troop when it was in difficulties. There were few Cub outdoor activities and there are no membership records available. | ||
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The Pico do Jaraguá was another popular spot for hikes and a bit of climbing, and the following Times of Brazil report on a hike to that peak, when each patrol started from a different point and all had to carry out a number of tasks on route, including a good turn, is of interest | The Pico do Jaraguá was another popular spot for hikes and a bit of climbing, and the following Times of Brazil report on a hike to that peak, when each patrol started from a different point and all had to carry out a number of tasks on route, including a good turn, is of interest | ||
==TIMES OF BRAZIL - 31st.MARCH== | |||
On Sunday last the Troop held a very enjoyable hike to the Pico do Jaraguá. Everything worked out wonderfully well, and by 3.25 pm. the whole Troop had | On Sunday last the Troop held a very enjoyable hike to the Pico do Jaraguá. Everything worked out wonderfully well, and by 3.25 pm. the whole Troop had | ||
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Incentivated by Etubom, one or two further Pirituba get-togethers were held late 1941 and early 1942, including a “boys camp” organised and run by him for some 70 youngsters, many of whom were Old Scouts or Cubs. | Incentivated by Etubom, one or two further Pirituba get-togethers were held late 1941 and early 1942, including a “boys camp” organised and run by him for some 70 youngsters, many of whom were Old Scouts or Cubs. | ||
==THE BANDEIRANTES BOYS’ CLUB== | |||
As the following thirty three years cover the period during which the writer of these Memoirs was the Leader and then Group Scoutmaster, it becomes much easier to write in the first person (if that hasn’t already slipped in occasionally in the previous sections). So here goes. | As the following thirty three years cover the period during which the writer of these Memoirs was the Leader and then Group Scoutmaster, it becomes much easier to write in the first person (if that hasn’t already slipped in occasionally in the previous sections). So here goes. | ||
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I was in my old and very tight uniform by the next meeting and participated in a Training Course run by that outstanding old Boy Scout Paulista Scouter, José Spina. A great experience, as he was one of those exceptional Leaders who truly had what we so often sing about “The B.P. Spirit right in his heart”. I learned a lot from Chefe Spina and am forever grateful.. | I was in my old and very tight uniform by the next meeting and participated in a Training Course run by that outstanding old Boy Scout Paulista Scouter, José Spina. A great experience, as he was one of those exceptional Leaders who truly had what we so often sing about “The B.P. Spirit right in his heart”. I learned a lot from Chefe Spina and am forever grateful.. | ||
==TRIBU CARAJÁS== | |||
On the 23rd. September 1944 some 20 or more Boys’ Club members, now in Scout uniform, spent a weekend at the Hut in Pirituba. Patrol boxes were opened, dens re-decorated and on that weekend we all renewed or took our Scout Oath for the first time, receiving the red wine coloured scarf and tenderfoot badge. All were keen and proud but this memorable occasion had an unfortunate sequence. On the Monday after, practically everybody was in bed with dysentery, caused by the polluted spring water that ran by the Cricket pavillion. | On the 23rd. September 1944 some 20 or more Boys’ Club members, now in Scout uniform, spent a weekend at the Hut in Pirituba. Patrol boxes were opened, dens re-decorated and on that weekend we all renewed or took our Scout Oath for the first time, receiving the red wine coloured scarf and tenderfoot badge. All were keen and proud but this memorable occasion had an unfortunate sequence. On the Monday after, practically everybody was in bed with dysentery, caused by the polluted spring water that ran by the Cricket pavillion. | ||
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From mid 1947 through to the end of 1948 I had a full time Assistant, Dennis Pantin had joined the Troop, never having been a Scout before but soon getting into the spirit of things being a useful asset, including his participation in the first Itatiaia camp. | From mid 1947 through to the end of 1948 I had a full time Assistant, Dennis Pantin had joined the Troop, never having been a Scout before but soon getting into the spirit of things being a useful asset, including his participation in the first Itatiaia camp. | ||
==CUBS== | |||
There had been no Cub age boys in the Bandeirantes Boys’ Club, nor did we have a Cub Pack attached to the Troop in the immediate post-war years. However, the A.E.S.P. had two Packs, one of which was run by that very competent Akela, Carmen Pfister, assisted by Eileen O’Gorman (Mrs. Cleaver). This Pack, the “Rodolfo Malamprê” Pack, was catering for both St.Paul’s and Graded School boys, so it was decided that they should feed the Tribu Carajás. This worked very well until, later on, this Pack became an official part of the Carajás Group. | There had been no Cub age boys in the Bandeirantes Boys’ Club, nor did we have a Cub Pack attached to the Troop in the immediate post-war years. However, the A.E.S.P. had two Packs, one of which was run by that very competent Akela, Carmen Pfister, assisted by Eileen O’Gorman (Mrs. Cleaver). This Pack, the “Rodolfo Malamprê” Pack, was catering for both St.Paul’s and Graded School boys, so it was decided that they should feed the Tribu Carajás. This worked very well until, later on, this Pack became an official part of the Carajás Group. | ||
==ROLL OF HONOUR== | |||
Having a fully set-up Troom room at the Muir’s, we decorated it in Scouting style and decided we should have a Roll of Honour for Scouts who had lost their lives in the 2nd. World War. This Roll hung next to the Scout Laws on the main wall and the names of the following old 1st. and 2nd. São Paulo (ES) Scouts were listed, all but one, who served in the U.S. forces, having served in the British forces:- | Having a fully set-up Troom room at the Muir’s, we decorated it in Scouting style and decided we should have a Roll of Honour for Scouts who had lost their lives in the 2nd. World War. This Roll hung next to the Scout Laws on the main wall and the names of the following old 1st. and 2nd. São Paulo (ES) Scouts were listed, all but one, who served in the U.S. forces, having served in the British forces:- | ||
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==JOHN DAWSON - 1935== | |||
This young boy who had joined the 2nd. São Paulo only a few months before, died suddenly of a heart attack. | This young boy who had joined the 2nd. São Paulo only a few months before, died suddenly of a heart attack. | ||
==GORDON BENNETT - 1962== | |||
Son of Old Scout Bill Bennett, who at the time of Gordon’s death was Committee President. Gordon’s tragic accident stunned the Carajás Group. He was buried in uniform with the whole Group accompanying his coffin. | Son of Old Scout Bill Bennett, who at the time of Gordon’s death was Committee President. Gordon’s tragic accident stunned the Carajás Group. He was buried in uniform with the whole Group accompanying his coffin. | ||
==THOMAS KARL HOFFMAN - 1969== | |||
Young Thomas had only just arrived to live in Brazil, joined the Troop and taken his Scout Oath a few months before his tragic car accident on the way to a Troop meeting at St. Paul’s School. The Patrol Leaders attended the funeral. | Young Thomas had only just arrived to live in Brazil, joined the Troop and taken his Scout Oath a few months before his tragic car accident on the way to a Troop meeting at St. Paul’s School. The Patrol Leaders attended the funeral. | ||
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Very sad times not only for their families but for all their friends and brother Scouts. | Very sad times not only for their families but for all their friends and brother Scouts. | ||
==VISIT OF THE DIRECTOR OF THE WORLD SCOUT BUREAU== | |||
A milestone in the history of Scouting in Brazil, was the first ever visit of a member of the World Scout Bureau to this country. Col. J. S. “Belge” Wilson, one of Baden Powell’s right hand men and Director of the Bureau, at that time still based in London. He visited Brazil in the late forties to be met at Congonhas airport by a small reception party of uniformed Paulista Leaders. As he disembarked, also in uniform, he greeted us all, this being the end of his South American tour and said, as he shook hands: “It is nice to be greeted by real Scouts!”. During his three busy days in São Paulo, he included a visit to our Pirituba Hut where a few Scouts who had obtained permission to miss school, were there to greet him. Col. Wilson was instrumental in solving our problem of how to maintain a connection with I.H.Q. in London, despite our now being a Brazilian Group. To my relief and satisfaction he told me we had done absolutely the right thing by giving up our British registration. He said “Toby, your Group can give a big contribution to Brazilian Scouting. You have done the right thing in joining the Federação”. He promised to speak to the British International Commissioner and sort out our relationship problem. As a result we had many years of | A milestone in the history of Scouting in Brazil, was the first ever visit of a member of the World Scout Bureau to this country. Col. J. S. “Belge” Wilson, one of Baden Powell’s right hand men and Director of the Bureau, at that time still based in London. He visited Brazil in the late forties to be met at Congonhas airport by a small reception party of uniformed Paulista Leaders. As he disembarked, also in uniform, he greeted us all, this being the end of his South American tour and said, as he shook hands: “It is nice to be greeted by real Scouts!”. During his three busy days in São Paulo, he included a visit to our Pirituba Hut where a few Scouts who had obtained permission to miss school, were there to greet him. Col. Wilson was instrumental in solving our problem of how to maintain a connection with I.H.Q. in London, despite our now being a Brazilian Group. To my relief and satisfaction he told me we had done absolutely the right thing by giving up our British registration. He said “Toby, your Group can give a big contribution to Brazilian Scouting. You have done the right thing in joining the Federação”. He promised to speak to the British International Commissioner and sort out our relationship problem. As a result we had many years of | ||
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endorsed our many requests for supplies of badges and other equipment from the Scout Shop, normally restricted to British Groups. In those days the Lojas Escoteiras here had very little to offer, so that one of our problems was how to refuse Scouts from other Troops, who would arrive at Carajás meetings in order to buy badges, etc. from us. Following my Wood Badge Courses at Gilwell Park, when I had the opportunity of meeting I.H.Q. International Department personally, I was able to have close contact and benefit from the advice and wisdom of that gifted and creative, Camp Chief, John Thurman, who in later years ran a Training the Team Course, in Porto Alegre, where I acted as his interpreter. | endorsed our many requests for supplies of badges and other equipment from the Scout Shop, normally restricted to British Groups. In those days the Lojas Escoteiras here had very little to offer, so that one of our problems was how to refuse Scouts from other Troops, who would arrive at Carajás meetings in order to buy badges, etc. from us. Following my Wood Badge Courses at Gilwell Park, when I had the opportunity of meeting I.H.Q. International Department personally, I was able to have close contact and benefit from the advice and wisdom of that gifted and creative, Camp Chief, John Thurman, who in later years ran a Training the Team Course, in Porto Alegre, where I acted as his interpreter. | ||
==THE YEARS 1948 TO 1951== | |||
With the S.P.G.S. invasion we were back to a full Troop of four Patrols and very active Scouting. Despite being attached to the A.E.S.P. and their Executive Committee, we formed our own Parents Committee, chaired by Geoffrey Sewell, one of the founders of the 1st. São Paulo. Other Committee members with Scouting experience included Toby Dods (ex British Commissioner for Uruguay), who, apart from his other Committee functions, directed two Ralph Reader style “Gang Shows”, the first being on the stage of the Graded School, with participation of some 60 Cubs and Scouts. Much work, but very successful and a good promotion for Scouting. | With the S.P.G.S. invasion we were back to a full Troop of four Patrols and very active Scouting. Despite being attached to the A.E.S.P. and their Executive Committee, we formed our own Parents Committee, chaired by Geoffrey Sewell, one of the founders of the 1st. São Paulo. Other Committee members with Scouting experience included Toby Dods (ex British Commissioner for Uruguay), who, apart from his other Committee functions, directed two Ralph Reader style “Gang Shows”, the first being on the stage of the Graded School, with participation of some 60 Cubs and Scouts. Much work, but very successful and a good promotion for Scouting. | ||
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One of the best Itatiaia camps ever. | One of the best Itatiaia camps ever. | ||
==VII WORLD JAMBOREE== | |||
Along came 1951 and the VII World Jamboree in Bad Ischl, Austria. Eleven Brazilian Scouts participated, including seven Carajás. These were Troop Leader Bernt Dybwad, Peter Bina, Calvin Reed, Rowney Scott, Glen Langdon, Bud McKew and myself as Contingent Leader. I had gone to Europe ahead of the Contingent to make travel arrangements and take my Wood Badge Courses. The remainder came by sea on a Royal Mail Lines vessel, disembarking at Tilbury, spending a few days in London and then travelling across Europe in a full train carrying us and the complete Scottish and Canadian Contingents. This was the Jamboree of “simplicity”, where we camped on a large abandoned golf course - 11.000 Scouts - under ordinary camping conditions, with ample pioneering wood and cooking on wood fires. It was a fantastic event. This was followed by a return to England where we got caught in the Customs - we had ignored the fact that those who did not have British passports had already used their visas on first passing through England. The Customs Officer was very understanding, despite one of the Scouters having no passport at all - he had packed it in his rucksack in the hold baggage - but we were all in Scout uniform. The head of Customs came over, asked me what we were going to do in England. “We have come for the Festival of Britain International Patrol Camp”, I said. He nodded, stamped our passports and said: “You may enter because you are Scouts, but don’t do that again”. | Along came 1951 and the VII World Jamboree in Bad Ischl, Austria. Eleven Brazilian Scouts participated, including seven Carajás. These were Troop Leader Bernt Dybwad, Peter Bina, Calvin Reed, Rowney Scott, Glen Langdon, Bud McKew and myself as Contingent Leader. I had gone to Europe ahead of the Contingent to make travel arrangements and take my Wood Badge Courses. The remainder came by sea on a Royal Mail Lines vessel, disembarking at Tilbury, spending a few days in London and then travelling across Europe in a full train carrying us and the complete Scottish and Canadian Contingents. This was the Jamboree of “simplicity”, where we camped on a large abandoned golf course - 11.000 Scouts - under ordinary camping conditions, with ample pioneering wood and cooking on wood fires. It was a fantastic event. This was followed by a return to England where we got caught in the Customs - we had ignored the fact that those who did not have British passports had already used their visas on first passing through England. The Customs Officer was very understanding, despite one of the Scouters having no passport at all - he had packed it in his rucksack in the hold baggage - but we were all in Scout uniform. The head of Customs came over, asked me what we were going to do in England. “We have come for the Festival of Britain International Patrol Camp”, I said. He nodded, stamped our passports and said: “You may enter because you are Scouts, but don’t do that again”. | ||
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had to be remedied. Calvin was leaving for good and we were sorry to lose this Escoteiro da Patria. Bud returned to Brazil. | had to be remedied. Calvin was leaving for good and we were sorry to lose this Escoteiro da Patria. Bud returned to Brazil. | ||
==THE FIFTIES== | |||
Julian Sewell took the Troop to camp in Itatiaia again 1n 1952, on the same camp site. Long camps were now a tradition. According to our Itatiaia song, this was the camp when “everything did go right and very little wrong - and even the short cuts turned out not quite so long”. Julian, who was now Assistant Scoutmaster and who had been in charge during my long absence at Gilwell and the Jamboree, was to become the Scouter of the 2nd. Troop for St. Paul’s School boarders. | Julian Sewell took the Troop to camp in Itatiaia again 1n 1952, on the same camp site. Long camps were now a tradition. According to our Itatiaia song, this was the camp when “everything did go right and very little wrong - and even the short cuts turned out not quite so long”. Julian, who was now Assistant Scoutmaster and who had been in charge during my long absence at Gilwell and the Jamboree, was to become the Scouter of the 2nd. Troop for St. Paul’s School boarders. | ||
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Geoffrey Sewell had been on the Parents Committee as Chairman for many years and in 1955 was voted by the Group Council as a Life Honorary Member, in recognition of his services. | Geoffrey Sewell had been on the Parents Committee as Chairman for many years and in 1955 was voted by the Group Council as a Life Honorary Member, in recognition of his services. | ||
==THE CUBS== | |||
Eileen O’Gorman remained Akela until her marriage to Old Scout Barry Cleaver in 1954, having worked with the Cubs, apart from being an active Girl Guide, for some ten years. We were sorry to lose her but she returned some years later. She was replaced by her sister, Frances “Baby” O’Gorman, who ran the Pack for a further | Eileen O’Gorman remained Akela until her marriage to Old Scout Barry Cleaver in 1954, having worked with the Cubs, apart from being an active Girl Guide, for some ten years. We were sorry to lose her but she returned some years later. She was replaced by her sister, Frances “Baby” O’Gorman, who ran the Pack for a further | ||
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By May of 1956 a new Akela had been found, an Old Scout from a Troop in England, Peter Guy, and Bagheera on a temporary basis, was that gifted Leader, Toby Dods. Peter Guy left for the U.K. in April 1957. | By May of 1956 a new Akela had been found, an Old Scout from a Troop in England, Peter Guy, and Bagheera on a temporary basis, was that gifted Leader, Toby Dods. Peter Guy left for the U.K. in April 1957. | ||
==OTHER IMPORTANT EVENTS DURING 1954 AND 1955== | |||
The city of São Paulo’s fourth centenary was celebrated by the São Paulo Scout Region with the first International camp to be held in South America - the “Acampamento Internacional de Patrulhas”. I was invited to be the Organising Commissioner and for some twelve months before the event was kept very busy and, of course, I roped in the Troop. Apart from most Latin American countries, U.S.A., Portugal, Switzerland, Lebanon and Germany were also represented. Two Carajás Patrols, all 2nd. or 1st. Class, participated, plus three Scouters and myself in the “Chefia” camp. By any standards it was a great success, receiving high praise from both Jean Salvaj, International Commissioner for the World Bureau, and Salvador Fernandez, World Bureau Commissioner for Latin America. Approximately 1.000 Scouts all camping by patrols in six sub-camps, really entered into the spirit of International Scouting. On the day when the whole camp went into the city and, led by two World Bureau Commissioners and Brazilian Leaders including Almirante Araujo, the Chief Scout, marched across the Viaduto do Chá, Scouting was actually cheered by the public and, for once our Scouts returned to camp and told me they had been proud to wander round São Paulo all day in uniform without once hearing annoying remarks. It was a great success and from then on made it much easier to convince our Court of Honour that we must participate in Região activities. | The city of São Paulo’s fourth centenary was celebrated by the São Paulo Scout Region with the first International camp to be held in South America - the “Acampamento Internacional de Patrulhas”. I was invited to be the Organising Commissioner and for some twelve months before the event was kept very busy and, of course, I roped in the Troop. Apart from most Latin American countries, U.S.A., Portugal, Switzerland, Lebanon and Germany were also represented. Two Carajás Patrols, all 2nd. or 1st. Class, participated, plus three Scouters and myself in the “Chefia” camp. By any standards it was a great success, receiving high praise from both Jean Salvaj, International Commissioner for the World Bureau, and Salvador Fernandez, World Bureau Commissioner for Latin America. Approximately 1.000 Scouts all camping by patrols in six sub-camps, really entered into the spirit of International Scouting. On the day when the whole camp went into the city and, led by two World Bureau Commissioners and Brazilian Leaders including Almirante Araujo, the Chief Scout, marched across the Viaduto do Chá, Scouting was actually cheered by the public and, for once our Scouts returned to camp and told me they had been proud to wander round São Paulo all day in uniform without once hearing annoying remarks. It was a great success and from then on made it much easier to convince our Court of Honour that we must participate in Região activities. | ||
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Dutra, accompanying them through São Paulo in a massive car parade. | Dutra, accompanying them through São Paulo in a massive car parade. | ||
==THE LATE FIFTIES== | |||
New camp-sites were being found and from the early fifties onwards the sites being used close to São Paulo were, Interlagos near the “Castelo” and other locations on the Guarapiranga Lake, including what is known to sailors of S.P.Y.C. as “second lake”. These sites were within easy reach and offered good facilities. They were still fairly wild with no danger of prowlers at night. The only site where we had a night watch of Scouts taking turns to guard the camp, was Chacara Araçatuba after we found a patrol site completely wrecked, following the camp-fire. However, these prowlers, never identified, were suspected to be youngsters, non Scouts, from the S.P.G.S. | New camp-sites were being found and from the early fifties onwards the sites being used close to São Paulo were, Interlagos near the “Castelo” and other locations on the Guarapiranga Lake, including what is known to sailors of S.P.Y.C. as “second lake”. These sites were within easy reach and offered good facilities. They were still fairly wild with no danger of prowlers at night. The only site where we had a night watch of Scouts taking turns to guard the camp, was Chacara Araçatuba after we found a patrol site completely wrecked, following the camp-fire. However, these prowlers, never identified, were suspected to be youngsters, non Scouts, from the S.P.G.S. | ||
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the British equivalent, the Silver Acorn, for services rendered to British and International Scouting). Bill went on to complete his Red and White All Round Cord, thus passing eighteen Senior Badges out of the total of 21 he achieved as a Scout. Bill was extremely competitive, keen, and had the gift of building his patrol into an enthusiastic hard working team, winners of most competitions over a long period, at a time when we had very high quality Patrol Leaders, Dieter being one of them. | the British equivalent, the Silver Acorn, for services rendered to British and International Scouting). Bill went on to complete his Red and White All Round Cord, thus passing eighteen Senior Badges out of the total of 21 he achieved as a Scout. Bill was extremely competitive, keen, and had the gift of building his patrol into an enthusiastic hard working team, winners of most competitions over a long period, at a time when we had very high quality Patrol Leaders, Dieter being one of them. | ||
==ANNUAL EVENTS== | |||
Toby Dods assisted by a gifted schoolmaster, Mr. Rust, together with two ex Ralph Reader U.K. Gang Show participants, Ernie and Elsie Nye, directed our second show on Gang Show lines. This was in 1957, with a full house at S.P.A.C. It involved a great deal of rehearsing and hard work, taking up most of our meeting time over quite a long period. We then had two Cub Packs, one being at The Graded School, which complicated the rehearsing. Everybody was most worried after a confused dress rehearsal but, on the night, everything went off fine, with almost 100 boys on the stage for the opening and closing scenes. However, we had decided that this sort of activity took up too much Scouting time and not all youngsters enjoy being on the stage, so, in later years we modified our programme and introduced an annual Talent Show at St. Paul’s School, offering prizes for the best sketches, songs, dancing or any event, for both members of the Scout Group and school students. With the support of Mrs. Pierce and other teachers at St. Paul’s, these annual shows became very popular over quite a long period. | Toby Dods assisted by a gifted schoolmaster, Mr. Rust, together with two ex Ralph Reader U.K. Gang Show participants, Ernie and Elsie Nye, directed our second show on Gang Show lines. This was in 1957, with a full house at S.P.A.C. It involved a great deal of rehearsing and hard work, taking up most of our meeting time over quite a long period. We then had two Cub Packs, one being at The Graded School, which complicated the rehearsing. Everybody was most worried after a confused dress rehearsal but, on the night, everything went off fine, with almost 100 boys on the stage for the opening and closing scenes. However, we had decided that this sort of activity took up too much Scouting time and not all youngsters enjoy being on the stage, so, in later years we modified our programme and introduced an annual Talent Show at St. Paul’s School, offering prizes for the best sketches, songs, dancing or any event, for both members of the Scout Group and school students. With the support of Mrs. Pierce and other teachers at St. Paul’s, these annual shows became very popular over quite a long period. | ||
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Of course the Cub Packs participated in the Church Services, Sports Day and camp-fire, but I cannot trace any other special events from the few Cub log books available. | Of course the Cub Packs participated in the Church Services, Sports Day and camp-fire, but I cannot trace any other special events from the few Cub log books available. | ||
==LATE FIFTIES== | |||
A Cub Pack was formed at the São Paulo Graded School during 1957, run by Mrs. Jane Huseby, Mrs. Netty Boers and Mrs. Schlenker. They applied for Carajás membership so that we had two Packs operating in the late fifties, increased to a third Pack when Mrs. Mary Arnesen, assisted by Mrs. Annie Bennettt opened another Pack at the new Alto da Boa Vista premises of St. Paul’s Anglican Church. With Peter Guy leaving, we faced a problem at St. Paul’s School, which was solved by Mrs. Netty Boers, a very experienced Dutch Wood Badge Cubmaster, who moved over to St. Paul’s School. At St. Paul’s she was assisted by Barbara Chapman and Ans van der Besselaar. | A Cub Pack was formed at the São Paulo Graded School during 1957, run by Mrs. Jane Huseby, Mrs. Netty Boers and Mrs. Schlenker. They applied for Carajás membership so that we had two Packs operating in the late fifties, increased to a third Pack when Mrs. Mary Arnesen, assisted by Mrs. Annie Bennettt opened another Pack at the new Alto da Boa Vista premises of St. Paul’s Anglican Church. With Peter Guy leaving, we faced a problem at St. Paul’s School, which was solved by Mrs. Netty Boers, a very experienced Dutch Wood Badge Cubmaster, who moved over to St. Paul’s School. At St. Paul’s she was assisted by Barbara Chapman and Ans van der Besselaar. | ||
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Following Netty Boers, the Group was again lucky in obtaining a new Cubmaster, an ex Czechoslovakian Scout, Joseph Soucek, who became the Rodolfo Malamprê Cub Pack Leader for eleven years, running it with great dedication and energy throughout the period. | Following Netty Boers, the Group was again lucky in obtaining a new Cubmaster, an ex Czechoslovakian Scout, Joseph Soucek, who became the Rodolfo Malamprê Cub Pack Leader for eleven years, running it with great dedication and energy throughout the period. | ||
==JUBILEE WORLD JAMBOREE - 1957== | |||
Fifty years of World Scouting was celebrated with a Jubilee Jamboree held near Sutton-Coalfield in England. Three Carajás, John Downey, Robert Linares and Eduardo Lane represented the Group at this very large Jamboree, with over 45.000 participants, as part of a small Brazilian Contingent, under that very capable Scouter, Ryoso Osoegawa, of the Grupo Caramurú. | Fifty years of World Scouting was celebrated with a Jubilee Jamboree held near Sutton-Coalfield in England. Three Carajás, John Downey, Robert Linares and Eduardo Lane represented the Group at this very large Jamboree, with over 45.000 participants, as part of a small Brazilian Contingent, under that very capable Scouter, Ryoso Osoegawa, of the Grupo Caramurú. | ||
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In that same year I drove my old Land Rover “Lollo” to Argentina with three selected Senior Scouts, Bill Terrell, Arnoldo Pestalozzi and Ben Fye. This was quite an adventure because apart from most of the roads being still unpaved, Lollo burnt almost as much oil as gas - one litre of oil for the motor for every fill of gasoline. But we made it, arriving back only a day late, after visiting Mendonça and the Andes (not in Lollo). The only accident was Bill who lost a whole fingernail whilst tobogganing - he should have been treated by a doctor. On arriving back it was in danger of forming gangrene. | In that same year I drove my old Land Rover “Lollo” to Argentina with three selected Senior Scouts, Bill Terrell, Arnoldo Pestalozzi and Ben Fye. This was quite an adventure because apart from most of the roads being still unpaved, Lollo burnt almost as much oil as gas - one litre of oil for the motor for every fill of gasoline. But we made it, arriving back only a day late, after visiting Mendonça and the Andes (not in Lollo). The only accident was Bill who lost a whole fingernail whilst tobogganing - he should have been treated by a doctor. On arriving back it was in danger of forming gangrene. | ||
==END OF THE FIFTIES - EARLY SIXTIES== | |||
With three Cub Packs and two Scout Troops, Hermann was running the Aimorés at the Porto Seguro School, plus an active Rover Crew, we were now a very large organisation and St. Paul’s School Troop was having immense difficulty in taking in so many Cubs. However, with Jane Huseby leaving for the U.S.A., the Graded | With three Cub Packs and two Scout Troops, Hermann was running the Aimorés at the Porto Seguro School, plus an active Rover Crew, we were now a very large organisation and St. Paul’s School Troop was having immense difficulty in taking in so many Cubs. However, with Jane Huseby leaving for the U.S.A., the Graded | ||
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Following Geoffrey Sewell’s long service as Committee Chairman, the Group had a series of very active Committees, first with Donald da Mota as Chairman, followed by Bill Bennett, Bill Treacher and then Alan Beeby. Treasurers and other supporters included Tom Sumner, Barry Cleaver, Paul Mehrtens, Karl Orberg and Tony Pilnik, including many of their wives and numerous other parents, mostly from the British, American and Scandinavian communities. | Following Geoffrey Sewell’s long service as Committee Chairman, the Group had a series of very active Committees, first with Donald da Mota as Chairman, followed by Bill Bennett, Bill Treacher and then Alan Beeby. Treasurers and other supporters included Tom Sumner, Barry Cleaver, Paul Mehrtens, Karl Orberg and Tony Pilnik, including many of their wives and numerous other parents, mostly from the British, American and Scandinavian communities. | ||
Mention has been made of the active Rover Crew led by Hugo Vidal and Charles Downey. The 1961 register lists the following members: Anthony Leach, Arnoldo Pestalozzi, Geert “Chimbica” Prange, Heinz “Capivara” Sattler, Herry Fuldauer, John Downey, Klaus Lindenheim and Klaus | Mention has been made of the active Rover Crew led by Hugo Vidal and Charles Downey. The 1961 register lists the following members: Anthony Leach, Arnoldo Pestalozzi, Geert “Chimbica” Prange, Heinz “Capivara” Sattler, Herry Fuldauer, John Downey, Klaus Lindenheim and Klaus Otterstetter. They all served in various capacities in the Aimorés and Carajás over a long period. | ||
1962 was the year of the increased Scandinavian influx - there were many Swedish youngsters at St. Paul’s School at that time, and following on from Peter Hülten a anumber of enthusiastic youngsters joined the Troop, some already having been Scouts abroad: Christian and Johan Paues, Leif Kristiansson, Vessa and Jukka | 1962 was the year of the increased Scandinavian influx - there were many Swedish youngsters at St. Paul’s School at that time, and following on from Peter Hülten a anumber of enthusiastic youngsters joined the Troop, some already having been Scouts abroad: Christian and Johan Paues, Leif Kristiansson, Vessa and Jukka | ||
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them that I had been held up by four big fellows who had grabbed Paul and Steve and taken them away. Just the idea that anybody should be capable of grabbing those two, shook the Troop to the core. Paul and Steve hid away from camp and slept without a tent. That night was the coldest we ever registered at Campos do Jordão, the temperature was eight degress Centigrade negative at dawn - a fitting end to the Venture badge hike. Next morning Chris and the other PLs. succeeded in disappearing, so we had no PLs. left. Graham Lowe who to say the least, had a wonderful imagination, rushed into camp at one stage, to announce that he had seen four enormous Swedes, each about six foot tall! Later in the day the PLs. came back, or rather were tracked down and brought back from where they had tied each other up, and the game was over. | them that I had been held up by four big fellows who had grabbed Paul and Steve and taken them away. Just the idea that anybody should be capable of grabbing those two, shook the Troop to the core. Paul and Steve hid away from camp and slept without a tent. That night was the coldest we ever registered at Campos do Jordão, the temperature was eight degress Centigrade negative at dawn - a fitting end to the Venture badge hike. Next morning Chris and the other PLs. succeeded in disappearing, so we had no PLs. left. Graham Lowe who to say the least, had a wonderful imagination, rushed into camp at one stage, to announce that he had seen four enormous Swedes, each about six foot tall! Later in the day the PLs. came back, or rather were tracked down and brought back from where they had tied each other up, and the game was over. | ||
==11TH. WORLD JAMBOREE - MARATHON - GREECE== | |||
Along came 1963 and the World Jamboree at Marathon. | Along came 1963 and the World Jamboree at Marathon. | ||
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The five Carajás Scouts had travelled by ship to Genova, arriving a day late and missing their sea connection to Pyraeus. I was flying to Athens on the day after their arrival at Genova and had telegraphed for them to board a train to Rome. I therefore disembarked from my air flight at the stopover in Rome to meet them. After a full day trying to find the whereabouts and time of their arrival in Rome, I traced them at the main Railway Station at midnight. After a day of sighseeing we took a train to the South of Italy, getting off in Brindisi where we spent a further 36 hours desperately trying to find places on the ferries across to Greece. A U.S. Army officer tried to have his Commander arrange a special plane for us, but no way. Finally we managed to get across to the island of Corfu where we chartered a taxi to take the ferry to the mainland and drive the length of Greece to Athens and Marathon. Driving at about 100 kilometres per hour (it was a Cadillac) we arrived on the Jamboree site a couple of hours after the Opening Ceremony and then spent a further two days, together with three other Brazilian Scouts, who had arrived on time, trying to trace our tents in the port of Pyraeus. By the fourth day our camp-site was fully equipped and from then on it was a tremendous success, as also was the unplanned tour of Italy. | The five Carajás Scouts had travelled by ship to Genova, arriving a day late and missing their sea connection to Pyraeus. I was flying to Athens on the day after their arrival at Genova and had telegraphed for them to board a train to Rome. I therefore disembarked from my air flight at the stopover in Rome to meet them. After a full day trying to find the whereabouts and time of their arrival in Rome, I traced them at the main Railway Station at midnight. After a day of sighseeing we took a train to the South of Italy, getting off in Brindisi where we spent a further 36 hours desperately trying to find places on the ferries across to Greece. A U.S. Army officer tried to have his Commander arrange a special plane for us, but no way. Finally we managed to get across to the island of Corfu where we chartered a taxi to take the ferry to the mainland and drive the length of Greece to Athens and Marathon. Driving at about 100 kilometres per hour (it was a Cadillac) we arrived on the Jamboree site a couple of hours after the Opening Ceremony and then spent a further two days, together with three other Brazilian Scouts, who had arrived on time, trying to trace our tents in the port of Pyraeus. By the fourth day our camp-site was fully equipped and from then on it was a tremendous success, as also was the unplanned tour of Italy. | ||
==MID SIXTIES== | |||
In January 1964 Anthony Leach together with the kilted Scouter John Moore, accompanied some ten Senior Scouts from Mauá to the Abrigo Rebouças on the Itatiaia Planalto, planning to follow the path round the Agulhas Negras. In true Carajás spirit they decided it would be far better to take a short cut through the dip between the Agulhas Negras and its neighbouring mountain. A group of us had come up from São Paulo - quite a large number - to join them for the two days climbing. On arrival at Rebouças about noon we had expected to meet the Seniors, but there was no sign of them. About 5.00 pm., in wandered the dozen Seniors looking well the worse | In January 1964 Anthony Leach together with the kilted Scouter John Moore, accompanied some ten Senior Scouts from Mauá to the Abrigo Rebouças on the Itatiaia Planalto, planning to follow the path round the Agulhas Negras. In true Carajás spirit they decided it would be far better to take a short cut through the dip between the Agulhas Negras and its neighbouring mountain. A group of us had come up from São Paulo - quite a large number - to join them for the two days climbing. On arrival at Rebouças about noon we had expected to meet the Seniors, but there was no sign of them. About 5.00 pm., in wandered the dozen Seniors looking well the worse | ||
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During 1966, two Old Scouts, Bill Bennett and Paul Mehrtens, both very active Group Committee members, were awarded the “Medalha de Gratidão” by the U.E.B., both well earned. On the same occasion, Julian Sewell’s hard work over the years was recognised, and he received the “Medalha de Bons Serviços”. | During 1966, two Old Scouts, Bill Bennett and Paul Mehrtens, both very active Group Committee members, were awarded the “Medalha de Gratidão” by the U.E.B., both well earned. On the same occasion, Julian Sewell’s hard work over the years was recognised, and he received the “Medalha de Bons Serviços”. | ||
==12th. WORLD JAMBOREE - IDAHO - USA== | |||
Three patrols of Brazilian Scouts participated plus six Scouters, with Paul Thomsen as Troop Scouter and myself as Delegation Leader. Carajás Scouts were: Jimmy Adams, Eduardo Erismann, Billy Goodman, Jimmy Sumner, Andy Beeby and Arne Arnesen. | Three patrols of Brazilian Scouts participated plus six Scouters, with Paul Thomsen as Troop Scouter and myself as Delegation Leader. Carajás Scouts were: Jimmy Adams, Eduardo Erismann, Billy Goodman, Jimmy Sumner, Andy Beeby and Arne Arnesen. | ||
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they would be staying for continuation of their schooling. They had followed me to Seattle later in the day and were to stay at an American Scout’s home, but there was a mix-up and they arrived at their correct home just a couple of hours before the Opening Ceremony of the Conference, to find that their American Scout host was part of the Guard of Honour for Lady Baden-Powell, so they went along also. I was sitting in the conference hall when the arrival of Lady B.P. was announced, and in she walked with a Brazilian Scout on each arm, Bill and Jimmy! She had seen these two Brazilian boys among the large group of U.S.A. Scouts lined up to welcome her, they were the only two non Americans. She had spoken to them and said come along with me - and in they walked, Billy grinning as usual from ear to ear. We were sorry to lose these two Scouts after the Jamboree | they would be staying for continuation of their schooling. They had followed me to Seattle later in the day and were to stay at an American Scout’s home, but there was a mix-up and they arrived at their correct home just a couple of hours before the Opening Ceremony of the Conference, to find that their American Scout host was part of the Guard of Honour for Lady Baden-Powell, so they went along also. I was sitting in the conference hall when the arrival of Lady B.P. was announced, and in she walked with a Brazilian Scout on each arm, Bill and Jimmy! She had seen these two Brazilian boys among the large group of U.S.A. Scouts lined up to welcome her, they were the only two non Americans. She had spoken to them and said come along with me - and in they walked, Billy grinning as usual from ear to ear. We were sorry to lose these two Scouts after the Jamboree | ||
==LEADERS - LATE SIXTIES TO EARLY SEVENTIES== | |||
By late 1967 a number of Patrol Leaders had been promoted to Assistant Scoutmasters, working in various sectors. These were: Ronald Bloch, Jacques Arnold, Richard Bromberg, Eddie Bennett and Joe Soucek Jnr. | By late 1967 a number of Patrol Leaders had been promoted to Assistant Scoutmasters, working in various sectors. These were: Ronald Bloch, Jacques Arnold, Richard Bromberg, Eddie Bennett and Joe Soucek Jnr. | ||
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The above was our leadership structure for 1969 through to the early seventies. | The above was our leadership structure for 1969 through to the early seventies. | ||
==THE LATE SIXTIES== | |||
In 1968 the July camp was held in Monte Verde, the Scouter in charge being Richard Leach, assisted by Barry Cleaver, Ronald Bloch and Jacques Arnold. Despite very cold weather at the start of camp, it was a good camp. | In 1968 the July camp was held in Monte Verde, the Scouter in charge being Richard Leach, assisted by Barry Cleaver, Ronald Bloch and Jacques Arnold. Despite very cold weather at the start of camp, it was a good camp. | ||
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Next morning, despite not having eaten anything, Jamie seemed better, as we hiked around the Agulhas to meet up with the gang of Scouts who arrived by car from São Paulo, at the Rebouças mountain lodge. Both the Pratileiras and Agulhas were climbed, the Scouts then returning to São Paulo on the third day, whilst the Seniors continued their treck down to the Parque Nacional. I had suggested to Jamie, who obviously was not well, that he should return to São Paulo with the Scouts. “No way” said that Senior, so off we went. A few kilometres further on, Viggo Andersen approached me and said “I know what is wrong with Jamie, he’s got hepatitis!” We examined Jamie’s eyes and tongue. Yes, Viggo was right, but there was nothing we could do at that stage, so he stuck it out to the end - not exactly the recommended treatment for that ailment, but he survived! | Next morning, despite not having eaten anything, Jamie seemed better, as we hiked around the Agulhas to meet up with the gang of Scouts who arrived by car from São Paulo, at the Rebouças mountain lodge. Both the Pratileiras and Agulhas were climbed, the Scouts then returning to São Paulo on the third day, whilst the Seniors continued their treck down to the Parque Nacional. I had suggested to Jamie, who obviously was not well, that he should return to São Paulo with the Scouts. “No way” said that Senior, so off we went. A few kilometres further on, Viggo Andersen approached me and said “I know what is wrong with Jamie, he’s got hepatitis!” We examined Jamie’s eyes and tongue. Yes, Viggo was right, but there was nothing we could do at that stage, so he stuck it out to the end - not exactly the recommended treatment for that ailment, but he survived! | ||
==13. WORLD JAMBOREE - JAPAN== | |||
Six Carajás went to the World Jamboree in 1971, held at Shizuoka Prefecture (close to Mount Fuji) in Japan, namely: Paul Ross, Marcos Campos, Felipe Bercht, Martin Jimenez, Glenn Beeby and Michael Davies. | Six Carajás went to the World Jamboree in 1971, held at Shizuoka Prefecture (close to Mount Fuji) in Japan, namely: Paul Ross, Marcos Campos, Felipe Bercht, Martin Jimenez, Glenn Beeby and Michael Davies. | ||
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This was another great experience where the hardy “brasileiros” decided to stick it out and stay in camp when a typhoon warning arrived, and the majority were moved out to safer locations. Altogether quite an adventure but they suffered no damage, except for some torn tents. | This was another great experience where the hardy “brasileiros” decided to stick it out and stay in camp when a typhoon warning arrived, and the majority were moved out to safer locations. Altogether quite an adventure but they suffered no damage, except for some torn tents. | ||
==THE EARLY SEVENTIES== | |||
Apart from Marcos Campos, Martin Jimenez, Michael Davies and the Fleisfresser brothers, all referred to earlier in these Memoirs, other Scouts to become leading Troop personalities or Patrol Leaders during the early seventies, were: Tommy Delmonte, the Emmenegger brothers, Richard Pilnik, Felipe and Lucas Bercht, Albert Arnesen, Glenn Beeby and Johnny Teleffsen. | Apart from Marcos Campos, Martin Jimenez, Michael Davies and the Fleisfresser brothers, all referred to earlier in these Memoirs, other Scouts to become leading Troop personalities or Patrol Leaders during the early seventies, were: Tommy Delmonte, the Emmenegger brothers, Richard Pilnik, Felipe and Lucas Bercht, Albert Arnesen, Glenn Beeby and Johnny Teleffsen. | ||
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Over this period the Guarapiranga Golf Club had generously offered the Carajás use of a small island, for camping and outdoor activities, located just off the fourth and fifth fairways, with a shallow 100 metres of water separating it from the mainland when the lake was full. Over several months of hard work a number of Senior Scouts cleared a camping site and built a “caramanchão” and dug a well. This site was close to São Paulo and used on many occasions, not only by Scouts but also Cubs and Girl Guides. On one occasion a number of Seniors paddled the length of the lake in Scout built canvas canoes, supervised by their “Chefe” in the comfort of his launch, to camp there over a long weekend. | Over this period the Guarapiranga Golf Club had generously offered the Carajás use of a small island, for camping and outdoor activities, located just off the fourth and fifth fairways, with a shallow 100 metres of water separating it from the mainland when the lake was full. Over several months of hard work a number of Senior Scouts cleared a camping site and built a “caramanchão” and dug a well. This site was close to São Paulo and used on many occasions, not only by Scouts but also Cubs and Girl Guides. On one occasion a number of Seniors paddled the length of the lake in Scout built canvas canoes, supervised by their “Chefe” in the comfort of his launch, to camp there over a long weekend. | ||
==LEADERSHIP EARLY SEVENTIES== | |||
I was travelling and absent from São Paulo during the greater part of 1972 and 1973, leaving Julian Sewell in charge of Group Leadership. Barry Cleaver had | I was travelling and absent from São Paulo during the greater part of 1972 and 1973, leaving Julian Sewell in charge of Group Leadership. Barry Cleaver had | ||
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From the Planalto, the Troop hiked down to the Parque Nacional to camp by one of the chalets near Lago Azul. Return to São Paulo was on an old and broken down train which took almost ten hours to arrive in São Paulo. This was the time of the meningitis epidemic in São Paulo and the Troop was met by Julian carrying some protective medicine in the form of a spray, which he calmly squirted into each boy’s throat as he got off the train! | From the Planalto, the Troop hiked down to the Parque Nacional to camp by one of the chalets near Lago Azul. Return to São Paulo was on an old and broken down train which took almost ten hours to arrive in São Paulo. This was the time of the meningitis epidemic in São Paulo and the Troop was met by Julian carrying some protective medicine in the form of a spray, which he calmly squirted into each boy’s throat as he got off the train! | ||
==EXPANSION TO HEADQUARTERS== | |||
Upon returning to São Paulo late in 1973 I was told Julian was finding Group leadership a cumbersome task for a family man, so he willingly returned the post to me. | Upon returning to São Paulo late in 1973 I was told Julian was finding Group leadership a cumbersome task for a family man, so he willingly returned the post to me. | ||
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A problem had developed with the School. More storage space was required and the Board of Directors had decided to build alongside the Scout Hut, knocking down our Rover Den, now used by the Seniors. This did not suit us at all so we invited the Board and Headmaster Adam Ross to a joint lunch with the Scout Executive Committee, where the problem was debated and we convinced them to adopt our idea, which was to knock down the Senior Den, replacing it with double the area paid for from Scout funds, and the School storage space would be built alongside the new Scout construction. As a result we had a new Senior den attached to a room where Felipe Bercht, who was a gifted handyman, constructed the best pioneering and camping gear storage set-up we had ever had. | A problem had developed with the School. More storage space was required and the Board of Directors had decided to build alongside the Scout Hut, knocking down our Rover Den, now used by the Seniors. This did not suit us at all so we invited the Board and Headmaster Adam Ross to a joint lunch with the Scout Executive Committee, where the problem was debated and we convinced them to adopt our idea, which was to knock down the Senior Den, replacing it with double the area paid for from Scout funds, and the School storage space would be built alongside the new Scout construction. As a result we had a new Senior den attached to a room where Felipe Bercht, who was a gifted handyman, constructed the best pioneering and camping gear storage set-up we had ever had. | ||
==LEADERSHIP CHANGES - 1975== | |||
Along came 1975 with the news of my permanent transfer out of São Paulo to Rio de Janeiro. Ronald Blotch accepted the job of Group Scouter, remaining in charge | Along came 1975 with the news of my permanent transfer out of São Paulo to Rio de Janeiro. Ronald Blotch accepted the job of Group Scouter, remaining in charge | ||
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My official “Despedida” was held in June 1975 at a large dinner held at S.P.A.C., attended by many Old Scouts. Apart from giving me a leather scroll signed by all present, some Old Scouts instigated by Stu Birkinshaw and Arne Arnesen, handed me an old bicycle they had found in a Scrap Shop. They firmly alleged that they were certain that it was old “Henry” of many years back. This surprise gift which certainly did not have Henry’s characteristics, I in turn donated to the Scout Troop via Bloch. | My official “Despedida” was held in June 1975 at a large dinner held at S.P.A.C., attended by many Old Scouts. Apart from giving me a leather scroll signed by all present, some Old Scouts instigated by Stu Birkinshaw and Arne Arnesen, handed me an old bicycle they had found in a Scrap Shop. They firmly alleged that they were certain that it was old “Henry” of many years back. This surprise gift which certainly did not have Henry’s characteristics, I in turn donated to the Scout Troop via Bloch. | ||
==1975 ONWARDS== | |||
Ronald Bloch was now Group Scouter, having handed over Troop Leadership to Marcos Campos, Martin Jimenez and Felipe Bercht. Sonny and Patsy Arnaud and Paul Ross continued running the Cub Packs, respectively at the School and Church. | Ronald Bloch was now Group Scouter, having handed over Troop Leadership to Marcos Campos, Martin Jimenez and Felipe Bercht. Sonny and Patsy Arnaud and Paul Ross continued running the Cub Packs, respectively at the School and Church. | ||
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Easter camp was held at a new site arranged for use of the Troop by Paul Thomsen. It was at Suzano, not far from Mogi das Cruzes. During this camp a typical “Valinhos” style night game was planned and all Scouts were warned to be very careful of a barbed wire fence surrounding the farm. All went well until “Bucas” Cleaver arrived back at the base, covered in blood - he had run into the barbed wire and cut himself slightly, so he said. Upon examining the cut under a light, the Scouters found that his throat was wide open! He was rushed off to the Suzano “Santa Casa” where he was stitched up, returning to camp apparently properly patched up. The next morning when he woke up he was still bleeding quite significantly. Fortunately Bloch was visiting the camp that day and took him back to São Paulo, where his brother, old Scout Robert Bloch, a plastic surgeon, did a proper job on Buca’s neck. | Easter camp was held at a new site arranged for use of the Troop by Paul Thomsen. It was at Suzano, not far from Mogi das Cruzes. During this camp a typical “Valinhos” style night game was planned and all Scouts were warned to be very careful of a barbed wire fence surrounding the farm. All went well until “Bucas” Cleaver arrived back at the base, covered in blood - he had run into the barbed wire and cut himself slightly, so he said. Upon examining the cut under a light, the Scouters found that his throat was wide open! He was rushed off to the Suzano “Santa Casa” where he was stitched up, returning to camp apparently properly patched up. The next morning when he woke up he was still bleeding quite significantly. Fortunately Bloch was visiting the camp that day and took him back to São Paulo, where his brother, old Scout Robert Bloch, a plastic surgeon, did a proper job on Buca’s neck. | ||
==XVI WORLD JAMBOREE - 1975 - NORWAY== | |||
A large number of Carajás formed part of the Brazilian Contingent to this | A large number of Carajás formed part of the Brazilian Contingent to this | ||
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throughout. The Carajás participants were: Sonny Arnaud, Martin Jimenez, Felipe and Lucas Bercht, Roberto Laffront, Charles Arnaud, Bucas Cleaver, Tommy Gregory, Brian Sumner, Anthony Sewell and Ricky Ryan. | throughout. The Carajás participants were: Sonny Arnaud, Martin Jimenez, Felipe and Lucas Bercht, Roberto Laffront, Charles Arnaud, Bucas Cleaver, Tommy Gregory, Brian Sumner, Anthony Sewell and Ricky Ryan. | ||
==CAMPS AND ACTIVITIES 1976 AND 1977== | |||
Easter camp in 1976 was held at the Fazenda Adéle near Itú, once again through the kindness of the Bercht family. This was the camp of the first major unusual pioneering project, a large windmill, which had been the subject over the previous months, of much training in lashings and made entirely of bamboo. The weather didn’t help and like many other Easter camps over the years, it started to pour with rain from the moment of pitching camp - good training, so they say? Nevertheless, undaunted, the Troop went ahead in continuous rain. By Easter Sunday the rain had stopped and the windmill was working like a clock. The Troop was in first class shape with very experienced Patrol Leaders. | Easter camp in 1976 was held at the Fazenda Adéle near Itú, once again through the kindness of the Bercht family. This was the camp of the first major unusual pioneering project, a large windmill, which had been the subject over the previous months, of much training in lashings and made entirely of bamboo. The weather didn’t help and like many other Easter camps over the years, it started to pour with rain from the moment of pitching camp - good training, so they say? Nevertheless, undaunted, the Troop went ahead in continuous rain. By Easter Sunday the rain had stopped and the windmill was working like a clock. The Troop was in first class shape with very experienced Patrol Leaders. | ||
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In the same year of 1977, following July camp, the Rovers and Seniors, led by Felipe and Lucas Bercht, went up to Itatiaia for some mountain climbing where they made friends with that very experienced climber from the Park, Julio Spanner. At his suggestion, they all got into cars and drove to Rio de Janeiro where, guided by him, they scaled the Pão de Açucar by one of the hardest routes. A great and thrilling experience. Apart from the Bercht brothers, the other Scouts were: Clemente Bercht, José Laffront, Finn Arnesen and Daniel Vasconcellos. | In the same year of 1977, following July camp, the Rovers and Seniors, led by Felipe and Lucas Bercht, went up to Itatiaia for some mountain climbing where they made friends with that very experienced climber from the Park, Julio Spanner. At his suggestion, they all got into cars and drove to Rio de Janeiro where, guided by him, they scaled the Pão de Açucar by one of the hardest routes. A great and thrilling experience. Apart from the Bercht brothers, the other Scouts were: Clemente Bercht, José Laffront, Finn Arnesen and Daniel Vasconcellos. | ||
==1978 - A CRISIS ON THE HORIZON== | |||
The year of 1978 started off well with a new lot of Patrol Leaders, namely: Eagles - Jonathan Govier, Cobras - Alan Burt, Tigers - Matthew Richmond, Foxes - Tillman Bartch, Panthers - Jimmy Munn. | The year of 1978 started off well with a new lot of Patrol Leaders, namely: Eagles - Jonathan Govier, Cobras - Alan Burt, Tigers - Matthew Richmond, Foxes - Tillman Bartch, Panthers - Jimmy Munn. | ||
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This was followed by a return to Itatiaia in July, the first camp in those mountains for some years. It commenced with the hike up the “Mata Cavalo” from the Mauá side, where the path had become even more difficult to find. At one stage the path split into two. It was getting late, so Martin Jimenez decided to pitch camp and wait for daylight before continuing. Kris Harrison and Marc Lignon insisted on going onwards and, in the end, were allowed to do so with Tommy Gregory, who as an Old Scout had been invited to the activity, accompanying them. They stumbled along the path to run into pouring rain with just three torches to light their way. These, one by one, went on the blink, so finally they spent a miserably wet night trying to find shelter to sleep and continue after daylight. Daylight arrived and they discovered that they were only a few hundred yards from the comfort of their destination, the “Abrigo Rebouças”. Tommy and Marc went back to find the rest of the Troop whilst Kris stayed and relaxed in the “luxury” of Rebouças. | This was followed by a return to Itatiaia in July, the first camp in those mountains for some years. It commenced with the hike up the “Mata Cavalo” from the Mauá side, where the path had become even more difficult to find. At one stage the path split into two. It was getting late, so Martin Jimenez decided to pitch camp and wait for daylight before continuing. Kris Harrison and Marc Lignon insisted on going onwards and, in the end, were allowed to do so with Tommy Gregory, who as an Old Scout had been invited to the activity, accompanying them. They stumbled along the path to run into pouring rain with just three torches to light their way. These, one by one, went on the blink, so finally they spent a miserably wet night trying to find shelter to sleep and continue after daylight. Daylight arrived and they discovered that they were only a few hundred yards from the comfort of their destination, the “Abrigo Rebouças”. Tommy and Marc went back to find the rest of the Troop whilst Kris stayed and relaxed in the “luxury” of Rebouças. | ||
==LEADERSHIP CHANGES== | |||
After many years of loyal service Patsy and Sonny Arnaud had resigned and from 1981 to 1982, Karin Harrison was Akela at St.Paul’s School, assisted by her brother Kris, who later was to take over from her. During this period Group Scouter Ronald Bloch also gave a hand with the Cubs and Ingrid Urban became a Cub Instructor. | After many years of loyal service Patsy and Sonny Arnaud had resigned and from 1981 to 1982, Karin Harrison was Akela at St.Paul’s School, assisted by her brother Kris, who later was to take over from her. During this period Group Scouter Ronald Bloch also gave a hand with the Cubs and Ingrid Urban became a Cub Instructor. | ||
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short cut planned by amateurs) whilst hiking round the borders of Paul’s Ubatuba farm, which goes way up in the forests of the Serra do Mar. They arrived at their destination a day late, by which time the Police were setting up search parties. | short cut planned by amateurs) whilst hiking round the borders of Paul’s Ubatuba farm, which goes way up in the forests of the Serra do Mar. They arrived at their destination a day late, by which time the Police were setting up search parties. | ||
==XVTH. WORLD JAMBOREE - CANADA - 1983== | |||
Fourteen Carajás formed part of the Brazilian Contingent of 120 Scouts and Leaders to this Jamboree. Four Troops were formed, each in separate sub-camps. The Jamboree was held in Calgary, at a place called Kananaskis, in the Canadian Rockies. The Carajás participants were: Martin Jimenez, Kris Harrison, Federico Bússola, Eric Nice Jr., Robert Craddock, Matthew Govier, Peter and Richard Cochrane, Egon Szenttamásy, Gerry Codling, Marc Lignon, Alan Thisted, Michael Betenson. | Fourteen Carajás formed part of the Brazilian Contingent of 120 Scouts and Leaders to this Jamboree. Four Troops were formed, each in separate sub-camps. The Jamboree was held in Calgary, at a place called Kananaskis, in the Canadian Rockies. The Carajás participants were: Martin Jimenez, Kris Harrison, Federico Bússola, Eric Nice Jr., Robert Craddock, Matthew Govier, Peter and Richard Cochrane, Egon Szenttamásy, Gerry Codling, Marc Lignon, Alan Thisted, Michael Betenson. | ||
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On the way back to Brazil, Martin Jimenez stopped off at Miami, advising that he would be back in São Paulo a couple of weeks later, for the “Chefia” meeting to plan the second half year programme. To this day he has not returned to Brazil and, consequently, Kris Harrision became Troop Scouter as well as Akela, posts he held for a number of years. | On the way back to Brazil, Martin Jimenez stopped off at Miami, advising that he would be back in São Paulo a couple of weeks later, for the “Chefia” meeting to plan the second half year programme. To this day he has not returned to Brazil and, consequently, Kris Harrision became Troop Scouter as well as Akela, posts he held for a number of years. | ||
==NEW LEADERS AND PACKS== | |||
Kris Harrison, together with a number of keen Scouts, come up from the Troop, formed a fine team of Leaders, namely: Jonathan and Thomas Govier, Gerry Codling and, by 1985, “Chicken” Gölitz, Egon whose surname Szenttamásy is beyond the ability of the average Carajás to pronounce, and Carlos Alexandre Cerny. They were supervised by Ronald Bloch until he handed over to Chris Downey. | Kris Harrison, together with a number of keen Scouts, come up from the Troop, formed a fine team of Leaders, namely: Jonathan and Thomas Govier, Gerry Codling and, by 1985, “Chicken” Gölitz, Egon whose surname Szenttamásy is beyond the ability of the average Carajás to pronounce, and Carlos Alexandre Cerny. They were supervised by Ronald Bloch until he handed over to Chris Downey. | ||
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At the end of year camp-fire the prize for the best and most popular Cub was awarded to Patrick D’Heursel. This was in 1984. | At the end of year camp-fire the prize for the best and most popular Cub was awarded to Patrick D’Heursel. This was in 1984. | ||
==PARENTS COMMITTEE== | |||
From the earliest days the 1st. and 2nd. São Paulo, followed by the Carajás, have always had strong and active Parents Committees, supporting the uniformed members in all that is required for the successful running and facilities required by a modern Scout Group. Space does not allow for mention of all names nor do complete records exist, but, as in the past, some names are remembered as a result of dedicated service. The Committee at the time of the construction of the new gymnasium at the school which included the new Scout headquarters, was chaired by “Brasileiro” Charlie Harrison, whose sad death was to take place two years later. Other members included Old Scouts Julian Sewell and Eric Thisted and parents Ronald Lees, Jacques Lignon and Geoffrey Cochrane, who in due course was to become Chairman and a leading Committee member over a number of years, contributing much to strengthening relationship with the Community and School. He later became Chairman of the Group Council. Others who served during the mid eighties were: Old Scout Eddie Bennett, Susan and Alain D’Heursel, Helen Gibbs, Herry Fuldauer both as Committee member and Group Scouter, Richard Stevens who became Committee Chairman, and Anette Betenson. | From the earliest days the 1st. and 2nd. São Paulo, followed by the Carajás, have always had strong and active Parents Committees, supporting the uniformed members in all that is required for the successful running and facilities required by a modern Scout Group. Space does not allow for mention of all names nor do complete records exist, but, as in the past, some names are remembered as a result of dedicated service. The Committee at the time of the construction of the new gymnasium at the school which included the new Scout headquarters, was chaired by “Brasileiro” Charlie Harrison, whose sad death was to take place two years later. Other members included Old Scouts Julian Sewell and Eric Thisted and parents Ronald Lees, Jacques Lignon and Geoffrey Cochrane, who in due course was to become Chairman and a leading Committee member over a number of years, contributing much to strengthening relationship with the Community and School. He later became Chairman of the Group Council. Others who served during the mid eighties were: Old Scout Eddie Bennett, Susan and Alain D’Heursel, Helen Gibbs, Herry Fuldauer both as Committee member and Group Scouter, Richard Stevens who became Committee Chairman, and Anette Betenson. | ||
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In 1987 the Committee was composed of the following members: Chairman, Chris Downey; Vice-Chairman, Jonathan Govier (also a Scouter); Treasurer, Ronald Bloch; Secretary Daniel Dupont Liot, other members being Ian Comber and Roddy Govier, John Mills and Taiki Hirashima, later to become Chairman. | In 1987 the Committee was composed of the following members: Chairman, Chris Downey; Vice-Chairman, Jonathan Govier (also a Scouter); Treasurer, Ronald Bloch; Secretary Daniel Dupont Liot, other members being Ian Comber and Roddy Govier, John Mills and Taiki Hirashima, later to become Chairman. | ||
==1984 to 1986 - ACTIVITIES== | |||
In addition to being Group Secretary, Herry Fuldauer was closely involved with Scout Troop activities and, in conversation with Ronald Bloch one day, they recalled the John Macnab games of the past. Hearing that Toby, who was living in Rio, would be travelling to Europe early in 1984, just before the July camp in Ubatuba, they contacted him for help in setting up a new Macnab kidnapping game. Toby offered to fully organise it and become John Macnab, so he proceeded to send letters to the Troop from the U.K. and Holland, advising that he, John Macnab and a wild tough Scot named Angus, were to visit Brazil, had heard of the Carajás and their coming long camp. He challenged the Troop to prevent the kidnapping of a few Scouts by himself and the “fingers of steel nail bending” Angus, on a certain day. If the Troop did not accept the challenge they should hoist a white flag from the flagmast, in place of the Troop flag, on that specific day. Nobody would get hurt - it was just a game. | In addition to being Group Secretary, Herry Fuldauer was closely involved with Scout Troop activities and, in conversation with Ronald Bloch one day, they recalled the John Macnab games of the past. Hearing that Toby, who was living in Rio, would be travelling to Europe early in 1984, just before the July camp in Ubatuba, they contacted him for help in setting up a new Macnab kidnapping game. Toby offered to fully organise it and become John Macnab, so he proceeded to send letters to the Troop from the U.K. and Holland, advising that he, John Macnab and a wild tough Scot named Angus, were to visit Brazil, had heard of the Carajás and their coming long camp. He challenged the Troop to prevent the kidnapping of a few Scouts by himself and the “fingers of steel nail bending” Angus, on a certain day. If the Troop did not accept the challenge they should hoist a white flag from the flagmast, in place of the Troop flag, on that specific day. Nobody would get hurt - it was just a game. | ||
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The Best Cub for 1985 was Ricardo Couto and the most popular, Marcos “Pingo” Versteeg. In 1986 these awards went to Rebecca Mattos (see introduction of Girl Scouts below) and Ricardo Couto, as best Cubs, Ricardo being chosen also as the most Popular Cub. These were the winners for the Church Pack. | The Best Cub for 1985 was Ricardo Couto and the most popular, Marcos “Pingo” Versteeg. In 1986 these awards went to Rebecca Mattos (see introduction of Girl Scouts below) and Ricardo Couto, as best Cubs, Ricardo being chosen also as the most Popular Cub. These were the winners for the Church Pack. | ||
==GIRL SCOUTS AND GIRL CUBS== | |||
Following the trend in World Scouting, mixed Groups and/or activities for Girl and Boy Scouts have become the norm. To some extent this was already in vogue within the Carajás in the late sixties, when joint Ranger/Senior activities were held. However, for reasons unknown to the writer of these Memoirs, the U.E.B. decided to go on its own, forming the sectors “Lobinhas” and “Escoteiras”, rather than join up with the Federação das Bandeirantes, the Girl Guides. | Following the trend in World Scouting, mixed Groups and/or activities for Girl and Boy Scouts have become the norm. To some extent this was already in vogue within the Carajás in the late sixties, when joint Ranger/Senior activities were held. However, for reasons unknown to the writer of these Memoirs, the U.E.B. decided to go on its own, forming the sectors “Lobinhas” and “Escoteiras”, rather than join up with the Federação das Bandeirantes, the Girl Guides. | ||
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Many joint activities have been held with the Boy Scouts, including hikes and climbing in the Itatiaia region. This, those first “raw” Girl Scouts discovered, required hard training and stamina, which they did not have at that time, but certainly have nowadays. | Many joint activities have been held with the Boy Scouts, including hikes and climbing in the Itatiaia region. This, those first “raw” Girl Scouts discovered, required hard training and stamina, which they did not have at that time, but certainly have nowadays. | ||
==1986 - 1987== | |||
After about twenty years as Headmaster, having guided St.Paul’s School through many changes, Adam Ross was returning to Scotland for a well merited retirement. The new Headmaster, Paul Gysin, took over from him early in 1987. | After about twenty years as Headmaster, having guided St.Paul’s School through many changes, Adam Ross was returning to Scotland for a well merited retirement. The new Headmaster, Paul Gysin, took over from him early in 1987. | ||
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During the same year the Carajás built a very large pioneering project, a “Roda Gigante” at FEIRANÇA (Feira da Criança) at Anhembi. Hundreds of children rode on it over the week and the Troop is proud to say that, as a result, the Scout Movement received useful promotion. | During the same year the Carajás built a very large pioneering project, a “Roda Gigante” at FEIRANÇA (Feira da Criança) at Anhembi. Hundreds of children rode on it over the week and the Troop is proud to say that, as a result, the Scout Movement received useful promotion. | ||
==JAMBOREE-ON-THE-AIR AND OTHER ACTIVITIES== | |||
Repeating an activity which he had organised many years before, Paul Thomsen re-introduced participation in the annual International Jamboree-on-the-Air amateur radio contacts between Scouts of the World. As from 1985 various transmitting sites have been used, including Monte Verde. Other Scout Troops have joined the Carajás on this activity. | Repeating an activity which he had organised many years before, Paul Thomsen re-introduced participation in the annual International Jamboree-on-the-Air amateur radio contacts between Scouts of the World. As from 1985 various transmitting sites have been used, including Monte Verde. Other Scout Troops have joined the Carajás on this activity. | ||
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Whilst the above were at the Jamboree, in fact on New Year’s Eve, a dozen young Scouts, led by Kris Harrison with the help of the dedicated PL. of the Condors, Eguinho Szenttamásy, hiked across the mountains of the Serra da Bocaina, down to Manducaba Bay and Toby’s beach house at Porto Frade. On arrival, Toby took one look at the tired and muddy young Scouts - it had rained a lot during the hike - and had all of them strip and get down to washing their clothes before entering the house. From then on they had a good time going out boating, bathing and all the fun of the Frade condominium, plus their good turn, cutting hedges and painting Toby’s fence for him. | Whilst the above were at the Jamboree, in fact on New Year’s Eve, a dozen young Scouts, led by Kris Harrison with the help of the dedicated PL. of the Condors, Eguinho Szenttamásy, hiked across the mountains of the Serra da Bocaina, down to Manducaba Bay and Toby’s beach house at Porto Frade. On arrival, Toby took one look at the tired and muddy young Scouts - it had rained a lot during the hike - and had all of them strip and get down to washing their clothes before entering the house. From then on they had a good time going out boating, bathing and all the fun of the Frade condominium, plus their good turn, cutting hedges and painting Toby’s fence for him. | ||
THE WHAT MAKES CARAJÁS TICK | ==THE WHAT MAKES CARAJÁS TICK== | ||
Undoubtedly the strength of the Carajás results to a great extent from the loyal and dedicated service of many Leaders over the years and the strong Committee and Community support, which has supplied the Group with all its needs in order to carry out the Scouting programme. | Undoubtedly the strength of the Carajás results to a great extent from the loyal and dedicated service of many Leaders over the years and the strong Committee and Community support, which has supplied the Group with all its needs in order to carry out the Scouting programme. | ||
Edição atual tal como às 07h53min de 9 de agosto de 2019
Carajás Scout Group Memoirs - By Toby Shellard
THE BEGINNING
On the 13th, of January 1928, by courtesy of the Executive Secretary, Mr. G. Last, a meeting was held in the offices of the British Chamber of Commerce for São Paulo, attended by:
Miss Shaw - Mrs. Hall - Mrs. Orberg - Mrs. Derrom - Messrs. Piers - Derrom - Erbrich - Gallyon - Watson - Lockley - Macintyre and Sewell.
Mr. Piers took the Chair and an extract of the Minutes of the Meeting, reads as follows:
Mr. Piers in opening the proceedings, explained that the Meeting had been called with a view to forming a Troop of Boy Scouts in São Paulo. He went on to say that there was already in São Paulo, a Pack of Wolf Cubs under the Leadership of Miss Shaw, so it seemed rather a pity to him that these Cubs should have nowhere to go after attaining the age which made them eligible for the Baden-Powell Boy Scout Association. Miss Shaw then outlined to the Meeting the present situation in São Paulo. In her report, Miss Shaw first explained that she had had in mind, for the past three years, the forming of such and Association, but had been forced to leave the matter in abeyance owing to the difficulty of finding a suitable Scoutmaster. She went on to give a short description of the activities over the past three years and informed the Meeting that the Pack was registered at Headquarters (London), as the 1st. São Paulo Pack and that she supposed the Scouts would take the name of the 1st. São Paulo Troop........
A Committee was elected as follows:
President Mr. Derrom
Vice-President Mr. Piers
Hon. Secretary Mr. Sewell
Hon. Treasurer Mr. Sewell
Scoutmaster Mr. Lockley
Assistant Scoutmasters Mr. Macintyre, Mr. Watson, Mr. Sewell
Arthur Bennett then joined the Committee, taking over the job of Honorary Secretary and, over subsequent meetings, the Statutes were drawn up for approval by the then called, Imperial Headquarters in London. The approved By-Laws read:
Art.1 - The name of this Association shall be the “English Speaking Boy Scout Assocation of São Paulo”.
Art.2 - The local Association supports all rules as laid down in the “Policy,
Organistaion and Rules” of the Boy Scout Association in London.
Art. 3 - The fees for membership shall be Rs20$ooo (twenty milreis) per annum.
Art.4 - TheAssociation shall hold an Annual Meeting not later than the 31st. March for presentation of reports, viz. Secretary’s, Treasurer’s, and election of officers for the ensuing year. Notices for this Meeting shall be sent out by mail at least 10 days prior to the date selected as suitable by the Committee of the Association.
Art.5 -
(a) The Executive Committee of the Association shall hold one regular meeting each quarter of the year or on a date to be fixed by the Committee of the Association, notice to be given as in Art.4.
(b) Extraordinary Meetings may be called at any time by the President of the Association or upon written request of any five members in good standing, with the customary 10 days notice.
Art.6 - (a) The Committee elected annually shall consist of:
2 Honorary Presidents ) Nominal and 4 Honorary Vice-Presidents ) elected annually 1 Chairman 2 Vice-Chairmen ) Active and 1 Treasurer ) elected 1 Secretary ) annually ---------------------------- The Minutes then go on to register the Statutes. There was some delay and exchange of correspondence with I.H.Q. London, as certain items of the uniform did not meet with their approval. These items, finally but reluctantly approved by I.H.Q. were: CUBS - Khaki shirt with soft brimmed khaki hat, the scarf being three coloured. SCOUTS - Khaki shirt and riding breeches with leather leggings and ankle boots. Scarf similar to the Cubs Actually the scarf finally adopted was red and not three coloured.
From early 1928 onwards the new Association thrived with, according to records, two Cub Packs and one Scout Troop.
The first Patrols were the Bulls, Kangaroos and Lions. There is no register of the Pls. names, although records show that Bill Winslow was a PL. in 1929, George Borton, Clayton Wood and Bob Shellard in 1930. Eric Olsen, Maury Worth and Dick Potter were Pls. in 1931. R. Bennett was Troop Leader in 1930, to be followed by Byron Wood (whose sad death is reported on later in these Memoirs) and Bob Shellard. Names of a few other Scouts of that period, include, Donald da Mota, David Lindsey, Ken Lee, John Lowsby, Frank Delaney and Ronnie Macintyre
The first Scoutmaster, Dennis Lockley left São Paulo in late 1928, handing over
leadership to Jimmy Macintyre, after which the Troop was run efficiently and with dedication by Jimmy until the 1932 Revolution. Paddy Nixon, a newcomer to São Paulo with Scouting experience, assisted Jimmy as from 1929 until he moved over to the new 2nd. São Paulo Troop in 1931.
The first Scout meetings were held in a house on the Rua Marquês de Itú, followed soon after by some abandoned stables by Rua Vergueiro no.29, known as the Chacara London Bank. There is also mention of meetings at Rua Correa Dias and Rua Bororó.
A few years later the Siciliano family loaned their stables (a popular headquarters, it seems, in those days!) on Av. Paulista, but this was for use of the new 2nd. São Paulo Troop, founded in 1931
DEVELOPMENT OVER THE EARLY YEARS
In 1931 the 1st. Troop moved to a hut loaned by Frigorifico Armour at Anastácio, which served as headquarters until the Troop closed down.
Whereas the original records mention only one Cub Pack, run by Miss Shaw assisted by Mrs. Eleanor Gwynne Macintyre, there seems to have been another Pack with Miss Winifred Tilley as Akela in the mid twenties. This has been confirmed and in fact a few of the first Scouts originated from that Pack. Since no mention is made in the Association records, one assumes that Miss Tilley’s Pack closed before 1928. By 1930 the Cub sector came under supervision of Mrs. Dorothy Warren, a leading member of the Girl Guide Association, and at that time also active in Cubbing. The following names of Cubs in the 1st. São Paulo Pack have been traced: Jack Oliver, Ronnie Henshaw, Ken Rowland, Harry Dodd, Edward Dodd and David Lindsay.
Following Miss Shaw, who apparently was a St.Paul’s School teacher, a Miss Hall became Cubmaster until the end of 1930, with meetings at a house close to the Alto da Boa Vista. Miss Hall handed over leadership to Miss Mary Turnbull and Mrs. D.L. Derrom was also active for a period as well as H. C. Cromack. Another Cub Pack had been formed in Santos, also affiliated to the São Paulo Association and a British Scout Troop was active at the Morro Velho Gold Mines, in the early thirties, but no details are available of who was in charge or any of the activities of these units. In fact the Association Committee Minutes mention the fact that they were having trouble maintaining contact with them.
During 1930 Jack Hunter, later on to be known as “Etubom”, arrived in São Paulo. He was a qualified Scouter with the “Wood Badge” and personal friend of Hubert Martin, the International Commissioner for the United Kingdom. Hunter’s joining the Association was a great incentive and apart from founding the 1st. Rover Crew in 193l, together with Paddy Nixon, these two then founded the 2nd. São Paulo Scout Troop in that same year, with meetings held in the stables in the grounds of the Siciliano’s house on the Av. Paulista. The Siciliano’s daughter was a Girl Guide and the son was a Rover Scout.
Following the 1932 Revolution, the 1st. Troop was foundering for lack of a Leader, Jimmy Macintyre had left São Paulo for the interior. Typical of Etubom’s wisdom and Scouting experience, when asked if the 2nd. Troop would accept incorporation of the remaining 1st.Troop, his answer was “I shall have to consult the Patrol Leaders Council of both Troops”. Etubom was elected Committee Chairman in 1932 and, in 1933, I.H.Q. London nominated him Commissioner for British Scouts in Brazil.
It should be noted that although the Association was registered in London, the local statutes described it as being an “Anglo/American” Scout Association, and both British and U.S. Consul Generals were Honorary Members. There were a number of very enthusiastic American parents active in the Association from the very early days onwards. Some 45% of the Cubs and Scouts were British or of British origin, 35% from U.S.A. and the remainder Brazilian, Scandinavian and other European countries.
The new 2nd. São Paulo Scout Troop modified the uniform, accepting the traditional khaki shorts, instead of the leggings and boots used by the 1st.Troop. The scarf used from then on until 1940 was a sky blue colour, also being adopted by the Cub Pack, who continued to use a khaki coloured uniform with a soft brimmed hat.
Shortly after Etubom’s joining the Association and his energetic participation, another couple arrived in São Paulo for the then British owned São Paulo Railway, Mr. and Mrs. Ashley-Brereton. Both became dedicated Committee members and Mrs. Ashley-Brereton took over the Cub sector from Mrs. Warren, to the extent of actively running the Cub Pack, assisted by Peggy Macintyre (Mrs. Winslow). Peggy Macintyre, later became the Cubmaster in charge, and it was she who introduced the writer of these Memoirs to Cubs and Scouting. In fact if it hadn’t been for Peggy and Mrs. Ashley-Brereton’s firm hand in ordering (through his mother) rather than inviting that silly young boy who was drifting out of the Movement at the age of ten and a half, to come and participate in the Going-Up Ceremony to the Scout Troop on the 1936 Field Day, the occasion of inauguration of the Wooden Scout Hut next door to S.P.S., that youngster might well have missed the most enjoyable years of his life.
Unfortunately, there are no records with names of the first Patrol Leaders of the 2nd. Troop. We know that the patrols were formed in this order: Cobras, Eagles, Tigers, Beavers and the Patrol Leaders around the years 1933 to 1936 included, Robert Wilson, Bill Treacher, Hew Derrom, Clem Deaver, Frank Dawe for the Eagles, Bill Bennett - Beavers, Tom Gregory - Cobras, Ray Racy - Tigers, Billy Pond taking over from Frank Dawe when he became a Scouter. Other Scouts over that period included, Gerald Everill, Eric Hall, Doug’Brodie, Jimmy Rushworth, Hugh Thomsen, Dick and Jesse Rinehart, Schuyler Pulford, Tony Pilnik, Khouri, George and Stephen Frank. One of the very first Pls. was a yodelling Swiss, Ernst Seidl, but there are no log books covering activities during that period.
CAMPS
Chacara Flora was one of the very first camp-sites and remained a favourite for some ten years. It was then a largely uninhabited woodland with clear spring water and two small lakes for bathing in (including the washing of cooking utensils). The camp-site was close to the lakes on land belonging to a family that lived in Rio de Janeiro. During the early thirties, through the kindness of the Downeys, camps were also held on their land in Mogi das Cruzes. Mention is also made in Committee Minutes, of a vote of thanks for use of a site belonging to Mr. Terrell. Could it be the same site used by the Group many years later near Americana, when his grandson Bill was a Scout? Having no log books of this period there are few incidents to relate. We do know that the Scout Troop was camping in Mogi when the 1932 Revolution broke out. Parents were worried whilst they tried to fetch the Scouts and get them home from an area which was fairly inaccessible in those days. It must have been at this camp that Scoutmaster Ken Willey, a St.Paul’s School resident Master and experienced Scouter who had recently joined the 2nd.Troop, decided to introduce the habit of camp-life in the nude - presumably to keep the uniforms in good condition! Or was he a health fanatic? We do know that this was one of the great camps of the early days, with another Schoolmaster, Dickie Church, visiting the camp to tell camp-fire stories, he was a great story teller. The Troop was in the hands of experienced Scouters at this stage, as were the Cub Packs, which undoubtedly laid the foundations for the high standards of Scouting for which the Group can be proud of to this day.
It was also during a Mogi camp that a Scouter, probably Ken Willey, who used the African Indian name of “Zaiki”, decided to clear an area around his tent, by setting fire to it. The fire got out of control and the Scouts had to be called back from a Wide Game to fight the bush fire which was threatening the tents. The danger signal of three repeated long whistle blasts was given to call back the Scouts and, to this day, this is the traditional call for camp-fire, three long whistle or horn blasts.
BOY SCOUTS FORM FIRST-AID TEAMS DURING THE 1932 REVOLUTION
True to their motto of “Service”, Rover Scouts of São Paulo, composed mainly of the “Boy Scout Paulista Association”and with support of our Rover Crew , plus other Rovers of various nationalities, assisted the “Cruz Vermelha”during the revolution. They acted as messengers close to the trenches and fighting areas, along the borders of the States of Rio and São Paulo, helping the First Aid Posts and Field Hospitals, to the point of actually living in trenches and in every possible way assisting the medical services in field operations.
This event was reported in detail by João Mós, Leader of the Boy Scouts Paulistas, in a booklet published in 1933. Jimmy Macintyre, who was in charge of the Rover Scout operations, sent a report to the Chief Scout. Lord Baden-Powell’s letter of congratulations is shown hereunder:-
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(transcribe BPs. letter, or put in a photo copy)
AN EXTRACT FROM ‘O ESTADO DE SÀO PAULO
16/07/32
“A nobre contribuição dos “Boy Scouts Paulistas”
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Recebemos uma calorosa mensagem dos boy scouts que partem para o norte do Estado, a serviço da Cruz Vermelha. Esses jovens dão um belo exemplo prestando a sua generosa contribuição na campanha constitucional do Brasil. No entanto para melhor cumprimento deste dever que se impuzeram, êles não estão de todos aparelhados, pois entre as noticias que abaixo publicamos, êles salientam a falta de bicicletas e pedem ao publico alguns destes veiculos, para melhor fazerem as ligações. Não faltarão pessoas capazes de atender a esse pedido. A mensagem a que no começo desta noticia nos referimos, é a seguinte:
“Ao partirmos para o Norte do Esado, auxiliando a Cruz Vermelha em seus postos de saúde, nós chefes scouts da federação “Boy Scouts Paulistas”, da 1a. tropa de scouts inglezes, japonezes e letonianos, sob direção da referida federação, que dirige a organização desses serviços, temos a satisfação de apresentar á ilustre redação do grande orgão “O Estado de São Paulo”, as nossas saudações. Sendo a primeira vez no Brasil, que scouts trabalham em Hospitais de Sangue, esperamos iniciar essa nobre tarefa e cumpril-a á altura de nossa missão. J.C. Macintyre, chefe; João Mós, José Spina Neto, Léo Ribeiro de Moraes, P.P. Nixon, Tomoo Ikeda, José Gaioto, A Kennerly, F. Delaney, José Spina, Crescencio Spina, J. Pina Figueiredo, Valdomiro Handerson, E.Olsen. “
The Rovers who served outside São Paulo city were: From the Boy Scouts Paulistas: João Mós - José Spina - José Spina Neto - Léo Ribeiro de Moraes - Cresencio Spina - José Gayotto - Armando Baraldi - Carlos Nobre Rosa - Duilio Cunha - Plinio Lares Seabra - Crival de Azevedo Moraes - Manoel Kalajian . From the 1st.and 2nd. São Paulo Rover Crew: James C. Macintyre - Patrick Nixon - Bob Bennett - Frank Delaney - Waldemar Heinrich - Arnaldo Walker Kennerly - Ronald Siciliano - Mauricio Santos Cruz. Other Rover Scouts: José Pina Figueiredo - Waldimiro Anderson (Lithuanian) - Tomoo Ikeda (Japanese). A further 94 Scouts served the Red Cross in São Paulo city, including Eric Olsen of the 1st.Troop. Thirteen Wolf Cubs also acted as messengers, all from the Boy Scout Paulistas.
JARDIM PAULISTANO HEADQUARTERS
Despite the fairly ample facilities for meetings offered by the Siciliano family, during the years 1933 to 1936, the Association was on the lookout for permanent headquarters.
In 1934, Mr. Jorge Mahfuz, who had donated land to build St.Paul’s School, generously offered to lend the Scout Association a large plot of land, adjacent to the School, on Rua Juquiá, It extended from the Headmaster’s house, which in those days was immediately next door to the school, practically all the way to the next corner, several thousand square metres. Mrs. Ashley-Brereton formed a ladies’ fund raising Committee to enable the Association fence off and build a hut on the land.
These ladies worked hard for the next twelve months raising funds through parties and donations and, with a great deal of assistance from the São Paulo Railway Company workshops, a 20 by 8 metre dismountable wooden hut with attached solid construction toilets and showers, was erected on the property, together with fencing in the land.
Inauguration took place on the 9th. May 1936 with a Field Day at the School, followed by the tape-cutting ceremony by H.B.M. Consul General. There was a camp-fire in the evening to celebrate the new headquarters, followed by a Church Service at St. Paul’s Anglican Church the next morning, with Scouts and Cubs meeting in Largo São Bento and then marching to the Church.
The Assocaition now had its own headquarters which was extensively used, being open almost daily in those times of easy transport and until the end of 1940 when it was moved to S.P.A.C. cricket grounds in Pirituba.
THE MID THIRTIES
These were busy days in the life of the 2nd.São Paulo. Under the experienced guidance of Etubom, who always stepped in to give a hand when required, the Group was under the leadership of competent Scouters.
In early 1938, after several years of dedicated leadership, Mrs. Ashley-Brereton and Peggy Macintyre handed over the running of the Cub Pack to Mrs. Joyce Crewe. During this period both Mrs. Hunter and Burt helped in the Cub sector.
Paddy Nixon and Ken Willey, two great leaders, had left São Paulo to be followed by another of the same calibre, Archie Burt, better known as “Sariki”. The Group Leader was Sydney Bryson and there were a number of Rover Scouts of various nationalities, including Ernest Saler, a great one on the guitar, all with previous Scouting experience, lending a hand in the Scout Troop. The Troop flourished with six patrols - Cobras, Eagles, Tigers, plus Beavers, Panthers and Lions. Sariki was a dedicated Scouter and during his two years of leadership the Hut was open from 3.00 pm. onwards, almost daily, as Scouts came out of school next door. Some three evenings per week there would be activities going on and the weekly meetings, called Parades in those days, were held from 2.30 to 5.00 pm., on Saturdays, frequently with a short hike and Wide-Game in Cidade Jardim, which was wooded marshland at that time with the winding Rio Pinheiros for bathing in. Usually the object of the wide-
game was to lay a “bomb”on the Cidade Jardim tram line - bondes were once an hour, with one team defending the bonde. The bonde drivers and conductors joined enthus- iastically in the spirit of the game.
The year 1937 - the year of the 5th. World Jamboree in Holland - started off with a severe set-back. Both Sariki and Sydney Bryson “Barrewa”had resigned and there were no immediate replacements available.
The Eagle Patrol Leader, Frank Dawe, one of the first two King Scouts in the Troop, (the other being Bill Treacher, who had recently resigned on being transferred out of São Paulo), was nominated Scoutmaster at the early age of 17. Frank, who had the appropriate Scout name of “Pancho”, accepted this challenge and for a year and a half, until he left São Paulo, ran the Troop with the same enthusiasm and dedication he had shown as Eagle PL., always the best Patrol.
Early in 1937 the Scouts formed a Guard of Honour at the Luz Station for Sir Hugh Guerney, H.B.M. Ambassador to Brazil, on his arrival in São Paulo for a two day visit. Sir Hugh, who was an ardent supporter of Scouting, had given his whole- hearted backing to the forming of a Jamboree Contingent among British Troops in Brazil, visited the Scout Hut that afternoon and donated a large coloured portrait of B.P., signed personally by the Chief. It was a great day in the life of the 2nd. São Paulo. That picture hung in the Troop room until the temporary closing of the Group in 1940, after which it was never found again.
5th. WORLD JAMBOREE - HOLLAND
Travel being by sea in those days, the Jamboree Contingent left Brazil early in July and the 2nd. São Paulo was represented by: Jack Hunter, Frank Dawe, Tom Gregory (Cobra PL.) and Billy Pond (Eagle PL.). Two more Scouts from the 1st. Baden-Powell Group of Rio joined them for this great Jamboree, the last before the War and the last at which the Chief Scout of the World would be present. They all personally greeted the Chief who visited the camp-site of the British Scouts from Brazil, giving Etubom a replica of the Jacob Staff, the Jamboree symbol, in the Troop room to this day.
THE LATE THIRTIES
During the several months of absence of Etubom and Pancho, Patrol Leaders Ray Racy of the Tigers and Bill Bennett of the Beavers, ran the Scout Parades and other activities with the help of a member of the Toc.H. They did a fine job until handing over to Pancho again at a camp-fire (there was a camp-fire circle behind the Scout Hut) to welcome back the Jamboree Contingent. At this camp-fire, Tom Gregory introduced a custom which became a tradition for many years. He had managed to collect a few embers from the last grand camp-fire of the Jamboree, attended by all participants and Lord and Lady B.P. These ashes were poured from a horn into the fire at the start and some new embers taken out at the closing of the
camp-fire. Ashes from many camp-fires were collected in this manner well into the seventies, all originating from the ceremony at the Jamboree.
A letter with congratulations to the Jamboree contingent, praising their efficiency, arrived shortly afterwards, signed by the International Commissioner, Hubert Martin.
With Pancho back in action, late 1937 and 1938 were busy times with a number of camps in Chacara Flora, which was finally reaching the end of its usefulness as a camp-site - the land had been sold and construction was starting in a number of places.
The Cyclist Patrol had been formed. At each Scout Parade there would be some two dozen Scouts arriving by bicycle and there was a frame for resting bikes alongside the Scout headquarters. Many of the cyclists became members of this patrol, their bikes had to be in good shape, and all those approved were allowed to hang a green pennant from the handlebars. Printed on the pennant was the Scout badge and the words “2nd. São Paulo Cyclist Patrol”. Ten to fifteen Scouts would ride to camp in a group, leaving the Scout hut with full camping gear strapped to their bikes. Raymond Racy, who to this day is still an active cyclist and who had the reputation for doing the unexpected, once road on his bike on his own the whole way from São Paulo to a camp-site beyond the village of Perus, along the 11 kilometres of sleepers of a railway track belonging to the Perus-Pirapora cement factory - there and back - a great endurance test for both rider and bicycle. He rode a Hercules bike in those days, which upon leaving Brazil to join the U.K. forces, he gave to his successor as Tiger PL., Toby, who kept the bike for several more years, naming it Henry and getting good service riding it to camps well into the late forties..
One of the best camps during this period was the 1938 Easter camp by the Light & Power Company Parnaiba dam. The Troop camped on an island under the dam, surrounded by a rushing river of polluted water. After the first day, campers got used to the odour and despite the impression these notes may be giving, it was an excellent site, used more than once in future years. Mr. & Mrs. Bowles, parents of Scout Jimmy Bowles, who had offered the site, allowed the Scouts to use their swimming pool, so there were good bathing facilities.
The year of 1938 was the start of the main problem which caused the 2nd. São Paulo Association to have to suspend operations by the end of 1940. The Vargas dictatorship was issuing decree-laws severely restricting activities of private organisations and associations, especially those controlled by foreigners. With the help of Sir Hugh Guerney, who personally intervened by approaching the Minister of Justice, the immediate problem was overcome. Nevertheless, the Union Jack and Stars and Stripes was no longer worn on the uniform and the Association applied for registration with the São Paulo Scout Movement, arranging for modifications and translation to Portuguese, of the Statutes. It should be noted that at that time Brazilian Scouting was somewhat disorganised, having a number of independent Associations. The 2nd. had very friendly relations with the Boy Scout Paulistas
Association and in particular with their Leaders, Léo Ribeiro de Moraes, João Mós, José Spina, Rodolfo Malamprê (their founder) and, in later years with Eugene Pfister.
The Boy Scouts Paulistas were true Scouts with a real B.P. spirit and, in due course were instrumental in convincing the 2nd. São Paulo to return to the official Movement and wear their uniforms again, towards the end of the 2nd.World War.
An important event took place during 1938 with the surprise visit of the Committee Chairman, Mr. Ashley-Brereton, to a Saturday Scout Parade to hand Etubom the Medal of Merit, awarded by I.H.Q. London in recognition of his good services to Scouting in Brazil.
THE YEARS 1939 AND 1940
The Cub Pack had been through a difficult period owing to shortage of Leaders, until Mrs. Isabel Govier took over. In fact, for a short time Etubom himself had run the Cubs, as he did the Scout Troop when it was in difficulties. There were few Cub outdoor activities and there are no membership records available.
Frank Dawe had to resign upon leaving São Paulo and, as mentioned above, Etubom stepped in to help whilst the three most Senior Pls. formed a trio to run the Troop - Ray Racy, Tiger PL. - Bill Bennett , Beaver PL. and Tom Gregory , Cobra PL. This was not easy for them as they were all starting work, neither Bill or Tom being available for all activities, so that Ray, known as “Okorro”, was the one who really took over. Fortunately, later in 1939, Paddy Nixon, whose Indian name was “Nsongibuit”, returned to São Paulo, so the Troop once again had a full team of Scouters.
Some camps were held in Morumbi, a popular spot being the ridge of hills overlooking the city, at a point called the “three trees”, now a large club. However, the favourite site was Perus, arranged for the use of the Scouts, some years before by Mr.Derrom who worked for the Perus Portland Cement Company, then Canadian owned, and which had a narrow gauge railway running to Pirapora and Gato Preto. Camps were held on a piece of land by the Rio Juqueri belonging to old Amrosio, black as the ace of spades, who always welcomed the Scouts.
The Pico do Jaraguá was another popular spot for hikes and a bit of climbing, and the following Times of Brazil report on a hike to that peak, when each patrol started from a different point and all had to carry out a number of tasks on route, including a good turn, is of interest
TIMES OF BRAZIL - 31st.MARCH
On Sunday last the Troop held a very enjoyable hike to the Pico do Jaraguá. Everything worked out wonderfully well, and by 3.25 pm. the whole Troop had
gathered on top of the Pico. Everyone was hot and tired, but a long period of ease on
the Pico was very refreshing, and the return to Taipas Station was made in a leisurely manner. In order that the merits of the achievements of each of the Patrols could be judged, a system of marking was devised, and the results were as follows:- Cobras, 113 points; Tigers 101; Jaguars 91; Hawks 83; Beavers 55; Eagles 48. The Cobras especially are to be congratulated on their efforts, in view of the fact that they started 30 minutes late (PL. Tony Pilnik to blame of course) and they spent some time in doing their good turn, which consisted in helping an astonished Hungarian to cultivate his field. They left him after half an hour’s hard work with the Hungarian’s remark that any time they wished to come and help him dig his land they would be most welcome. The Eagles turned cow hands, and prevented a misguided cow from straying from the narrow way. The Beavers, apparently found a man whose pyjama coat was being gradually drawn into the chain of his bicycle, and nobly suppressing shouts of laughter proper to such an occurrence, they rushed forward in true heroic manner, releasing him from the relentless machine. The Tigers, being a modest Patrol, might feel embarrassed were their own accomplishment in this respect disclosed.
OKORO (Ray Racy)
The 1939 Easter camp was held on the Dawe’s farm close to Itatiba. Here are some extracts from a log of that camp, published in the Times of Brazil:
2nd.SÀO PAULO (ES) BOY SCOUTS ASSOCIATION - ITATIBA CAMP
......The Paulista train rushed us swiftly out into the interior, and left us transplanted, finally, after a breathlessly fast journey, at Louveira, in the quiet and bright air of the country, and São Paulo seemed far enough away. With light hearts we scrambled onto the already overcrowded little Itatibense train, which took us with much effort into Itatiba. We were kept busy throughout the whole journey warding off sparks from the engine, and trying to locate the smells of smouldering uniforms. From Itatiba to the farm, some 15 kilometres we took a “caminhão”, contrary to the Law. It was rough going and it was lucky we kept our heads down when a low wire suddenly swept across our path, or else we would certainly have lost them. .......... Our arrival at camp was signalled in the usual splitting manner. A mule carried most of our packs to Barreiros, the aptly named range of hills amongst which we were to camp. On arriving at the site we busied ourselves with the usual routine of pitching tents and organising ourselves, until a long drawn out yell of “Come and get it” boomed out of the camp kitchen, where the cooks under the cover of darkness and the uncertain light of a candle had been concocting a meal. Many were the whispered rumours that circulated concerning this meal. Fortunately, it was dark so we were able to eat with untroubled minds, secure in the philosophy that “what the eye does not see...” .......... Next day some tests were passed, and in the afternoon a game of attack and
defense was played amongst the huge boulders on top of Barreiros. At camp fire we were entertained by Little Audrey (jokes of that period) and a competition to see who could tell the stalest joke had the desired effect of bringing to the end an already long camp-fire. Next morning was spent chiefly in preparation for the return journey; at mid-day we left Barreiros for the farm. Then the journey was of course the reverse of the outward one, except the “caminhão” seemed even more jumpy - the Itatibense fairly rained sparks on us and on the Paulista we had to stand in the corridors........ until at last were were safely deposited at the São Paulo terminal station. ..........we wish to express our sincere thanks to “Pancho” for his thought- fullness and activity in preparing a site and making all those arrangements which assured the smooth running of the camp. And, lastly, and above all, are we glad to have had Pancho himself with us at camp again.
Not much different from the camps of today except for the fact that in the thirties, getting to and from camp carrying all the equipment and food with us and travelling by train and truck, was an adventure in itself.
Troop Parades continued to be on Saturday afternoons and the log of a meeting during the forties, is a good example of what took place in those days:-
Saturday, 27th. January 1940 Parade started at 2.30 pm. Etubom told us that there was to be an inspection. There were 2 Cobras present, 1 Beaver, 5 Tigers, 2 Hawks and no Eagles (they were on a Patrol camp) and 5 Jaguars. After inspection we discussed the uses of the Scout staff, each member of the Troop having to demonstrate one use. Etubom announced that we were going to have a game. The Troop was divided into three teams, each one of these teams facing one of the Scouters, each one being about 15 metres from his team. Ray had to throw a rope for his team holding one of the ends and Paddy and Etubom had to do the same with their teams. Every member of the teams, one by one, had to make a loop around his body knotting it with a bowline; after this he was hauled in - if his knot was wrong he had to go back and do it again - the first team to be hauled in being victorious. We then played another game with the same teams. One by one each had to do a knot blindfolded, the team that finished first being the winner. After this Paddy instructed us on first-aid, giving us the right idea of what first-aid really is, explaining when first-aid should be used and when it should not be given. He explained to us that triangular bandages should be white and not grey like ours were. After that useful instruction we had horse fights and then we had a game for testing our observation. Toby got the highest score of 20 out of 23. Classification of the Patrols was - 1st. Hawks, 2nd.Jaguars, 3rd.Tigers, 4th. Cobras, 5th. Beavers. After this subs were collected. John M. found that he had lost Rs11$oo. After dismissal we unsuccessfully looked for his lost money.
Scribe Tommy Sumner.
Along came the war years with increased restrictions for foreign Associations in Brazil. However, 1940 was still an active year for the 2nd. São Paulo.
At least three camps were held at Perus, one being a full week, which was exactly at the time of the news of the fall of France. This news reached us at camp via old Ambrosio, the Negro who owned the site. That fine old man was a good friend of the Scouts who always gave him whatever left-over food there was. Ambrosio somehow sensed that the war and this news about France, which had astounded the Troop, was a bad omen for the future camping of the “rapazes inglêses”on his land. How right he was. The Scouts returned only once to Perus and that was four years later, to find that the site lay only about 200 metres from a new highway being built, the Via Anhanguera.
After the camp the future looked very bleak for the Scout Association, as it did for the world in general at that time. The Scouters, Bill Bennett, Ray Racy and Paddy Nixon had volunteered and would be leaving Brazil for the U.K. by early 1941 at the latest. Elias Jorge Mahfuz had given the Scouts 90 days to dismantle and take away the Scout Hut, as he was developing the land (this period was extended because his daughter Nelly, who was given the notice to deliver to one of the Pls. in her senior class at school, had torn it up as she did not agree with her father forcing the Scouts to leave). And, lastly, pressure had grown and the authorities had announced that the Troop and Pack had to be run by Army Officers, to be chosen by them. The Pls. and leading Troop “characters”over these years were:- Jesse Rinehart, Tony Pilnik who had just become a Rover as well as Alec Nowill, Tommy Sumner, Toby Shellard, Basil Mathieson, Bobby More, Luiz Matarazzo, Raul de Grave “Bulldog”, John and Peter Colinvaux, Titi Dupont, Pierre Kahn, Geoffrey and Martin Crewe; Fred, Gerald and Roger Fenton-Smith, Jimmy Urner, Harry Gregory, Maurice Burt, Ken Sumner, Stuart Birkinshaw, Karsten Orberb and Sven Sonnervig.
Activities were suspended towards the end of 1940 and the last official outdoor activity registered in the log book, by an unidentified scribe, was a hike to Taboão on the 25th. August 1940. A few extracts are quoted below from the log of this hike, during which Patrols had to take photos of different incidents and wild life:-
.... When we started hiking everybody took out his camera. Right at the beginning, Ray and Tommy were enchanted with a tree stuck in the middle of a field, so they took a picture of it. .... Further along Tommy and Toby went stalking birds but, to nobody’s surprise, they came back with no results. Then some guys started a fight about who was going to read the “Gibi”next. Ray said it was the worst paper that existed, so that became the conversation for the next few minutes. Further on we saw some cows. Harry was going to take a picture of them, but then he realised he hadn’t a camera. Then we saw some ducks. Everybody took out their cameras to take pictures.
Then Ray started to hit Maurice with his thumbstick because Maurice had called him Goebels. Next we arrived at Campo Limpo where there was a venda and we bought biscuits and guaraná. Then Maurice started to pat a cow nervously so Toby took a picture of him under the heading of humorous pictures. We met a horse which started to neigh and was responded to from around a hill. Then the mare started coming down the hill and they soon met. We stayed to watch with cameras out. After this Ray wanted to continue up the hill but Basil said it was better to go down to the valley as he imagined some unknown Paradise down there, but Ray said no we would go up. .... Following a path we could hear water but it was too steep to reach off the path. After more walking we came to a hut where we decided to stop and cook our lunches. We all cooked just outside the hut except Tommy and Harry who cooked in the matto. A fine excuse for them not to be seen doing unscouty things! Everybody had their cameras ready to take pictures of unscouty actions. Ray was the last one to start lighting his fire and we all waited for him to light it by friction, so as to take pictures of a Scouty thing. Suddenly three men and some dogs appeared and told us to clear out because this was private land. They carried rifles but let us finish making our lunch. Toby was all proud of his “ausie-dampers”, for once they looked half eatable. Ray’s firelighting by friction, with all of us watching, was a complete failure. He claimed the wood was damp. After lunch we cleared and rested.... .... We decided to get going and left the place spotless. .... We went back the same way we came and at 4.50 pm. the bus arrived. When we got to Largo dos Pinheiros we all caught a tram and went home.
The last Scout and Cub meetings of the old 2nd. São Paulo (ES) Boy Scout Association were sad events. At the Scout Parade the Patrol corners were dismantled and all pictures, gear etc. packed into the large patrol boxes.
The bottle green hut - same colour as the scarf of today - was to be taken to pieces and transported to Pirituba a few days later. It was mounted again on the S.P.A.C. cricket “sub-séde” in a far corner of the grounds, just off the railway line.
Official activities had come to an end, although a number of weekends were spent at the new location of the Hut, in Pirituba, non uniform, plus a few camps until Ray Racy left for the U.K. about mid 1941. A few diehard Rovers which included Tony Pilnik, Alec Nowill and Hugh Stock, met about once a month at the Racy’s house close to Avenida Paulista, where Mr. and Mrs. Racy always made them welcome.
Incentivated by Etubom, one or two further Pirituba get-togethers were held late 1941 and early 1942, including a “boys camp” organised and run by him for some 70 youngsters, many of whom were Old Scouts or Cubs.
THE BANDEIRANTES BOYS’ CLUB
As the following thirty three years cover the period during which the writer of these Memoirs was the Leader and then Group Scoutmaster, it becomes much easier to write in the first person (if that hasn’t already slipped in occasionally in the previous sections). So here goes.
Upon arriving at S.P.A.C. one afternoon in mid 1942 to play a game of Rugby Five’s, I was waylaid in the entrance hall by Jack Hunter, still known to me as Etubom. “Toby”,he said, “you are just the man I was looking for. An American from the Fellowship Community Church contacted me to inform that they have just started a Boys’ Club and they would like my assistance in introducing Scouting activities for the youngsters”. I listened politely without much interest as he went on - “I immediately thought of you and would like you to join me next Saturday to go and visit this Boys’ Club”. My respect for Etubom was too great for me to refuse and once again he proved to have the gift to delegate work. That next Saturday was the start of my life as a Scouter, which, not long afterwards, would turn the Boys’Club into the Carajás Scout Troop.
There were some fifteen young Fellowship Church boys in the club, ranging from 12 to 15 years old, mostly from the Graded School. I took to them immediately but am ashamed to say that I can remember few names. In fact the only names that come to mind are, George Colman, Phillip Wrench, Garry Goble, Steven Lantos - and Bentley Duncan. They were all typical Scouting types and took to our methods and ideas like ducks to water. Meetings were held in the grounds of a house with swimming pool, in Vila Clementino. With support of the Fellowship Church Committee, which included a U.S. Consul, Mr. Colman, Rev.Duncan and other Church members, we developed the Club into a sort of non-uniform Scout Troop. Patrols were formed with Bandeirante names, tests and badges including first and second class were registered by means of knots tied to different coloured rope thongs, worn on the belt. In no time Old 2nd. São Paulo Cubs and Scouts, Maurice Burt, Ken Sumner, Bernard Barbosa, Barry Cleaver, Ernest Schwehr and others, including Doug’ O’May, Charlie “Brasileiro” Harrison, Jobito Lane, John Andrews, Eddie Harrison and Viviano Ferrantini, all joined the Club. The Fellowship Church made no objection; any Christian was welcome. With the influence of old members of the 2nd. São Paulo it was to all effects an underground Scout Troop and, most important, with the same “Scout spirit” of our old Troop.
Etubom, as I already stated, knew how to delegate, he kept well in the background but frequently invited me round to his house, across the road from St.Paul’s School, to borrow Scouting books from his extensive library and benefit from his wisdom and experience.
Dr. Job Lane, always a great Scouting supporter, gave us free use of Chacara Lane towards Sto.Amaro - open country at that time - and built a cottage in his grounds for our use, which became our out-of-town headquarters where we kept the camping gear.
The B.B.C. flourished for the next two years with some thirty members, and camps were held in “Chacara Lane”, a new site in Chacara Flora and in Morumbi. In late 1943 we went to Perus again. What a disappointment. The original Rio Juqueri was polluted; there was enormous road machinery working nearby, just alongside Amrosio’s cottage, the Anhanguera was being built and poor old Ambrosio was moving away. Driving along that highway our site was just off to the right of kl.25 as you come out of São Paulo. This camp commenced with quite an adventure. Some twenty Bandeirantes met, with full packs and camping gear, at the Luz station at the start of a long weekend, only to find the ticket queue going right around the station block. Seeing no chance of getting on to the train for Perus they took a local train to Lapa and hiked from there, stopping at the old Scout Hut in Pirituba to rest and build some stretchers with Scout staffs, to facilitate the carrying of gear and food. This happy band of boys then hiked past Taipas to Perus, to arrive and find that the “M”, the Perus/Pirapora daily wood burning train, had just left. Undaunted they went to the Cement factory Superintendent’s house, a Canadian just starting his before-lunch gin-tonic, and told him who they were and what had happened. “No problem”said he, “we’ll call the train back!!” And that is exactly what he did. The train shunted backwards for some two kilometres to Perus, an extra passenger wagon was attached and the boys poured in with all gear plus two crates of guaraná, being a gift from the friendly Superintendent. Those were the days!
Another camp was held on the same island at Parnaiba. Mr. and Mrs.Bowles were delighted to have us, and Etubom joined us. They all came to camp-fire which, at that time, had a special meaning. We discussed the war - still in a critical stage - and sang traditional songs, like Land of Hope and Glory, There will always be an England, God Bless America, etc. They were stirring occasions.
Other camps were held at Jandira and at the Macintyres’ “sítio”on the Billings reservoir. We cycled to this camp along the via Anchieta which was still under construction.
The Boys’ Club meeting place moved to the old premises of the Graded School and, in late 1943, to the “porão” of Pensão Thisted, near the Brigadeiro Luiz Antonio. Viggo Thisted was a Club member and had talked his mother into allowing us the use of the basement. Somehow Mrs. Thisted kept peace with her boarding guests who must have had to wear ear plugs every Thursday evening.
One day during May 1944 I received a ‘phone call which, at first, had me quite worried. It was from Scouter Eugene Pfister whom I did not know at that time, of the ex Boy Scouts Paulistas. They had also closed down in protest against the Vargas dictatorship intervention in the Scout Movement, but had recently gone back into
uniform under the new title of “Associação de Escoteiros São Paulo”. He had heard of our Boys’ Club and that it was formed by many of our old Scouts. He and his buddies wanted to visit our next meeting. We held a panic Court of Honour and decided to hide all pictures and other signs at headquarters of our Scouting habits, receive them at our meeting and play it by ear. We would act like a typical Boys’ Club.
Along came Eugene Pfister, Georges de Baére, Walter Schlithler and José Spina, all in Scout uniform and greeting us with the left hand shake, which had me confused from the start. By the end of the meeting we were good friends, they could see we were typical Scouts, so we put our Scouting pictures back on the walls. That great Scouter, no longer with us, George de Baére, lost control and cried with emotion as we hung up the picture of B.P.
There was no saying no - we had to go back into uniform - although a bit hesitant because the “Federação Paulista de Escoteiros” was still run by the military. It was agreed that we should operate under the wing of the A.E.S.P. and we chose the name “Tribu Carajás." We would wear the wine coloured scarf of the A.E.S.P. for the next five years, until we were able to form our own Scout Group, once the military control of Scouting had come to and end.
I was in my old and very tight uniform by the next meeting and participated in a Training Course run by that outstanding old Boy Scout Paulista Scouter, José Spina. A great experience, as he was one of those exceptional Leaders who truly had what we so often sing about “The B.P. Spirit right in his heart”. I learned a lot from Chefe Spina and am forever grateful..
TRIBU CARAJÁS
On the 23rd. September 1944 some 20 or more Boys’ Club members, now in Scout uniform, spent a weekend at the Hut in Pirituba. Patrol boxes were opened, dens re-decorated and on that weekend we all renewed or took our Scout Oath for the first time, receiving the red wine coloured scarf and tenderfoot badge. All were keen and proud but this memorable occasion had an unfortunate sequence. On the Monday after, practically everybody was in bed with dysentery, caused by the polluted spring water that ran by the Cricket pavillion.
Possibly the list is incomplete but according to the available records the following, apart from myself, became official Scouts again on that occasion:-
John R. Andrews - Edward Harrison - Kenneth V. Hunter (Etubom’s son) - Lauriston Job Lane - George T. Colman Jr. - Kenneth Sumner - Charles Cole - Peter J. Crewe - Kenneth Douglas O’May - Norman Desmond Manington - Barry J. W. Cleaver - Maurice H. S. Burt - Adam W. MacLachlan Gray - Bernard Barbosa - Robert R. Rowe - Kenneth G. Payne - Phillip Wrench - Thomas Bentley Duncan - Viggo Thisted - Arne Arnesen - Charles Harrison - John Herlinger.
Patrols were formed, namely: Cobras, Tigers (Onças), Eagles and Hawks.
An extract from the log book which had to be written in Portuguese, of the very first meeting held as Carajás before the above Pirituba inauguration, reads:--
Reunião - Quinta-feira 31 de agosto 1944
Iniciamos nossas atividades sob a nome de Tribu Carajás da A.E.S.P. O nosso monitor (?) é George Duncan Shellard (vulgo Toby, ou Tobias). Fomos distribuidos em quatro patrulhas - Cobras - Onças - Aguias e Gaviões. Tobias distribuiu as fichas de noviço que deviam ser preenchidas. Em seguida tivemos um jogo de velas, em que teriamos de correr com a vela por uma certa distância sem deixá-la apagar. Foi um jogo interessante, mas no qual a maioria queimou-se as mãos e se sujou a roupa com cera. Tobias depois inutilizou seu chapéu não querendo empregá-lo para um jogo no qual o chapéu dele devia ser tomado por um rapaz do grupo contrário sem que seu inimigo alcançasse e o tocasse. Demos bastante risada ao ver o chapéu do Toby amassado como uma panqueca, e de tombos divertíssimos por parte de Ernest e Viviano. Tobias depois nos ditou as leis escoteiras e nos ensinou a saudação. Êle também nos indicou aonde comprar o umiforme. Terminamos a reunião pontualmente às 9.30, que será a nossa hora costumeira de terminar as reuniões.
Escrivão - Viggo Thisted - Sempre Alerta
In a matter of weeks, numbers had almost doubled. A fifth patrol, the Buffaloes, was formed and there was an invasion of youngsters from St. Paul’s School, including Robin Muir, Bobby Diamond, Dick Charity, David Gotelee, Eric Thisted, Bruce Henderson, Roy and Ian Johnston, Norton Murdoch, Julian Sewell, Thor “Tucha”Arnesen, Bernt Dybwad and Mario Montag.
Space became a problem since the Thisted’s basement was only about 25 metres square with a very low ceiling. Through the kindness of the Muir family, who had a very large room over their four-car garage in the gardens of their house on the Avenida Paulista, we moved to larger premises during 1945, just a block away from an old abandoned house used as the A.E.S.P. headquarters.
Mr. Muir didn’t like noise, so all windows on the house side of the room were kept closed during Troop meetings. However, the open windows on the far side faced the neighbours, who ended up complaining every time we gave the Troop yell. Yells were restricted to Pirituba where we went twice a month over weekends.
We were in 1945. The war had ended and by 1946 numbers began to drop alarmingly. There was a large exodus as many of the Scouts were leaving upon being sent to school in the U.K. . In a matter of eighteen months, numbers had risen from 25 to over 40 and then dropped dramatically. By mid 1946 our register was down to 13! Something had to be done. We weren’t attracting boys from St. Paul’s School any more - the school had also suffered from the exodus - so we approached the Graded School and with support of the Principal, Miss Moore, a Scouting enthusiast, promotional ads were placed on the school notice-board, resulting in a S.P.G.S. invasion. Among the many new Scouts, some leaving their mark to this day, were: Lee and Bob Blocker, Jeff and Herb Penfield, Hugo Vidal and his brother, Calvin Reed, David Lennington, Robert Sutton, Francisco Steuer, Victor Palzewski, Bob Swindler and Tom Penn. We had lost Patrol Leaders Roy and Ian Johnston, Kenneth Payne, Adam Gray and Jobito Lane, all to schooling abroad, and the only two experienced Pls. left were Julian Sewell and Tucha Arnesen, as well as Bernt Dybwad, soon to become a PL.; and his brother Jarle, all from St. Paul’s School. Other keen types who joined at this time were Peter Bina, Martin Handy and Richard Speyer. In no time the Troop was being built up with the emphasis on the Graded School.
The first Patrol Leaders and original Boys’Club members were now over Scout Troop age and for a short time we had a Rover Crew. Among the Rovers were: “Brasileiro” Harrison, Doug O’May, Arne Arnesen, Barry Cleaver, Eddie Harrison, Maurice Burt, Charlie Cole (who later was to become the founder of another Scout Troop also attached to the A.E.S.P.), and one or two others.
The Rovers gave a hand with the Troop and held many outdoor activities including some hikes with the Ranger Guides, usually night hikes which included the climbing, on one occasion, of the Pico do Jaraguá. By 1949 this Crew had dwindled again. It always seemed difficult to have continuity in a Rover Crew from one generation to the next.
Initially, camp-sites were a problem. We were using the new site that had been loaned by the Ford family on the edge of Chacara Flora, but it had some drawbacks. There were no swimming facilities and drinking water had to be obtained from a nearby garden, until one day, the owner walked into camp, furious. The Scouts had stolen, killed and eaten one of his chickens! The Patrol, which we shall not name, claimed that the chicken had wandered into their patrol camp-site!
Once again through the kind help of Dr. Job Lane we secured the use of two sites - a place belonging to him close to the banks of the Billings, which we had to reach by boat, also offered by him, and the use of Chacara Araçatuba just across the road from Chacara Flora, still largely uninhabited - with a lake and spring water. A good site and handy to get to, almost the whole Troop would get there by bike. Another site was arranged for us on the Billings, which also had to be reached by boat, belonged to Scout Richard Speyer’s family.
Three Scouts who joined in the late forties and were to become Patrol Leaders and later on participate as Scouters, were: Richard Leach, Tom Varadi and Charles Downey. Other very active Scouts during the same period were Ian Myers, Hans Pabst, Pierre Bernstein and Charlie Templar.
From mid 1947 through to the end of 1948 I had a full time Assistant, Dennis Pantin had joined the Troop, never having been a Scout before but soon getting into the spirit of things being a useful asset, including his participation in the first Itatiaia camp.
CUBS
There had been no Cub age boys in the Bandeirantes Boys’ Club, nor did we have a Cub Pack attached to the Troop in the immediate post-war years. However, the A.E.S.P. had two Packs, one of which was run by that very competent Akela, Carmen Pfister, assisted by Eileen O’Gorman (Mrs. Cleaver). This Pack, the “Rodolfo Malamprê” Pack, was catering for both St.Paul’s and Graded School boys, so it was decided that they should feed the Tribu Carajás. This worked very well until, later on, this Pack became an official part of the Carajás Group.
ROLL OF HONOUR
Having a fully set-up Troom room at the Muir’s, we decorated it in Scouting style and decided we should have a Roll of Honour for Scouts who had lost their lives in the 2nd. World War. This Roll hung next to the Scout Laws on the main wall and the names of the following old 1st. and 2nd. São Paulo (ES) Scouts were listed, all but one, who served in the U.S. forces, having served in the British forces:-
2nd. São Paulo (ES) Boy Scout Group “ROLL OF HONOUR”
C. J. Bowles R.B. MacWilliam
H. C. Cromack E. Monk
H. R. Derrom R.M. More
J. Everill P. Potter
C. Macintyre J.D. Rushworth
A. C. Macintyre J. G. Wood
“When the suns sets, and
at dawn
we shall remember them”
At this point we must record the sad loss of four Scouts over the years, still in their teens and members of our Scout Group:-
CLAYTON WOOD - 1930
A Patrol Leader who was in the 1st. São Paulo Troop. He was buried in uniform, his coffin being carried by brother Scouts. For many years after, Jimmy Macintyre together with Carajás Pls. used to lay flowers on his grave, once a year.
JOHN DAWSON - 1935
This young boy who had joined the 2nd. São Paulo only a few months before, died suddenly of a heart attack.
GORDON BENNETT - 1962
Son of Old Scout Bill Bennett, who at the time of Gordon’s death was Committee President. Gordon’s tragic accident stunned the Carajás Group. He was buried in uniform with the whole Group accompanying his coffin.
THOMAS KARL HOFFMAN - 1969
Young Thomas had only just arrived to live in Brazil, joined the Troop and taken his Scout Oath a few months before his tragic car accident on the way to a Troop meeting at St. Paul’s School. The Patrol Leaders attended the funeral.
Very sad times not only for their families but for all their friends and brother Scouts.
VISIT OF THE DIRECTOR OF THE WORLD SCOUT BUREAU
A milestone in the history of Scouting in Brazil, was the first ever visit of a member of the World Scout Bureau to this country. Col. J. S. “Belge” Wilson, one of Baden Powell’s right hand men and Director of the Bureau, at that time still based in London. He visited Brazil in the late forties to be met at Congonhas airport by a small reception party of uniformed Paulista Leaders. As he disembarked, also in uniform, he greeted us all, this being the end of his South American tour and said, as he shook hands: “It is nice to be greeted by real Scouts!”. During his three busy days in São Paulo, he included a visit to our Pirituba Hut where a few Scouts who had obtained permission to miss school, were there to greet him. Col. Wilson was instrumental in solving our problem of how to maintain a connection with I.H.Q. in London, despite our now being a Brazilian Group. To my relief and satisfaction he told me we had done absolutely the right thing by giving up our British registration. He said “Toby, your Group can give a big contribution to Brazilian Scouting. You have done the right thing in joining the Federação”. He promised to speak to the British International Commissioner and sort out our relationship problem. As a result we had many years of
close contact and friendship with I.H.Q. International Secretary, Bob Thomas, who endorsed our many requests for supplies of badges and other equipment from the Scout Shop, normally restricted to British Groups. In those days the Lojas Escoteiras here had very little to offer, so that one of our problems was how to refuse Scouts from other Troops, who would arrive at Carajás meetings in order to buy badges, etc. from us. Following my Wood Badge Courses at Gilwell Park, when I had the opportunity of meeting I.H.Q. International Department personally, I was able to have close contact and benefit from the advice and wisdom of that gifted and creative, Camp Chief, John Thurman, who in later years ran a Training the Team Course, in Porto Alegre, where I acted as his interpreter.
THE YEARS 1948 TO 1951
With the S.P.G.S. invasion we were back to a full Troop of four Patrols and very active Scouting. Despite being attached to the A.E.S.P. and their Executive Committee, we formed our own Parents Committee, chaired by Geoffrey Sewell, one of the founders of the 1st. São Paulo. Other Committee members with Scouting experience included Toby Dods (ex British Commissioner for Uruguay), who, apart from his other Committee functions, directed two Ralph Reader style “Gang Shows”, the first being on the stage of the Graded School, with participation of some 60 Cubs and Scouts. Much work, but very successful and a good promotion for Scouting.
We had moved from the Muir’s house to the Fellowship Church, where we had temporary use of a small hall once a week. Although we couldn’t turn it into our Troop room, we did have good ground space outside for games and activities, which had always been a problem at the Muir’s.
Our efforts to move to St. Paul’s School had been repeatedly blocked by the Headmaster at that time, an ex Scouter himself who argued that we would get the blame for anything that went wrong at the school. However, later during 1949 the new Headmaster, Rev. Lloyd-Jones, gave us his full support and we moved to the covered playground near the Headmaster’s house, where we kept a large cupboard and used pressure lamps to light up the soccer field for games and outdoor activities. Who still remembers the famous Tilley lamps?
Chacara Araçatuba and Dr. Lane’s land on the Billings lake were favourite camp-sites, but São Paulo was growing and we began to look for new sites. The suggestion was made of Itatiaia, and with the kind co-operation of Roberto Donati, owner of the Repouso Itatiaia, and our good friends Mamede and Dna. Alice, who had a small shop nearby, we held the first of many camps on that site, in January 1948. Among the eleven Scouts on this first “long camp”, two weeks, were: Eagle PL. Tucha Arnesen, Cobra PL. Lee Blocker, Richard Speyer, Stuart Cotton, David Lennington and Bob Blocker. On this first camp in Itatiaia, the only way to get to the “Planalto” was the path via “Macieiras” and “Dezeséte” (even by my Short Cuts more like “Vinte e Séte”).
The Vale das Flores and whole plateau was still wild and completely unspoilt. Only the hardy were prepared to climb the Agulhas and Pratileiras with a 25 kilometre hike each way. Four Patrols camped in Itatiaia again in 1949, with a total of 19 participants. The camp-winning Patrol was the Cobras under PL. Robert Sutton, famous for his mimicking of Donald Duck, his Second being Rowney Scott. The runners-up were the Eagles under Tucha Arnesen and Bernt Dybwad. The Tigers under Richard Speyer and Lions with PL. Victor Codling, whose second was Hans Pabst, were third. It was an excellent camp with much hiking and climbing and, as our Itatiaia song to the tune of The Blue Bells of Scotland tells us“in spite of some rain we all had a darn good time”.
Headmaster Lloyd-Jones asked us to accept school boarders into the Troop (as in the days of the 2nd. São Paulo (ES) ), and at the same time offered us the use of the school hall. for meetings.
Once again we were back to a very large Troop and a waiting list, but fortunately we had a fine team of Patrol Leaders. 1950 was the year of another very special camp, the third Itatiaia camp, but this time in July, on a new site just above the Repouso.
The two strongest Patrols at camp were probably the Cobras and Wolves, Pls. respectively, Hugo Vidal and Peter Bina. No doubt other Patrol Leaders including Julian Sewell, Victor Codling and Bernt Dybwad, will dispute this - the Troop was going through a period of high level Scouting all round, a standard maintained and increased during the fifties. Hugo Vidal had a group of very keen Scouts in the Cobras, including Rowney Scott, Herbert Penfield, Bud McKew and the small (only in size) but “maintainer of standards” witty personality, Calvin Reed, who never missed a Troop or Patrol meeting or any outdoor activity, from the day he joined until he said good-bye to us, as he left for the U.S.A. from an International Patrol Camp, a year later in Gilwell Park. Calvin was the Scout who decided I was getting slack and promptly nicknamed me “Rusty”, a name which stuck for some several months.
On that Itatiaia camp the Scouts participated in what I consider my most famous, though not fully successful, short-cut ever. We were staying at Dezesete (where later on, Macena was built) and the Park Director had sent a deaf and dumb lad to take care of the hut. Rather than have the eight kilometre hike round the Vale das Flores, it seemed to me that it would be much closer to hike straight to the Pratileiras, across country. I asked him if there was a path - he nodded in what I assumed to be the affirmative - so off we went, planning to save about four kilometres (which I still insist we did) and arrive an hour earlier at the base to climb the Pratileiras. This latter part didn’t work out as planned, and after crossing the roughest, boggy, rocky and bushy ground (including a dead forest), we finally reached the mountain base, at 1.00 pm., instead of 9.00 am. Undeterred, some fifteen of us climbed the Pratileiras whilst the remainder, led by Julian Sewell, headed back to Dezesete by the correct path in order to have a hot dinner ready for the climbers on their return. Climbing was slow and we were down at the Pedra Maçã by 5.00 pm. to eat our sandwiches and tidy up. Julian’s team had “kindly” taken with them, all the warm clothing left at the base by the climbers, so we were only in shorts and light shirts - it had been a warm day. Finishing our sandwiches and starting back we could not find the correct path, as it was getting dark. We used part of our only light, one box of matches and then gave up. It was mid July and frost had already formed at the 2.200 metre altitude - there was no possibility of returning by my short cut. The situation was frightening and could become very serious, so we decided to head by the stars North Westward in the direction of the Agulhas Negras, across country. Sooner or later we must hit the main path from the Agulhas to Dezesete. In pitch darkness, guided by a bright star just above the silhouette of the Agulhas in the distance, each Scout keeping touch with the one immediately in front of him, we stumbled over very rough country again until finally we came to the firm rocky trail. What a relief and what team spirit that incident formed. The seven kilometres or so back to Dezesete was done almost at Scouts pace as we sang every song we could think of, so as to keep warm. The most worried and frightened of all was Julian, who was looking for us as we arrived at about 9.00 pm. That dinner was sure good!
One of the best Itatiaia camps ever.
VII WORLD JAMBOREE
Along came 1951 and the VII World Jamboree in Bad Ischl, Austria. Eleven Brazilian Scouts participated, including seven Carajás. These were Troop Leader Bernt Dybwad, Peter Bina, Calvin Reed, Rowney Scott, Glen Langdon, Bud McKew and myself as Contingent Leader. I had gone to Europe ahead of the Contingent to make travel arrangements and take my Wood Badge Courses. The remainder came by sea on a Royal Mail Lines vessel, disembarking at Tilbury, spending a few days in London and then travelling across Europe in a full train carrying us and the complete Scottish and Canadian Contingents. This was the Jamboree of “simplicity”, where we camped on a large abandoned golf course - 11.000 Scouts - under ordinary camping conditions, with ample pioneering wood and cooking on wood fires. It was a fantastic event. This was followed by a return to England where we got caught in the Customs - we had ignored the fact that those who did not have British passports had already used their visas on first passing through England. The Customs Officer was very understanding, despite one of the Scouters having no passport at all - he had packed it in his rucksack in the hold baggage - but we were all in Scout uniform. The head of Customs came over, asked me what we were going to do in England. “We have come for the Festival of Britain International Patrol Camp”, I said. He nodded, stamped our passports and said: “You may enter because you are Scouts, but don’t do that again”.
Needless to say, the International Patrol Camp in Gilwell Park was an experience we will never forget. The organisation was superb and before the camp we spent a week in the homes of East London Scouts. Sketches and songs, including “Waltzing Matilda”, originated from this camp and were acted or sung in the Carajás for many years afterwards. It was from Gilwell that Calvin Reed and Bud McKew left for the USA, to travel on the Queen Mary with only five dollars between them. This
had to be remedied. Calvin was leaving for good and we were sorry to lose this Escoteiro da Patria. Bud returned to Brazil.
THE FIFTIES
Julian Sewell took the Troop to camp in Itatiaia again 1n 1952, on the same camp site. Long camps were now a tradition. According to our Itatiaia song, this was the camp when “everything did go right and very little wrong - and even the short cuts turned out not quite so long”. Julian, who was now Assistant Scoutmaster and who had been in charge during my long absence at Gilwell and the Jamboree, was to become the Scouter of the 2nd. Troop for St. Paul’s School boarders.
Some very keen new Scouts had joined during this period: Dino, whose surname we seem to have lost, Kim and Dirk Leiser, Robert Speyer, Jack Gisiger who was a Swiss Scout, Patrick Tinkler, Janovitz, Brian Lahr, Frank Partington, John Wood, Eric Solheim, Bob Lee Williams, James and Charles Vermes, Brian Porto, Brian Pow, Luiz Villares, David Joly and Bob Andrews, some of which became Patrol Leaders.
Up to date methods and changes introduced at that time undoubtedly contributed greatly to the successful future of the Group. The only sector which did not develop well then, even to this day, was the Senior Scout Troop, mainly, as we concluded at that time, because of insufficient numbers. Most successful Senior units are usually the pooling of candidates from a number of local District Scout Troops, which is not the case of the Carajás.
It was at this time that we separated from the A.E.S.P., forming our own “Grupo Carajás - SP.2”. Apart from the fact that being a fully structured Group would strengthen the individual sectors, the separation was also provoked by changes taking place at State level, with the conversion of the “Federação” into the “Região de São Paulo”, divided into Districts.
The year of 1952 was marked by what could be called the German invasion. A candidate off the Waiting List, came from the Porto Seguro school, Dieter Heineken. He was accepted into the Troop and his enthusiasm for Scouting brought a queue of other boys from that school applying for membership, all with the required proposers.
It had become quite a problem until we were approached by a German Scout, already 17 years old and recently arrived from Europe. He, Hermann Reck, wished to join the Carajás. This keen and enthusiastic youngster, who in due course was nicknamed “Hermann the German” by David Forrest, was welcomed and we suggested to him that after a while he might become an Assistant, to supervise two new Patrols to be formed, attached to the smaller 2nd. Troop of school boarders. These Patrols would be composed of Porto Seguro boys. He accepted, and the plan worked out extremely well. In fact, some three years later, they moved over to the Porto
Seguro school to form a complete Troop which remained attached to the Carajás for a number of years, the Tropa Aimorés.
Unfortunately there are few names of these Scouts on record, their registrations having gone over with their move, to the Porto Seguro School. Names that I can remember or appear on some photos are: Jürgen Dussel, Klaus Scheel and Hermanzinho, a champion swimmer. The Puma Patrol at Itatiaia in 1955, consisted of PL. Dieter Heineken, Hermann, Jürgen, Ekky, Klaus and Klasse. Joachim was a keen Senior Scout. Whilst Hermann was still attached to one of our Senior Patrols, we held the first Visconde de Mauá camp, in July 1953, on a small island (now washed away) on the Rio Preto, on land belonging to the Pensão Büehler. This camp was very large for a July camp with both Troops and the Seniors, a total of 44 campers at the start. It was the occasion when Peter Bina and I introduced the song, new to us then, of Waltzing Matilda, which was to become the Mauá camp song. This was also the first “John Macnab” game, developed from the theme of the book with that name by John Buchan. Here is an extract from the Times of Brazil of 7th. August 1953:-
.....Having lunched we continued on our trip by truck up the winding and precipitous mountain road, which crosses the Mantiqueira range behind Itatatiaia and leads to Mauá. At 4.oo pm. we arrived at the site situated on an island formed by the crystal clear Rio Preto. In no time the Seniors built an aerial ropeway to transport the heavy kit across the river and by sunset tents were up and camp reasonably pitched ready for the first night. The next day was of hard work, building camp kitchens, flagmasts, the camp-fire circle and a rope suspension bridge which proved to be the biggest pioneering project ever tackled by us. According to the book it was a full afternoon job for a Troop of Seniors. It took us two afternoons, but ours was a long bridge, in excess of 15 metres. We finally tested it in the late afternoon of the third day and it collapsed, giving four Scouts a much needed bath in the river! Undismayed, we set to with bigger pegs and holdfasts and by nightfall the Carajás Suspension bridge was open to the public. Later on, further improvements were made and it was no longer necessary to apologise to visitors for the hazards of visiting our camp. On this third day, five Scouts who had only come for the weekend, returned to São Paulo, leaving a total of 39 at camp. The next two mornings brought heavy frost and ice in the water buckets and the news that the temperature at the “Alto” was ten Centigrade below zero. Climbers were required to hack steps in the ice when climbing the Agulhas! The fourth day brought a serious catastrophe - five boys sick and, by evening, twelve patients for the camp to handle. The kit tent was turned into a sick bay and everybody was a little worried. The next day brought more patients, but the first invalids were getting better. Our only consolation was that many local inhabitants were also down with the same malady and it appeared to be peculiar to this district at that time of the year. Apparently last year two doctors were unable to trace the cause,
although we supect overeating! Both Scouters, Toby and Bernt had their turn and the camp looked as if it was heading for a failure. Three boys who did not react favourably to camp medicine had to go home and our trip to the Alto was postponed. However, on Friday, thirty one Scouts shouldered their packs and headed up the very steep slopes of Mauá to the Agulhas Negras. Five unlucky boys had to stay at base camp, much against their will. For two perishing cold nights we stayed at the Rancho Agulhas Negras, with the Seniors battling against a wind which did its best to blow the tents from over their heads. Most of the climbers decided not to be outdone by previous Itatiaia campers and took a 12 kilometre “short cut” completely round the mountain to climb from the hard side and come back over the top back to camp. On the peak all 31 met for a handful of raisins each! We were justly proud of our feat, for the Mauá side is hard and steep going, and many Scouts had been sick only two days before. Special mention should be made of the younger boys, Tommy Schroeder, Bill Terrell, John Downey and others, who still shaky, reached the top and stuck it out until the end. Back at the main camp the climax was still to come in the form of a strange letter which had arrived, addressed to the Troop, telling them their stalking was feeble and challenging them to prevent the writer, who signed himself John Macnab, from kidnapping a Scout and hiding near camp with him unseen, sometime between sunrise and sunset of the last full day at camp. The challenge was enthusiastically accepted and for the next two days three dozen amateur sleuths were hard at work trying to find out who John Macnab could be. Every English speaking person in the district was under suspicion and anybody who chose to watch the camp from the mainland was immediately classified as a suspect. A German artist who came on the island to paint became the obvious John Macnab, but another gentleman dressed somewhat like Sherlock Holmes, who turned and smiled at a few Scouts just when they were talking about Macnab, was promoted to suspect No.1. Of course the Scouters were also under suspicion, also Old Scouts - one who was in Scotland, two parents who visited the camp and even the residents of Pensão Büehler en masse, who were most amused and even cooperated in drawing suspicion. All was peaceful on the last full day at camp and by 3.30 pm. John Macnab was classified as a hoax. Suddenly at 3..50 smoke was seen coming from the kit tent; everybody rushed around and a fire was found inside a biscuit tin. A few minutes later and PL. Bob Andrews of the Wolves announced that Scout Estevão Koenegsfeld, who had just crossed the bridge to the mainland, was missing. Patrols scattered out to search, but far to slowly and by sundown there was no sign of Macnab or Estevão, who returned later with his hands tied. Macnab wore a mask and Estevão could throw
no light on the mystery. However, Macnab had said he might come to camp-fire.
That night at camp-fire a tall masked figure in a cape suddenly stepped out of the shadows and announced himself. It was none other than Senior Patrol Leader Hermann Reck. The Scouters, who were then in danger of being sat on, admitted their part in the game and it was over. A tremendous success.
Space does not allow for a full report on this camp.
There was a grand tea when four Patrols produced excellent results from their camp ovens, including an absolutely delicious apple pie made by David Joly of the Wolves, and excellent scones produced by David Forrest of the Lions. Nobody apart from one Senior (who should know better than to eat his own cooking) fell sick this time.
Our great around the island boat race was won by the Lions with a six inch raft.
The Scavenger-come-good-turn Hunt was most amusing and it was worth watching the surprised face of a woodchopper when a Scout came up and insisted on carrying all his wood for him.
This report would be incomplete without mentioning the camp-fires which were very good, in no small measure because of Hermann on his guitar.
The camp competition was won by the Lions, followed very closely by the Wolves. Congratulations to both Patrols and especially Pls. David Forrest (he, Peter and Brian Forrest had joined the Carajás at Gilwell Park two years before), and Bob Andrews for the excellent work they did throughout the camp.
Senior Patrol Amazonas led by Richard Leach won their competition, followed by the Guarapirangas.
It is about time something was transcribed from the Malamprê Cub Pack log book. Here is an extract of an outing on the 27th. June 1953, the last meeting before July holidays and just before the Scout camp in Visconde de Mauá:
Hike - Sunday, June 27th., 1953
This was the “despedida” hike, planned in honour of 8 boys leaving the Pack and also as the last activity before the school holidays. About 20 Cubs met at St. Paul’s School, along with Scouts Adrian Stark and Peter Riding who were going to help. We took the trolley-bus into town and then got the old rattle-trap 103 bus out to Chacara Araçatuba behind Chacara Flora. Once inside the Chacara we met quite a gang of Cubs who had driven over from Brooklin. The first item on the programme was to visit the Scouts at camp. They were all there and were waterproofing their tents in preparation for the big camp in Mauá in July. The usual procedure of building a shelter was followed and that was greatly enjoyed because of the facility of obtaining wood and leaves in the mato in the chacara. The best shelter was built by a group of old-timers, including Mark, Peter,
Alan, David and Detloff. Hugh, Peter Fairchild, Michael and Christopher were not so far behind with theirs.
After lunch we had the big event of the day - the Pack Field Day, which included skipping, races, an obstacle race, and all sorts of things. Prizes were distributed to the winners.
Just before going along to join the Scouts for the “Going-Up” Ceremony, we presented Dennis Howarth with his 2nd. Star and Peter and Detloff with a year’s star each.
The Cubs then went along to the camp-fire circle and we had the “Going-Up” for 5 boys leaving Cubs for Scouts. Many parents were present and all enjoyed the ceremony.
Akela. (Eileen O’Gorman)
The five Cubs who went up to the Scout Troop on that occasion, were:- Hugh Murdock - Dennis Howarth - Peter Slotta - Detloff von Simpson - Sergio Skuropat.
The above log referred to a total of eight leaving the Pack. The other three were: Barry Johnson who was leaving for Argentina, David Stark leaving for Australia and Alan Pow who went to England. The early to mid-fifties were busy times with two Troops. Three other Patrol Leaders who were very active during this period were, Tiger PL. Bruce Manuel; Eagle PL. Tom Varadi and Barry Howarth, all Senior Scouts by 1953, very loyal Scouts, with their fathers active members of the Parents Committee.
Other keen Scouts who joined during the early fifties were the brothers, Peter and Geert “Chimbica” Prange, with Scouting experience in Paraná, Charles Doo (who managed to catch mumps on the Planalto do Itatiaia), Garry Winslow, Peter (a British Sea Scout) and Dudley Smith, Steve Mueller, Ivan Kudnra, Richard Silva, Keith Ingram and his brother; the Cornstock brothers, Larry, Barry and Jay; Bob Gjestland, Harold Recart, Colin Berry and Colin Allan - and there are more names that we cannot trace. Apart from the school covered playground and Assembly Hall, a small shack had been built in 1948, in the back yard of my house on Rua Haddock Lobo, where all camping gear was kept, test passing evenings and Courts of Honour meetings held.
With a large Group, one Cub Pack, two Scout Troops, a Senior Troop with fourteen members, we were lacking Leaders. Eileen O’Gorman was Akela, helped by different Scouts who were working for Cub Instructors badges, of which a dedicated helper was Barry Howarth. Bernt Dybwad was assisting in the 1st. Troop and Julian Sewell was in charge of the 2nd. Troop, helped by Hermann Reck. Peter Bina was very active with the Seniors, who needed somebody with his determination and energy.
However, Bernt left São Paulo in 1954 and Peter was to leave shortly after - a great loss.
Perhaps the most important thing that happened in 1954 was the “green light” from the School Board of Directors with the full backing of headmaster P. Donovan, for us to build our own headquarters behind the swimming pool.
The Parents Committee, still chaired by Geoffrey Sewell and with the extremely active participation of two parents on the Committee, Ronald Manuel, Bruce’s father and Jimmy Hodgkiss, whose son Johnnie was a Cub, organised a fund raising group and with the help of a number of ladies among which were, Mrs. da Mota and Mrs. Terrell. Donald da Mota was roped in, being an Old Scout of the lst. São Paulo and having two sons in the Group, Johnnie and Chico. The fund raising drive went very well and within six months we had sufficient to cover the start of the construction. A solid brick and mortar 20 by 6 metre hut was built with enclosed toilets and was ready late in 1955. The old Pirituba hut was dismantled and sold to somebody who required a chicken coop, bringing in more funds. The Group owes a lot to this keen Committee and especially to Ronald Manuel, Jimmy Hodkiss and Donald da Mota, who gave a great deal of their time to the fund raising drive and to the follow-up of the construction.
We finally had a first class headquarters of our own, undoubtedly one of the finest in Brazil at that time, with the facilities of St. Paul’s School grounds at our disposal. Although only part of the Group was composed of school youngsters, St. Paul’s, through successive Headmasters and staff, have supported the Group over the years, despite occasional mishaps and we owe a lot to the school. The Group has always abided by school regulations and timetables established as to when the headquarters could be used. As a gesture of retribution, for many years the Scout Group annually donated new books from the UK. through a Book Club for the school Library, and also contributed with part of the proceeds of the Talent Shows.
The internal finishing of the Hut including construction of Patrol corners and Cub area kept everybody busy, with great enthusiasm, practically all through 1955 and 1956. In mentioning the school and its staff we should not forget João, the janitor - now deceased - always a great friend of the Scout Group.
Geoffrey Sewell had been on the Parents Committee as Chairman for many years and in 1955 was voted by the Group Council as a Life Honorary Member, in recognition of his services.
THE CUBS
Eileen O’Gorman remained Akela until her marriage to Old Scout Barry Cleaver in 1954, having worked with the Cubs, apart from being an active Girl Guide, for some ten years. We were sorry to lose her but she returned some years later. She was replaced by her sister, Frances “Baby” O’Gorman, who ran the Pack for a further
eighteen months until December 1955. Baby was helped by Bagheera, a keen Guide Irene Hershberg, with Scouts Peter Smith and Keith Buswell as Instructors.
Irene was too young to be an Akela but nevertheless ran the Pack for a while with the help of some mothers and Cub Instructors.
By May of 1956 a new Akela had been found, an Old Scout from a Troop in England, Peter Guy, and Bagheera on a temporary basis, was that gifted Leader, Toby Dods. Peter Guy left for the U.K. in April 1957.
OTHER IMPORTANT EVENTS DURING 1954 AND 1955
The city of São Paulo’s fourth centenary was celebrated by the São Paulo Scout Region with the first International camp to be held in South America - the “Acampamento Internacional de Patrulhas”. I was invited to be the Organising Commissioner and for some twelve months before the event was kept very busy and, of course, I roped in the Troop. Apart from most Latin American countries, U.S.A., Portugal, Switzerland, Lebanon and Germany were also represented. Two Carajás Patrols, all 2nd. or 1st. Class, participated, plus three Scouters and myself in the “Chefia” camp. By any standards it was a great success, receiving high praise from both Jean Salvaj, International Commissioner for the World Bureau, and Salvador Fernandez, World Bureau Commissioner for Latin America. Approximately 1.000 Scouts all camping by patrols in six sub-camps, really entered into the spirit of International Scouting. On the day when the whole camp went into the city and, led by two World Bureau Commissioners and Brazilian Leaders including Almirante Araujo, the Chief Scout, marched across the Viaduto do Chá, Scouting was actually cheered by the public and, for once our Scouts returned to camp and told me they had been proud to wander round São Paulo all day in uniform without once hearing annoying remarks. It was a great success and from then on made it much easier to convince our Court of Honour that we must participate in Região activities.
Participation over the forties through to the sixties in Regional and National activities, included many camps, mostly in the Horto Florestal in the early days and later at the exhibition camps in Parque Ibirapuera, where we were one of the “show pieces”. Also the “Ajuri Nacional”in 1956 on the Ilha do Governador in Rio de Janeiro.
The year of 1955 saw “Operation Pineapple”off, when Rover Scouts, Hugo Vidal, Charles Downey and Jan Stekly succeeded in obtaining sponsorship to drive a Willys Jeep all round South and Latin America, through the U.S.A. to the 8th. World Jamboree at Niagara-on-the-Lake in Canada, and then to Alaska.
Their drive to and from Canada and Alaska took 12 months and, upon their return, in a jeep covered with badges and souvenirs from their 73.000 kilometre journey, the whole Região de Sào Paulo welcomed them back at the start of the via
Dutra, accompanying them through São Paulo in a massive car parade.
THE LATE FIFTIES
New camp-sites were being found and from the early fifties onwards the sites being used close to São Paulo were, Interlagos near the “Castelo” and other locations on the Guarapiranga Lake, including what is known to sailors of S.P.Y.C. as “second lake”. These sites were within easy reach and offered good facilities. They were still fairly wild with no danger of prowlers at night. The only site where we had a night watch of Scouts taking turns to guard the camp, was Chacara Araçatuba after we found a patrol site completely wrecked, following the camp-fire. However, these prowlers, never identified, were suspected to be youngsters, non Scouts, from the S.P.G.S.
The other new alternative for long camps was Campos do Jordão where, with the help of Guiders Julia Macdonald and Helen Hoffstetter, we had discovered an excellent site about two kilometres beyond the Hotel Vila Inglêsa, but well away from the built up area in a Paraná pine covered valley. This site was first used in 1955 (we had camped in Mauá again the year before), when despite heavy summer afternoon rains, we had and excellent camp and climbed the Pedra Baú for the first time. This did not impress the hardy Carajás when we found that all it consisted of is climbing ladder rungs up the steep sides, but had me very worried as this artificial way of climbing, ignores security and can be more dangerous.
It was on this camp that the Girl Guides, camping at Aratóca, were invited to our camp-fire one night. It poured with rain that late afternoon and this caused a number of Scouts to go to bed early, we though the Guides would not come because of the rain. But they did come and a sing-song was well under way when during a pause and to my embarrassment, a voice was heard from inside a tent singing, to the tune of Molly Malone “In Aratócas fair city, where no girls are pretty...” and some more rude poetry which escapes my mind. The singing poet was Wolf PL. Peter Pennings, always a wit. That patrol had a pretty rough time at inspection the next morning, with Peter complaining, he didn’t think we could hear him! I offered to lead the Guides back to Aratóca after the camp-fire, by a short cut. Julia fell for it and the 1 hour walk took us about two hours across rough country. My Assistant Peter Bina was waiting up for me as I arrived back at camp well after midnight, demanding an explanation.
In January 1956 we returned to Mauá. The Eagles under PL. Bill Terrell, Cobras with Arnoldo Pestalozzi, Wolfs with Eduardo Lane and Tigers under Keith Buswell - five Scouts in each Patrol. This camp was a real test in standards. It rained very heavily almost every day - even my Land Rover Lollo got stuck. Unfortunately, after the long hike up the “Mata Cavalo” sides of the mountains to the Planalto, spending a night in the old shack on the Mauá side of the Agulhas, and then hiking some 15 kilometres round the mountains - we never even saw the Agulhas or Pratileiras. It was freezing cold and damp with heavy mist and drizzle. All we did was, reach the mountain base, shelter under rocks to eat our sandwiches, turn round and hike back. It was a tremendous disappointment but those tough Scouts took it in the right spirit, even to the extent of trying to sit on their Scouter after getting back to the camp! New keen Scouts at this time, almost all having come up from the Cub Pack, were: Glen McGehee, Nick Brooke, both of whose parents were active Committee members, Roger Green and Alan Myers.
The July 1958 long camp was in Campos do Jordão, with Bill Terrell now as Troop Leader and assisting in running the camp. All sorts of letters had arrived to the effect that foreign Scouts were to visit Brazil and would kidnap at least one Scout on a certain day. Another “Macnab” type game - this time the Rover Scouts were handling it. On the chosen day, Bill and I convinced the patrols to go off on separate hikes. The Pls. weren’t pleased with this idea but accepted - two of them already suspected the Rovers and decided to hike to where the Pestalozzi family had a house, some six kilometres distant. They were right, and after capturing a Rover themselves, Bill Astbury, they were overwhelmed, captured - almost all of them - and locked in the garage. The Rovers didn’t quite realise who they were taking on. Nobody could do that to PL. Ben Fye of the proud Eagle Patrol. He, together with his patrol and some of the Kingfishers - the Kingfisher PL. had escaped being captured - decided, simply, to dismantle the garage!
Finally, rather than have Mr. Pestalozzi sue the Rovers for damages, they came to a “trégua” with Ben and allowed the Scouts to come out, provided they did not give away who Macnab was, until after camp-fire that night. In the meantime PL. Ono Boers, who had had his shoes removed, escaped and ran the whole way back to camp barefoot, chased by panting Rovers. When he got to camp he found nobody to help him, so he was captured and taken back by the Rovers.
That night during camp-fire the Rovers stalked around camp trying to frighten any Scouts who wandered away from the fire. Later they presented themselves. Although it was a bit confused it was great fun.
The “backbone” of the Scout Troop during the mid to late fifties was to a large extent composed of youngsters with a “Vila Americana” origin, descendants of USA Southerners, namely: Bill Terrell, Ben Fye, Robert “Gordinho” Linares, Dennis Relling, Johnnie and Chico da Mota. Other leading Scouts at that time were: Peter Hülten (a Swedish Scout and the start of the Scandinavian influx), Eduardo Lane, Dieter Heineken (who had returned to the Carajás from the Aimorés), John Downey, Keith Buswell, Bill Astbury, Herry Fuldauer, Arnoldo and Leonardo Pestalozzi, Christoph, Floriano and Titus Meili, Peter Bromberg, Clive Hunnicut and not forgetting Chimbica Prange.
The Terrell’s farm, close to Americana, became a popular camp-site.
In 1958 both Bill Terrell and Dieter Heineken received their Escoteiro da Patria badge, handed out at a big ceremony by Governor Janio Quadros. On the same occasion I was awarded the “Medalha de Tiradentes” (followed a few years later by
the British equivalent, the Silver Acorn, for services rendered to British and International Scouting). Bill went on to complete his Red and White All Round Cord, thus passing eighteen Senior Badges out of the total of 21 he achieved as a Scout. Bill was extremely competitive, keen, and had the gift of building his patrol into an enthusiastic hard working team, winners of most competitions over a long period, at a time when we had very high quality Patrol Leaders, Dieter being one of them.
ANNUAL EVENTS
Toby Dods assisted by a gifted schoolmaster, Mr. Rust, together with two ex Ralph Reader U.K. Gang Show participants, Ernie and Elsie Nye, directed our second show on Gang Show lines. This was in 1957, with a full house at S.P.A.C. It involved a great deal of rehearsing and hard work, taking up most of our meeting time over quite a long period. We then had two Cub Packs, one being at The Graded School, which complicated the rehearsing. Everybody was most worried after a confused dress rehearsal but, on the night, everything went off fine, with almost 100 boys on the stage for the opening and closing scenes. However, we had decided that this sort of activity took up too much Scouting time and not all youngsters enjoy being on the stage, so, in later years we modified our programme and introduced an annual Talent Show at St. Paul’s School, offering prizes for the best sketches, songs, dancing or any event, for both members of the Scout Group and school students. With the support of Mrs. Pierce and other teachers at St. Paul’s, these annual shows became very popular over quite a long period.
An annual soccer match at the school had become a regular event, ever since the thirties, the Scouts rarely winning, but enjoyed by all. The Friendship Cup was competed for and sometimes we had three matches a year.
As from the early fifties, through the kindness of S.P.Y.C. members, we held a sailing event, originally in Seagull and later in Lightening class boats. The owner would skipper the boat with Scouts as crews, the idea being to offer Scouts an opportunity to learn something about sailing, as well as compete. Old Scouts Gerald Everill and Bobby More who had also been S.P.Y.C. members, and died during the war, were remembered on these occasions as we competed for the “Everill-More” Trophy.
Every year on the Sunday nearest to St. George’s Day - the Patron Saint of Scouting - we would hold a youth service, together with the Girl Guides and school children. These services were usually held at the Anglican Church although, during the forties some of the services were held at the Fellowship Church.
Annually, in one form or other, the Group would carry out the 3rd. Scout Law, doing Good Turns. The form would vary: Scouts dressed as Santa Claus, handing out presents at a Salvation Army Childrens’ Home, helping at Community charity events, doing the Bob-a-Job in U.K. style, followed up later by a good turn to the contributors. There were also Sponsored Hikes, mainly during the sixties, and a Clean up the Environment Campaign, by placing signs around the countryside asking not to spoil the area or leave litter around. Years ago, whilst camping in Perus, a patrol carried a man who asked for help, for about a kilometre, only to find there was nothing wrong with him, except for excess cachaça!
In December every year, commencing in 1946, annual camp-fires with prize giving were held when all parents and Old Scouts were invited. In the forties, the guests would come all the way to Pirituba by train, but there was always a good turnout. This activity continues to this day.
Following the end of year camp-fire a most popular event was the Patrol Leaders annual dinner. All Scouters and Pls., in uniform, would go out for a large, usually Chinese dinner, partly subsidised by Troop funds. Occasionally these dinners were held at headquarters with food supplied by Scout mothers.
An annual Sports Day was introduced in the mid fifties with the kind co-operation of St. Paul’s School. Cups were donated for the various age groups. In the month of August, usually close to the 23rd., which was thought to celebrate the day all those Scouts took their oath in Pirituba after the war (it was actually the 22nd. September), the Scout Troop would hold their “Olympics” at a Troop meeting, in which there was much fun with ridiculous type events.
Of course the Cub Packs participated in the Church Services, Sports Day and camp-fire, but I cannot trace any other special events from the few Cub log books available.
LATE FIFTIES
A Cub Pack was formed at the São Paulo Graded School during 1957, run by Mrs. Jane Huseby, Mrs. Netty Boers and Mrs. Schlenker. They applied for Carajás membership so that we had two Packs operating in the late fifties, increased to a third Pack when Mrs. Mary Arnesen, assisted by Mrs. Annie Bennettt opened another Pack at the new Alto da Boa Vista premises of St. Paul’s Anglican Church. With Peter Guy leaving, we faced a problem at St. Paul’s School, which was solved by Mrs. Netty Boers, a very experienced Dutch Wood Badge Cubmaster, who moved over to St. Paul’s School. At St. Paul’s she was assisted by Barbara Chapman and Ans van der Besselaar.
Unfortunately this gifted and creative Leader, Netty Boers, returned to Holland in 1959. Here is an extract from the few logs available covering that period:-
We shall always remember this hike to Rivieira Paulista. After a good walk from a road to a little valley where we planned to have our lunch after some games - Chil and Baloo came running with a letter that a policemen had handed them. “Do not try that on us” said Peter, but he was very excited when the letter asked our help to hunt for a “ladrão” who probably had stolen an airplane with smuggled goods. Was not it exciting to follow the trail of rice and beans that would lead to the crashed plane? The plane was no longer there - it must have fallen in the lake - but there were many pieces of aluminium, on one of which was scribbled a message from the poor pilot. It took the Cubs a long time to piece everything together (there were two messages - one in English and one in Portuguese. Apparently the pilot wanted to be very sure that somebody understood his story), but we finally made out that thief had bound the pilot and locked him in a bathroom and taken over the flying (although he hardly knew how to). That was the reason for the crashing, “and”, said the message, “he will try to flee with the sack of jewels”. Come on Cubs, hunt for the ladrão and off they went, until the thief showed his hiding place by coughing and he had had it. After a fierce chase, Brian saw him first, in no time the poor thief (Akela’s husband) was covered by a crowd of screaming Cubs, nearly tearing him to bits! Fortunately Akela loves her husband just a little more than her Cubs and asked them to stop before they eliminated him. But Chris wasn’t satisfied and taking a stick in his hand, in his loud voice as he pointed it at the ladrão, he said “where is the pilot, say it, where did you leave the pilot?” - we calmed Chris....
It must have been a great outing for the Cubs.
Following Netty Boers, the Group was again lucky in obtaining a new Cubmaster, an ex Czechoslovakian Scout, Joseph Soucek, who became the Rodolfo Malamprê Cub Pack Leader for eleven years, running it with great dedication and energy throughout the period.
JUBILEE WORLD JAMBOREE - 1957
Fifty years of World Scouting was celebrated with a Jubilee Jamboree held near Sutton-Coalfield in England. Three Carajás, John Downey, Robert Linares and Eduardo Lane represented the Group at this very large Jamboree, with over 45.000 participants, as part of a small Brazilian Contingent, under that very capable Scouter, Ryoso Osoegawa, of the Grupo Caramurú.
In that same year I drove my old Land Rover “Lollo” to Argentina with three selected Senior Scouts, Bill Terrell, Arnoldo Pestalozzi and Ben Fye. This was quite an adventure because apart from most of the roads being still unpaved, Lollo burnt almost as much oil as gas - one litre of oil for the motor for every fill of gasoline. But we made it, arriving back only a day late, after visiting Mendonça and the Andes (not in Lollo). The only accident was Bill who lost a whole fingernail whilst tobogganing - he should have been treated by a doctor. On arriving back it was in danger of forming gangrene.
END OF THE FIFTIES - EARLY SIXTIES
With three Cub Packs and two Scout Troops, Hermann was running the Aimorés at the Porto Seguro School, plus an active Rover Crew, we were now a very large organisation and St. Paul’s School Troop was having immense difficulty in taking in so many Cubs. However, with Jane Huseby leaving for the U.S.A., the Graded School Pack was taken over by new Leaders and, shortly afterwards, opened a new Scout Troop and, to our relief, by mutual agreement, formed their own Scout Group. In due course the same happened to the Aimorés. Under our insistence, they formed their own Group, although maintaining a close association with the Carajás until they closed down a few years later (when the Bororós was formed). We joked with Hermann that they went into mourning on parting from us - the scarf they chose to use was the same bottle green, but with a black border.
Both the São Paulo Graded and Chapel schools had active Scout Groups throughout the sixties. There was mutual co-operation and we were able to help these Groups in a number of ways, resulting from our long experience in running a Scout Group for youngsters of a foreign community in São Paulo. Some annual Field Days were held jointly with competitions and games, for both Cubs and Scouts of the three Groups.
A very popular annual activity over some five or six years of that period, was a five to six hour night wide game between the Aimorés and Carajás, commencing at about 5.00 pm. and going on to midnight. The first game was for the whole night but was too tiring for young teenagers.
These games with over thirty Scouts per side were quite sophisticated, with the capturing and releasing of prisoners, and acquisition of new cord “lives” through Morse signalling to a boat offshore at Interlagos, where they were played. They were great fun and required a lot of planning, including careful inspection of the whole area for security purposes. The only near serious accident, was to that tough Scout, Ben Fye, who had poor sight and wore glasses. Ben limped into the camp “chefia” with his face covered in blood and broken specs’, saying “I thought that doggon Eucalyptus tree stump was one of those German guys, so I tackled it....”. Being Ben, after we patched him up, he was off back into the fray.
All through the late fifties to early sixties we were proud of a very successful Rover Crew - the first time we had continuity over quite a long period. The Clan Gilwell under the Leadership of Hugo Vidal assisted by Charles Downey, built their own additional room attached to the Scout Hut and the weekly meetings averaged some ten Rovers. By mutual agreement the Aimorés sent their older Seniors up to our Rover Crew, which helped increase numbers and make meetings more interesting. True to their motto of “service”, these Rovers not only gave a hand in the Carajás and Aimorés, but did much work for Scouters Training Courses, by running the “Intendencias”.
Being a Gilwell Deputy Camp Chief, I was on the National Training Team, working together with those experienced Leaders, the National Training Commissioner Dr. João Ribeiro dos Santos, and Eugene and Carmen Pfister, over many years. Useful service was provided by our Rovers on these Training Courses during the sixties.
A most important milestone in the life of Brazilian Guiding and Scouting was the visit to Brazil, in 1959, of Olave, Lady Baden-Powell, widow of the Founder and World Chief Guide. This was during her Latin American tour and she spent several days in São Paulo. Her enthusiasm and magnetic personality captured the love and respect of all Guides and Scouts, young and old. At the Ibirapuera Gymnasium many Brownies, Guides, Cubs and Scouts, paraded before her where a large crowd had gathered. She broke with protocol, descending from the V.I.P. platform to mingle with the youngsters, greeting many and stopping to talk individually to each of the handicapped Brownies and Cubs in their wheelchairs.
The Rangers and Rovers who attended at the Gala dinner given by Lisah and Mrs. Dorothy Warren at their house, were presented to Lady B.P., as she was leaving the gathering late evening and, as she greeted them, she recognised all who had formed part of the airport welcome party, saying as she shook hands, “Oh, I know you already....”. Our Rovers were thrilled.
A fitting tribute to this great Lady was the introduction used by a tall, smartly uniformed American Explorer Scout, as Lady B.P. arrived at the Closing Ceremony of the 12th. World Jamboree in Idaho 1967. As she came on to the stage he announced, loud and clear over the loudspeaking system: “Ladies and Gentlemen, Scouts of the World, I have been given the honour of presenting to you the World Chief Guide - the Greatest Lady in Scouting - Lady Olave Baden-Powell”. Without any exaggeration, it was five minutes before the cheering subsided.
Along came 1959 with our first camp at Angra dos Reis, by a beautiful beach on the ocean side of Ilha da Gipoia, kindly arranged for us by Old Scout Perry Igel, whose son Rogério was a Carajás. This was another great camp to be followed two years later by a second even larger camp on the same beach, but more about that later. On this first Angra camp, two Scouts Tiger P.L. Ivan Kudnra and his 2nd. Arne Lindholm (who became an Escoteiro da Patria), wished to go on their First Class Journey. Looking at a map of the island, I pointed and said - “hike around the coast of the island, it should be about 15 kilometres”. Off they went, somehow following the coastline over precipitous rock in many places, arriving back the next afternoon, only a few hours late, obviously having been on a very tough and tiring hike. To this day I don’t know how they managed it, they certainly had done an oversized Venture Badge hike rather than a First Class test. On later examining the route more carefully, I calculated they must have hiked some 40 kilometres, much of it over cliffs and rocks. My remark that they were back rather late and that they looked a bit weak and tired, caused them to look at each other, take off their packs and say “O,K. you asked for it”. They were still fit enough to sit on their Scouter! They both passed their First Class badge!
An incident worth recording from 1960, was my being approached by an old friend (one of our Cubs from the very earliest days), John Lowsby, who was out from the U.K. on a business trip and had been in touch with a Danish gentleman. He had been asked by the Dane to try an arrange for his son to join the Carajás Troop. Not being at St. Paul’s, nor a member of the B.C.C.C., or the son of an Old Carajás, this boy required two sponsors and would go on a very long waiting list. “Come on Toby”, said John, “he’s a nice lad and terribly keen to become a Scout - there must be a “jeito” . Under pressure I arranged sponsors and the youngster was placed on the
waiting list. Thereafter, regularly once a week, the Secretary at my Wilson Sons office would come in with a smile to announce a young boy to see me. In would walk this squat, determined looking thirteen-year-old to ask if we had found a place for him in the Troop. After about two months I gave up. Another “jeito” was done and the next week young Paul Thomsen joined the Carajás, resulting from a “jeitinho” which we have never regretted.
The 1960 long camp was held in Itatiaia, however there are few notes available about this camp, which was held on a site up-hill behind the Repouso. The only incident which the Leaders will never forget and gave us quite a scare, was provoked by a virus “gripe”of an unusually violent nature that was prevalent that year. Three Scouts developed bad flu at camp and a room was lent to us at the Repouso, where they recovered. However, on the mountain climb Titus Meili developed the flu, giving us a big scare. A Rover Scout who was helping stayed behind with Titus at Macena, whilst the remainder climbed the Agulhas Negras. On our return from the climb the worried Rover, John Downey, reported that Titus had run a fever of 41 degrees, but after giving him cold compresses, the fever was now down to 38.5. We brought him down to Macieiras on the back of a mule and then by Jeep back to camp.
I was the guest of honour at a Testemonial Dinner held at the Swiss Club in December 1960. Over 100 Old Scouts participated, including Jack Hunter (Etubom), Jimmy Macintyre, Geoffrey Sewell and Arthur Bennett. I was presented with a magnificent silver tankard and it was a great occasion with some amusing speeches. Etubom told us a true story of how many years ago on a hike over the Morumbi hills, a certain young twelve-year-old had suddenly pointed over the hills towards our destination and announced - “I know a short cut”. He, together with half the Troop fell for it, so he said - an episode he still had thorn scars to remind him of. This was when he knicknamed me “Short Cut Toby”.
The Aimorés Troop joined us for a camp on the same Gipoia Island site in July the following year. Two buses took us from St.Paul’s School to Angra and back, one breaking down on the return and causing us to arrive ten hours late, 4.00 am.! Gipoia Island is a historical treasure trove and many seekers have tried to locate the treasures buried there, so we are told, by Pirates in the last century. Therefore we had to have a treasure hunt. This game took the Scouts of both Troops way up in the island hills, where they found an old fisherman in a cave who supplied a clue. Well disguised, Rover Scout Chimbica Prange convinced the Scouts that he was the real thing, until they finally found the treasure - imitation coins made of chocolate, buried in an old box near the beach. During camp we built a tall bamboo tower, about ten or more metres high, and had many interesting activities including, through the kindness of Perry Igel (who had also offered the buses for the trip to camp), a day trip on large fishing boats to visit Ilha Grande. It started out as a very calm day, but a “Sudoéste” blew up in the afternoon and quite a number of Scouts were sea-sick on the return journey. This was the beginning of a weather change and a “ressaca” which invaded the beach on the last day of camp. Most patrols had to move their tents back, but even so, quite a few had a very wet last night at camp.
It was also a camp with quite a number of accidents. Young Eddie Bennett broke his ankle but had to stay at camp because we could not trace the whereabouts of his parents. Johnnie da Mota, always accident prone, damaged his knee in Troop Rugby and was carried across the island in considerable pain to get a boat across to Angra, on a stretcher - but this was not the only time Johnnie had to be carried on a stretcher - it happened again a year later when he decided to test an electric saw against his leg! Perry Igel had visited us and brought kilos of the largest size shrimps for the Patrols to cook at camp. I ate that night with the Eagles who had fried them “á Paulista” in their shells, and it was very tasty. At the end of the meal all Scouts had a large pile of left-over big shrimp shells on their plates except for young Ronald Bloch. Upon asking him where he had thrown them, he replied in surprise: “I ate them, what was I supposed to do with them?”
It was another very successful camp.
Early in 1962 we welcomed “Buckdoon”, John Moore, a Scottish Rover Scout who joined the Carajás and who gave much help in running the Senior Scouts over the next five years - always in his kilt.
For once we had a complete team of Scouters. The 1962 register showed:-
- Cubmasters: Joseph Soucek and Mary Arnesen with Annie Bennett and Eileen Cleaver as assistants, with Carolyn Trapp and Maria Sula as Cub Instructors. - Scoutmasters: Troops and Seniors: Toby Shellard, Julian Sewell, Anthony Leach and John Moore. - Rover Crew: Hugo Vidal and Charles Downey.
This strong team of Leaders had enabled us to open a Scout Troop at the Church in Alto da Boa Vista, thus offering continuity to the Cub Pack at that location and relieving pressure on St. Paul’s School Troop. Anthony Leach was the Scouter in charge at the Church and, at that time, they met in a small room in the Church grounds. Not very satisfactory but Anthony soon built up a keen new Troop.
Under Joe Soucek’s leadership the Rodolfo Malamprê Pack became more adventurous and an outdoor activity was held about once a month. They even spent a weekend camping on top of the Pico do Jaraguá! Long camping holidays were spent at Aratóca in Campos do Jordão, by kind favour of Guide Captain, Julia Macdonald.
The Troop had been on the lookout for new camp-sites within reasonable reach of São Paulo, for long weekends. To our delight, Old Scout Frank Dawe offered us the use of an excellent site on his farm close to Valinhos, along the banks of the Rio Atibaia. This site was used for several years, mainly at Easter. They were the camps with the famous ghost night games under the Easter full moon, in the rocky hills behind the camp, perfect for this type of activity.
On our first visit to inspect the Valinhos camp-site, the Patrol Leaders and I decided to follow Franks’s suggestion, since we had arrived very late, to sleep in the half built house known as “Walt’s Folly”. It was an extremely hot night so we climbed on the “laje” of the half completed roof, spread out our sleeping bags and went to sleep without realising that the door to the house had slammed closed behind us. About 2.oo am. a storm brewed up and it began to pour with rain. We couldn’t find any way of entering the house and hadn’t the nerve to go and waken Frank at that hour. Finally we noticed the half built chimney, so we poured the smallest size P.L., Johnnie da Mota, head first down the chimney. Fortunately he did not get stuck and we were saved from a wet night.
The early sixties had brought a new generation of leading Troop characters, with four Escoteiros da Patria all in the year 1961; namely, Arne Lindholm, Dennis Relling and Leonardo Pestalozzi, all on the same date, followed later in the year by Johnnie da Mota. Standards were very high. Other personalities and keen Scouts were: Adolf Arnold, also to become an Escoteiro da Patria, William Cochrane, Floriano and Titus Meili, Richard Silva, Herry Fuldauer, Ivan Kudnra, Stephen “Chippy” Kanitz, Peter Ingouville, Steve Swiggart, as well as Chris Downey, Paul Thomsen and Jacques Arnold, all to become Patrol Leaders.
Every week we would have visitors, usually inhabitants of the Jardins, arrive at Cub and Scout meetings asking us to accept their children into the Group. This demand was a problem and the main reason for their wishing to join the Carajás was for the children to learn English in a healthy environment. Being an “Open” Group by UEB rules we could not refuse them, so it was quite a nuiscance. Furthermore our Open Group status implied that all our equipment and property belonged to the UEB. In order to overcome this situation and become a “Closed” Group, allowing for restrictions on membership and full ownership of all our assets, we required to be affiliated to some entity. We therefore applied for sponsorship by the B. & C.C.C. . This was accepted in 1962 and it also covered the situation whereby we had built a Scout Hut on property belonging to an entity subordinate to the Community Council.
Following Geoffrey Sewell’s long service as Committee Chairman, the Group had a series of very active Committees, first with Donald da Mota as Chairman, followed by Bill Bennett, Bill Treacher and then Alan Beeby. Treasurers and other supporters included Tom Sumner, Barry Cleaver, Paul Mehrtens, Karl Orberg and Tony Pilnik, including many of their wives and numerous other parents, mostly from the British, American and Scandinavian communities.
Mention has been made of the active Rover Crew led by Hugo Vidal and Charles Downey. The 1961 register lists the following members: Anthony Leach, Arnoldo Pestalozzi, Geert “Chimbica” Prange, Heinz “Capivara” Sattler, Herry Fuldauer, John Downey, Klaus Lindenheim and Klaus Otterstetter. They all served in various capacities in the Aimorés and Carajás over a long period.
1962 was the year of the increased Scandinavian influx - there were many Swedish youngsters at St. Paul’s School at that time, and following on from Peter Hülten a anumber of enthusiastic youngsters joined the Troop, some already having been Scouts abroad: Christian and Johan Paues, Leif Kristiansson, Vessa and Jukka
Raisanen, Ted Kalborg, Paul Thomsen’s cousin Per and later on Lars and Per Ahlünd, who became an Escoteiro da Patria having started his Scouting career in Sweden. Other Scouts, some to become Pls. shortly after 1962 were: Ronald Bloch, Ronald Flank, Rickie and Billy Goodman, Graham Lowe, Eddie Bennett, Jacques Arnold, Jacob Yeghiaian, Hans Liao, Eric Saler, Alec Dodd, Ian Comber, George Mazuza and Bobby Smith.
The above were all Scouts of the St. Paul’s School Troop. The 2nd. Troop in Santo Amaro was still fairly new and had not yet established its personalities. There are no records of the early days of this Troop, but we do recall that one of the first Pls. was Robin Knoblauch, followed not long afterwards by Francis Pierce and Charles Lindsay. The first three Patrols were the Foxes, Bulldogs and Panthers, respectively led by these PLs. This information was obtained from the 1963 register. Mark Smith was Panther PL. in 1965.
July camp in 1962 was once again held in Campos do Jordão. The Patrols at this camp were very evenly matched with high camping standards. Chris Downey was Kingfisher PL., a patrol that had held a record number of patrol camps that year, all with good turnouts. Tiger PL. was Eddie Bennett, Paul Thomsen Cobra PL., with Adolf Arnold for the Wolves and Steve Swiggart Eagle PL. Steve was another tough type who enjoyed the real challenging activities. Within the patrols there was a keen gang of young Scouts whose names have been mentioned in previous paragraps, including Richard Silva a very active Scout on his last camp before leaving Brazil.
We held another “John Macnab” game, with letters having arrived on this occasion from the U.K., Germany and Sweden (all Old Scouts co-operating), stating that four tough European Senior Scouts were visiting Brazil. These four Scouts represented the International Anti-Patrol Leaders Terrorists and were going to capture at least one of our PLs. - in actual fact the whole operation was being handled by our own Patrol Leaders, who would just disappear on the established day, after provoking exciting events during the night before. As it happened an incident took place which helped develop the game in an exciting manner. Paul Thomsen and Steve Swiggart, were off on their Venture Badge hike. I had sent them to the Pedra Baú the day before the whole Troop was going to climb it, the plan being to meet them there and they would return to camp with us on the truck. On setting them off I gave them free choice of route, dropping the hint that they could short cut straight from Abernéssia across country, if they felt like it. They did, going down and then up through a steep sided valley of solid bamboo. This was very hard going and when they arrived at the path that led to the Baú, they made the mistake of turning left instead of right. As a result, they went round to the far side of the Baú down to the valley leading to Paiol Grande, through the Vale do Baú and then up again. A quite fantastic hike for a 48 hour period, arriving the evening after we had returned from our climb. Back at camp, worried, I had got into my jeep that evening and driven all the way back to the Baú where, to my relief, they were now at the Caramurú Scout farm, building their night shelter. I brought them back to camp, rewarded with a hot dinner in town and headed for camp. This was the night before the “Macnab” attack and they were Pls., so as we arrived some 400 metres from camp - we could see the Troop at camp-fire - I sounded my horn and shouted for help. Scouts came running and I told them that I had been held up by four big fellows who had grabbed Paul and Steve and taken them away. Just the idea that anybody should be capable of grabbing those two, shook the Troop to the core. Paul and Steve hid away from camp and slept without a tent. That night was the coldest we ever registered at Campos do Jordão, the temperature was eight degress Centigrade negative at dawn - a fitting end to the Venture badge hike. Next morning Chris and the other PLs. succeeded in disappearing, so we had no PLs. left. Graham Lowe who to say the least, had a wonderful imagination, rushed into camp at one stage, to announce that he had seen four enormous Swedes, each about six foot tall! Later in the day the PLs. came back, or rather were tracked down and brought back from where they had tied each other up, and the game was over.
11TH. WORLD JAMBOREE - MARATHON - GREECE
Along came 1963 and the World Jamboree at Marathon. The Carajás were represented by Patrol Leader Chris Downey, Johan Paues, Graham Lowe, Vesa Raisanen, Edward Denson and yours truly. Apart from the excitement and experience of participating in such an event, getting to Marathon proved quite an adventure.
The five Carajás Scouts had travelled by ship to Genova, arriving a day late and missing their sea connection to Pyraeus. I was flying to Athens on the day after their arrival at Genova and had telegraphed for them to board a train to Rome. I therefore disembarked from my air flight at the stopover in Rome to meet them. After a full day trying to find the whereabouts and time of their arrival in Rome, I traced them at the main Railway Station at midnight. After a day of sighseeing we took a train to the South of Italy, getting off in Brindisi where we spent a further 36 hours desperately trying to find places on the ferries across to Greece. A U.S. Army officer tried to have his Commander arrange a special plane for us, but no way. Finally we managed to get across to the island of Corfu where we chartered a taxi to take the ferry to the mainland and drive the length of Greece to Athens and Marathon. Driving at about 100 kilometres per hour (it was a Cadillac) we arrived on the Jamboree site a couple of hours after the Opening Ceremony and then spent a further two days, together with three other Brazilian Scouts, who had arrived on time, trying to trace our tents in the port of Pyraeus. By the fourth day our camp-site was fully equipped and from then on it was a tremendous success, as also was the unplanned tour of Italy.
MID SIXTIES
In January 1964 Anthony Leach together with the kilted Scouter John Moore, accompanied some ten Senior Scouts from Mauá to the Abrigo Rebouças on the Itatiaia Planalto, planning to follow the path round the Agulhas Negras. In true Carajás spirit they decided it would be far better to take a short cut through the dip between the Agulhas Negras and its neighbouring mountain. A group of us had come up from São Paulo - quite a large number - to join them for the two days climbing. On arrival at Rebouças about noon we had expected to meet the Seniors, but there was no sign of them. About 5.00 pm., in wandered the dozen Seniors looking well the worse for wear, led by a bedraggled looking Scotsman with a bandaged and bloody knee. They had made it by their short-cut over the very rough terrain we know so well in the Planalto. John had slipped and badly cut his knee on a rock. One of the Leaders took him by jeep down to our good friend and doctor Scouter, Col.Mario Jardim in Resende, with the request that Mario fix him in a manner which would still allow him to hike. Being a military man, Dr. Mario found this no problem, stitched John up and put on a very firm bandage. John arrived back that evening to climb both the Agulhas Negras and Pratileiras, and then take the Seniors down via Macieiras to the Parque Nacional. It was another good camp. Most of the Scouts that had come from São Paulo for the climbing, from both Scout Troops, joined the Seniors for a further ten days camping about 500 metres beyond the Repouso Itatiaia. Despite the remark about the bedraggled Seniors, they were actually very well equipped and in excellent shape. A tent had been offered as a prize for the Senior who participated in the full hike and arrived at the Park camp-site with his equipment in the best condition, so a great deal of trouble had been taken by each individual to improve his gear. If I remember rightly, the winner was Leif Kristiansson.
During 1964 an active Committee formed of Cub and Scout parents of the Sto. Amaro sectors, namely: Arne Arnesen, Stuart Birkinshaw, Paul Emmenegger, Hans Delmonte, Barry Cleaver and John Oakley, formed a fund raising team and, in a very short time had raised sufficient to build a second Scout Hut within the Church grounds, with approval of Archdeacon Townsend and the Church Council. This made things much easier for those sectors and was an incentive for further expansion. Inauguration was on the 20th. March 1965.
The end-of-year camp-fire 1965 was, as I remember it, possibly the best held in my time. A lot of trouble had been taken in training and rehearsing the songs and we gave it an International flavour: for Scotland we had learnt a number of old Harry Lauder songs such as “Keep right on to the end of the road...” and many others; there were English songs, Swedish, German, Brazilian of course and some others, covering most of the nationalities represented in the Group that year. Some of the Scouts dressed in their National Scout uniforms, there was an enormous turnout of parents and Old Scouts and the weather was perfect. It was a great camp-fire which introduced songs popular to this day.
The year of 1965 was also the Pan-American Jamboree year, on the Ilha do Fundão in Guanabara bay.
With the support of I.H.Q., London, Bob Thomas, the International Secretary, managed to raise interest among British Scouts and four Rover Scouts organised a South American tour, ending up in Brazil for the Jamboree and as Carajás guests. They, Tony Lumley, Keith Hardy, Keith Walker and Richard Cameron were great characters, two being Scottish and wearing the kilt throughout the tour.
Four Carajás Patrols were formed between the two Troops and Julian Sewell assisted by Herry Fuldauer, were the Scouters in charge. Apart from a delay in the arrival of our tents and gear and the quality of the Jamboree food supplies, which left much to be desired, the camp was a success. Chris Downey and I drove down for the last weekend of the camp, bringing the British guests back with us via Itatiaia, where we spent a night. In São Paulo they were put up at Scout homes and a camp-fire-cum-party was held for them, to which other Scout Troops were invited.
The July long camp of 1966 was held on Ilha Bela, on a site arranged for us by Old Scout Bill Treacher. This was the first camp to be held on that island famous for its “borrachudos”, and at that time also vampire bats which we had to be careful of during the night. Ilha Bela was still a wild place in those days.
There were five patrols plus a few Seniors. The Patrol Leaders and 2nds. of the St. Paul’s School Troop were: Jimmy Adams and Eddie Erismann; Billy Goodman and Andy Beeby; Lars Ahlünd and Jimmy Sumner, and for the Sto. Amaro Troop: Arne Arnesen, Charles Lindsay and Eduardo Lundberg. It was a good camp with a superb dinner competition. Billy Goodman and Andy Beeby between them produced a “camarão a baiana” of top quality with accompanying hot sauce. During the camp, through the kindness of Frig. Anglo we took a boat trip on one of their tugs round the island and dropped the Seniors off on the way back, about six kilometres from camp. They would hike the rest of the way along the coast. When they arrived, poor old John “Buckdoon” Moore, limped in to inform us that his wave to us from the shore when we dropped them off, wasn’t a farewell signal - we had his shoes on board! Consequently he had to hike barefoot. The Scouters assisting me on this camp were John Moore and Richard Bromberg.
Easter camps over the years 1966/7 and ‘69 were held at Valinhos, with good turnouts from both Troops.
During 1966, two Old Scouts, Bill Bennett and Paul Mehrtens, both very active Group Committee members, were awarded the “Medalha de Gratidão” by the U.E.B., both well earned. On the same occasion, Julian Sewell’s hard work over the years was recognised, and he received the “Medalha de Bons Serviços”.
12th. WORLD JAMBOREE - IDAHO - USA
Three patrols of Brazilian Scouts participated plus six Scouters, with Paul Thomsen as Troop Scouter and myself as Delegation Leader. Carajás Scouts were: Jimmy Adams, Eduardo Erismann, Billy Goodman, Jimmy Sumner, Andy Beeby and Arne Arnesen.
This was a memorable Jamboree with superb planning and organisation. One of the only complaints of a general nature on the first days, was the American Army system of twin toilets - nobody liked this system! The Jamboree H.Q. got the message and we woke up one morning to find that during the night they had changed all the toilets for individual units. For a camp of almost 20.000 people that was a good example of American large scale efficience. Following the Jamboree, Billy Goodman, Jimmy Adams and myself had gone to Seattle where the World Scout Conference was to be held. Billy and Jimmy were accompanying me on my trip on to England, where they would be staying for continuation of their schooling. They had followed me to Seattle later in the day and were to stay at an American Scout’s home, but there was a mix-up and they arrived at their correct home just a couple of hours before the Opening Ceremony of the Conference, to find that their American Scout host was part of the Guard of Honour for Lady Baden-Powell, so they went along also. I was sitting in the conference hall when the arrival of Lady B.P. was announced, and in she walked with a Brazilian Scout on each arm, Bill and Jimmy! She had seen these two Brazilian boys among the large group of U.S.A. Scouts lined up to welcome her, they were the only two non Americans. She had spoken to them and said come along with me - and in they walked, Billy grinning as usual from ear to ear. We were sorry to lose these two Scouts after the Jamboree
LEADERS - LATE SIXTIES TO EARLY SEVENTIES
By late 1967 a number of Patrol Leaders had been promoted to Assistant Scoutmasters, working in various sectors. These were: Ronald Bloch, Jacques Arnold, Richard Bromberg, Eddie Bennett and Joe Soucek Jnr.
Anthony Leach had handed over in Santo Amaro to Julian Sewell and Richard Leach, later assisted by Richard Bromberg and Barry Cleaver. Eddie Bennett was helping the Seniors and Bloch was my assistant at the St. Paul’s School Troop.
Not long afterwards, Jacques Arnold (who was also Editor of the Carajás Gazette), took over the Rodolfo Malamprê Pack from Joe Soucek, who had resigned after eleven years of very dedicated service. We were sorry to lose him. Sally Barton and Veronica Harrison joined the Group to assist Jacques with the Cubs. These three did a great job over some eighteen months, after which Sonny and Patsy Arnold became the Cubmasters.
Following several years of competent leadership with the Cub Pack in Santo Amaro at the Church, Mary Arnesen and Annie Bennett had resigned and the Pack had a new Akela, Sylvia Bradfield, helped by her sister and a Girl Guide, Maria Perl, as an Instructor. There are few records of this period so I ask forgivance for any mix-up of names or dates. By 1972 Paul Ross was to become the Akela in Santo Amaro.
Over the years 1965 to 1969 the Group had expanded to such an extent that, in addition to the main Committee chaired at that time by Bill Treacher, with Tommy Sumner as Treasurer and Bill Bennett Secretary, we formed St. Paul’s School and Church sub-committees, respectively headed by Tony Pilnik and Arne Arnesen.
This expansion during the sixties had taken place at the same time as we had lost the American Community support, with the forming of separate Scout Groups at the Graded and Chapel schools. Perhaps the greatest strength behind the Carajás over the years has been the strong support of parents from the Anglo/American communities, and our latest expansion resulted from an invasion of youngsters of various different origins and schools. This was all very fine and undoubtedly in true Scouting spirit, but we had become too large for the base which supported us, the British Community and the School. Consequently we began to suffer from a continuous shortage of Leaders and had great difficulty in organising programmes to suit everybody. In fact, our standards had fallen - only three 1st.Class Scouts in two Troops against an average of six to eight in the fifties and early sixties. I was about to spend much of my working time travelling and therefore would be restricting my activities to the Senior Troop and Group Leadership; consequently, after much discussion, it was agreed to disband the Troop at the Anglican Church headquarters, concentrating Scout Troop activities at St. Paul’s School, but maintaining two Cub Packs. Barry Cleaver moved over to the school and ran the Troop assisted by Bill Robertson and a newcomer, Mike Shaughnessey, both Old Scouts from the U.K. At a later stage, Paul Ross and Eduardo Lundberg also gave a hand.
The above was our leadership structure for 1969 through to the early seventies.
THE LATE SIXTIES
In 1968 the July camp was held in Monte Verde, the Scouter in charge being Richard Leach, assisted by Barry Cleaver, Ronald Bloch and Jacques Arnold. Despite very cold weather at the start of camp, it was a good camp.
By the late sixties there was a new generation of Patrol Leaders and Senior Scouts. These included, Eddie Erismann, Jimmy Sumner, Andy Beeby, Eduardo Lundberg, Arne Arnesen Jnr., Hans Ludwig, Viggo and Alan Andersen, Dick Treacher, Jamie Birkinshaw, Giles Rae, Phillip Pilnik, Nick Lindsay, Börre Björnseth, Martin Christoffersen, Paul Ross, Richard and Harry Fleisflesser, Marcos Campos, Martin Jimenez, Michael Davies and of course, Paulinho Boilesen of the foghorn voice. These were the “personalities” of the Scout Troop and Seniors over the period until the early seventies.
The year of 1969 started off with a big January camp - the South Brazil Expedition. Much preparatory work was required, we were to fly to Iguassú, then take a bus to Curitiba, followed by a chartered bus to take us to Porto Alegre, Gramado and, later, back to São Paulo with a stop to visit the Cavernas do Diabo. My only assistant on this camp was Ronald Bloch who had gone ahead to Iguassú to try and find somewhere for us to stay or camp.
Upon disembarking at Iguassú from a Transbrasil flight - over thirty of us - we were met by a grinning Bloch who told us he had found a suitable site - a large chicken coop! Fortunately, not yet occupied by chickens. Following the visit to the Iguassú falls and across the International bridge, we went to Curitiba, staying at a school behind a convent, through kindness of a local Scout Group. We then headed for Porto Alegre where we were to stay at that very fine headquarters of the oldest Scout Group in Brazil, the “Georges Black”, at the Clube Sogipa, in the Moinhos de Vento district. Stopping on the way up in the hills before Porto Alegre, many Scouts bought and tried the promotion bottles of local wine sold by the roadside. Unfortunately young Malcolm Oakley in his innocence at the age of thirteen, decided to drink the whole bottle, which contained some real raw potent green wine. Young Malcolm got very tight and we were all worried about the reaction of the waiting Gaucho Scouts in Porto Alegre, when they would see a young Carajás weave and stagger off the bus! Fortunately, with the help of black coffee and fingers down his throat, poor Malcolm recovered in time, having learnt his lesson, we hope, on a permanent basis.
After two days in Porto Alegre with, unfortunately, disciplinary problems with a few of the Senior Scouts, we went up to Gramado for a week of camping on a magnificent site arranged for us by that great Old Scouter, George Fox, one of the founders of the 1st. Baden-Powell (ES) Scout Group of Rio de Janeiro. He had moved to Gramado after retiring from business and founded a local Scout Troop for poor class youngsters. These Scouts joined us for the camp. Gramado offers some of the finest camp-sites anywhere, so this was a great experience for our Scouts, formed of three small Senior Patrols and three Scout Patrols. The Scout Troop Pls. were, Richard Lindsay for the Santo Amaro Troop and, Marcos Campos and Michael Davies for the School Troop, they all excelled themselves.
Another Mauá to Itatiaia trekking camp was held in 1970, this time only for Seniors, although quite a number of Scouts came up to the Planalto for the mountain climbing. Paul Thomsen and I led some ten Seniors up the “Mata Cavalo”, having lost the main trail, so we took a short cut straight up, or as straight as possible on those steep inclines.
One of the Seniors, Jamie Birkinshaw, had not been his usual lively self and was lagging badly to the extent that Martin Christoffersen carried his pack for him, in addition to his own, over the final part of the hike, quite a feat on that steep hill!
Next morning, despite not having eaten anything, Jamie seemed better, as we hiked around the Agulhas to meet up with the gang of Scouts who arrived by car from São Paulo, at the Rebouças mountain lodge. Both the Pratileiras and Agulhas were climbed, the Scouts then returning to São Paulo on the third day, whilst the Seniors continued their treck down to the Parque Nacional. I had suggested to Jamie, who obviously was not well, that he should return to São Paulo with the Scouts. “No way” said that Senior, so off we went. A few kilometres further on, Viggo Andersen approached me and said “I know what is wrong with Jamie, he’s got hepatitis!” We examined Jamie’s eyes and tongue. Yes, Viggo was right, but there was nothing we could do at that stage, so he stuck it out to the end - not exactly the recommended treatment for that ailment, but he survived!
13. WORLD JAMBOREE - JAPAN
Six Carajás went to the World Jamboree in 1971, held at Shizuoka Prefecture (close to Mount Fuji) in Japan, namely: Paul Ross, Marcos Campos, Felipe Bercht, Martin Jimenez, Glenn Beeby and Michael Davies.
This was another great experience where the hardy “brasileiros” decided to stick it out and stay in camp when a typhoon warning arrived, and the majority were moved out to safer locations. Altogether quite an adventure but they suffered no damage, except for some torn tents.
THE EARLY SEVENTIES
Apart from Marcos Campos, Martin Jimenez, Michael Davies and the Fleisfresser brothers, all referred to earlier in these Memoirs, other Scouts to become leading Troop personalities or Patrol Leaders during the early seventies, were: Tommy Delmonte, the Emmenegger brothers, Richard Pilnik, Felipe and Lucas Bercht, Albert Arnesen, Glenn Beeby and Johnny Teleffsen.
The long camp in 1972 was held in July, once again in Campos do Jordão, run by Bill Robertson, Mike Shaughnessey and Paul Ross. This was one of the last camps to be held on that site. A somewhat confused Macnab game had been planned, resulting in the Scouts managing to rescue the captive and de-pitch Macnab’s (the Seniors and myself) tents.
A number of joint camps were held over this period with the Ranger Guides, the first being in Itatiaia in 1969 with about 30 participants, mostly of the weaker sex, a good proportion! All, or almost all, climbed the Pratileiras. Later on another mixed camp was held in Valinhos, followed by a three day camp over “Finados” 1971 at Holambra. The Seniors and Rangers would also hold monthly joint meetings with a series of different activities including bowling evenings.
One Sunday in 1970, a large number of Guides and Scouts spent the day in Santos touring the port area on board a Wilson, Sons tug boat.
Easter camp for 1973 was held at a farm close to Itú, through the kindness of the Bercht family. A site to become popular over a number of years.
Over this period the Guarapiranga Golf Club had generously offered the Carajás use of a small island, for camping and outdoor activities, located just off the fourth and fifth fairways, with a shallow 100 metres of water separating it from the mainland when the lake was full. Over several months of hard work a number of Senior Scouts cleared a camping site and built a “caramanchão” and dug a well. This site was close to São Paulo and used on many occasions, not only by Scouts but also Cubs and Girl Guides. On one occasion a number of Seniors paddled the length of the lake in Scout built canvas canoes, supervised by their “Chefe” in the comfort of his launch, to camp there over a long weekend.
LEADERSHIP EARLY SEVENTIES
I was travelling and absent from São Paulo during the greater part of 1972 and 1973, leaving Julian Sewell in charge of Group Leadership. Barry Cleaver had resigned, followed not long afterwards by Bill Robertson and Mike Shaughnessey. Ronald Bloch then became the Troop Scouter, initially assisted by Paul Thomsen and Chris Downey, with three Senior Patrol Leaders replacing them in due course, namely: Marcos Campos, Michael Davies and Martin Jimenez. By 1975 Felipe Bercht was to take over from Michael Davies.
The Cub Packs were in the capable hands of Sonny and Patsy Arnaud for St. Paul’s School, with Paul Ross running the Pack at the Church. During a short period whilst Sonny Arnaud had moved out of São Paulo, Pat Munn became the Akela.
Patrol Leaders during early to mid seventies were, John Garwood - Tigers, Tony Sewell - Cobras, Tommy Gregory - Foxes, Emanuel Bravo - Eagles and Charles Arnaud - Bears; other leading Scouts being: Russell and Brent Jackman, Lucas and Clemente Bercht, Steve Pilnik, Richard and Brian Sumner, Peter Racy, Geoffrey “Bucas” Cleaver, Paul Norris, and, in the Seniors: Anthony Cleaver, Richard Burt, Stevie Rae, Richard Pilnik and José Roberto Laffront, among others.
Easter camp in 1974 was held at Americana on a new site, Old Scout Job Lane’s farm. A good camp. This was followed by a July camp in Itatiaia, all going straight up to the Planalto for the climbing and finding many “penetras” who, with no reservations, wished to stay with us at Rebouças lodge. The result was that those who had tents slept out rather than in the crowded hut. However, among the “penetras” were two top climbers from a Rio Mountain Climbing Club, who joined us to climb the Pratileiras and showed us how to use far more sophisticated rock face rope scaling methods than we had used in the past, including abseiling down a rock face.
From the Planalto, the Troop hiked down to the Parque Nacional to camp by one of the chalets near Lago Azul. Return to São Paulo was on an old and broken down train which took almost ten hours to arrive in São Paulo. This was the time of the meningitis epidemic in São Paulo and the Troop was met by Julian carrying some protective medicine in the form of a spray, which he calmly squirted into each boy’s throat as he got off the train!
EXPANSION TO HEADQUARTERS
Upon returning to São Paulo late in 1973 I was told Julian was finding Group leadership a cumbersome task for a family man, so he willingly returned the post to me.
A problem had developed with the School. More storage space was required and the Board of Directors had decided to build alongside the Scout Hut, knocking down our Rover Den, now used by the Seniors. This did not suit us at all so we invited the Board and Headmaster Adam Ross to a joint lunch with the Scout Executive Committee, where the problem was debated and we convinced them to adopt our idea, which was to knock down the Senior Den, replacing it with double the area paid for from Scout funds, and the School storage space would be built alongside the new Scout construction. As a result we had a new Senior den attached to a room where Felipe Bercht, who was a gifted handyman, constructed the best pioneering and camping gear storage set-up we had ever had.
LEADERSHIP CHANGES - 1975
Along came 1975 with the news of my permanent transfer out of São Paulo to Rio de Janeiro. Ronald Blotch accepted the job of Group Scouter, remaining in charge
for nine years, to hand over in 1984 to a new generation of Leaders. We shall now report on what I shall ostentatiously call the “Post Toby Era”, based on notes supplied by Marcos Campos and Kris Harrison, a young Scout in 1975, son of “Brasileiro” Harrison.
My official “Despedida” was held in June 1975 at a large dinner held at S.P.A.C., attended by many Old Scouts. Apart from giving me a leather scroll signed by all present, some Old Scouts instigated by Stu Birkinshaw and Arne Arnesen, handed me an old bicycle they had found in a Scrap Shop. They firmly alleged that they were certain that it was old “Henry” of many years back. This surprise gift which certainly did not have Henry’s characteristics, I in turn donated to the Scout Troop via Bloch.
1975 ONWARDS
Ronald Bloch was now Group Scouter, having handed over Troop Leadership to Marcos Campos, Martin Jimenez and Felipe Bercht. Sonny and Patsy Arnaud and Paul Ross continued running the Cub Packs, respectively at the School and Church.
A number of old Seniors had formed the nucleus of a Rover Crew, the leading members being Lucas and Felipe Bercht. Others included José Laffront and Daniel Vasconcellos, a newcomer to the Group.
They went out of their way to find challenging hikes and activities including mountaineering, but more about this further on in these notes.
The year of 1975 was the start of training for large and unusual pioneering projects under the leadership of Felipe Bercht, who would build accurate small scale models of his projects, to be used at Scout meetings in preparation for the big event. Training in top quality knotting and lashings among the Patrols at Troop meetings, had become the “moda”.
Easter camp was held at a new site arranged for use of the Troop by Paul Thomsen. It was at Suzano, not far from Mogi das Cruzes. During this camp a typical “Valinhos” style night game was planned and all Scouts were warned to be very careful of a barbed wire fence surrounding the farm. All went well until “Bucas” Cleaver arrived back at the base, covered in blood - he had run into the barbed wire and cut himself slightly, so he said. Upon examining the cut under a light, the Scouters found that his throat was wide open! He was rushed off to the Suzano “Santa Casa” where he was stitched up, returning to camp apparently properly patched up. The next morning when he woke up he was still bleeding quite significantly. Fortunately Bloch was visiting the camp that day and took him back to São Paulo, where his brother, old Scout Robert Bloch, a plastic surgeon, did a proper job on Buca’s neck.
XVI WORLD JAMBOREE - 1975 - NORWAY
A large number of Carajás formed part of the Brazilian Contingent to this
Jamboree which is reported to have been the first Jamboree ever with good weather throughout. The Carajás participants were: Sonny Arnaud, Martin Jimenez, Felipe and Lucas Bercht, Roberto Laffront, Charles Arnaud, Bucas Cleaver, Tommy Gregory, Brian Sumner, Anthony Sewell and Ricky Ryan.
CAMPS AND ACTIVITIES 1976 AND 1977
Easter camp in 1976 was held at the Fazenda Adéle near Itú, once again through the kindness of the Bercht family. This was the camp of the first major unusual pioneering project, a large windmill, which had been the subject over the previous months, of much training in lashings and made entirely of bamboo. The weather didn’t help and like many other Easter camps over the years, it started to pour with rain from the moment of pitching camp - good training, so they say? Nevertheless, undaunted, the Troop went ahead in continuous rain. By Easter Sunday the rain had stopped and the windmill was working like a clock. The Troop was in first class shape with very experienced Patrol Leaders.
A cyclist patrol had been formed, called the “Seagull Patrol”, and, repeating what the Seniors had done some eight years before under the leadership of Eddie Erismann, they decided to cycle to Ubatuba and on to Paul’s farm where the Troop was to hold a July camp. They left one week ahead of the Troop and joined up for the camp. Paul’s farm at Ubatuba had become the favourite camp site being used frequently to this day. Another large but on this occasion, not unusual pioneering project was on the camp programme. It had been decided to do Paul a good turn by building a ten metre bridge across the river that runs through the farm. At the end of camp the lashings were replaced with “American lashings”, nails, and the bridge became permanent, but was washed away during summer by a storm flood.
The pioneering hobby continued during 1977 when a “Roda Gigante” was built at Itú during Easter camp, with six seats, possibly the most complex project ever undertaken by the Troop.. It worked and six Scouts at a time were able to have a free fun-fair ride by the end of camp. This was followed in July of the same year at Ubatuba with a two floor kitchen, the second floor being the resting place and get-together point of Patrol Leaders after camp-fire, for another round of cocoa and biscuits.
During this camp the Troop had a day outing on “traineiras” to some islands where a near disaster took place. Whilst swimming to shore in the usual “Buddy” style, one Scout almost drowned and was pulled out by Marcos, requiring resuscitation and heart massage. It was only later discovered that he had a health problem which the parents had failed to warn the Scouters of! This was the third of the recorded cases of near drowning over the years to 1977. The first was a young Scout in a Chacara Flora camp in 1931, and the second, a Cub Scout on an outing, whilst bathing in the Warren’s swimming pool, in the late sixties. Quite a scare for the Leaders, but resulting from precautions always taken, all were saved without any serious consequences, although this last incident would never have occurred if the Scouters had been forewarned by the parents of this Scout’s health problem.
1977 was the year considered to be the 50th. anniversary of the Group (our origins actually go back to 1925) and a larger than ever celebration “Churrasco Dance” was held at the S.P.Y.C.
The Yacht Club had kindly ceded their premises for the annual Scout barbecues ever since the early sixties, when Committee members, Alan and Margaret Beeby, Tony Pilnik, Bill Treacher, Bill Bennett and Paul Mehrtens, had introduced this fund raising party, which had become one of the most popular Community and Old Scouts get-together in the club’s attractive surroundings, with an ample bar, good music and a succulent “churrasco”.
In the same year of 1977, following July camp, the Rovers and Seniors, led by Felipe and Lucas Bercht, went up to Itatiaia for some mountain climbing where they made friends with that very experienced climber from the Park, Julio Spanner. At his suggestion, they all got into cars and drove to Rio de Janeiro where, guided by him, they scaled the Pão de Açucar by one of the hardest routes. A great and thrilling experience. Apart from the Bercht brothers, the other Scouts were: Clemente Bercht, José Laffront, Finn Arnesen and Daniel Vasconcellos.
1978 - A CRISIS ON THE HORIZON
The year of 1978 started off well with a new lot of Patrol Leaders, namely: Eagles - Jonathan Govier, Cobras - Alan Burt, Tigers - Matthew Richmond, Foxes - Tillman Bartch, Panthers - Jimmy Munn.
July camp was held in Itatiaia where, before the mountain climbing, the Troop spent a day at the location used by the Agulhas Negras Military Academy, with one of Spanner’s guides, training in “rapel” and climbing techniques. On the last day of camp after the mountaineering, Marcos Campos, who had gone up to the “Repouso Itataiaia” to lay on a dinner, was met by two breathless Scouts to report that Alan Thisted, known as “Porquinho”, had fallen off Spanner’s Tarzan type tree swing. There was young Alan, spread out on the ground with his forehead wide open. He was rushed down to a Military doctor off the via Dutra (more than likely our old friend. Col. Mario Jardim Freire), who after placing him under a cold shower, applied seventeen stitches. His face was so swollen when he arrived back in São Paulo, his father, Old Scout Eric Thisted, could hardly recognise him, but fortunately he suffered no after effects.
The Cub Packs continued to be efficiently run by the Arnauds at the School and Paul Ross at the Church. Paul’s loyal assistant over the years he had run the Pack was Judy Wharton and, for a short period, her brother Tommy, an Old Scout. However, after several years of staunch service, Paul and Judy handed over leadership of the Pack to Domitilla Bercht, who was assisted by Andrew Greenlees.
Holiday camps at Aratóca in Campos do Jordão had become almost annual events, ever since the days of Joe Soucek’s leadership and, on a number of occasions, Guide Captain Julia Macdonald had given a hand.
The Committee Chairman following on from Charles Downey who had headed the Parents Committee at the time of Toby’s handover, was Victor Codling, backed up by a team which included Old Scouts, Charles Harrison (later to have his turn as Chairman), Eric Thisted and Hugo Vidal. Both Roddie Govier and Sinclair Greenlees had been on the Committee together with Charles Downey.
The Troop was preparing for the XVth. World Jamboree to be held in Iran the next year, 1979. Iran at that time had a large and strong Scout movement.
Along came the crisis.
The School was to build a gymnasium behind the swimming pool and therefore the Scout Hut and its attachments would have to come down. There were changes in Troop leadership with Felipe Bercht leaving and, lastly, the Jamboree was to be cancelled because of the political situation in the Middle East.
This combination of bad news, which hit the Troop late in 1978, was the start of a crisis resulting in the loss of interest of many Scouts, especially after the news of the cancellation of the Iran World Jamboree reached the Group, provoking a slow-down in activities and resignation of many Scouts, especially those looking forward to the International event.
For a short period the Troop and Leaders had lost their sense of purpose and during 1979, when weekly meetings were held under a covered playground, only a few die-hards showed up regularly, namely: Marc Lignon, Alan Thisted, Kris Harrison, Thomas Govier and Gerry Codling. Only one outdoor activity was held, a camp with about ten participants at Aldeia da Serra.
The Cub Scout Packs coped better with the situation and maintained their normal programmes.
With Bloch still holding the reins, assisted by Marcos Campos (who was shortly to leave) and Martin Jimenez, things began to pick up in 1980, and the four patrols, though still incomplete in numbers, were led by Pls. , Gerry Codling, Kris Harrison, Marc Lignon and Thomas Govier, respectively for the Tigers, Cobras, Eagles and Condors. Thomas Govier handed over to Alan Thisted later in the year.
July camp was held at Ubatuba and Scouting activities had adapted to the circumstances.
The new headquarters, the basement of the gymnasium, was inaugurated on the 17th. December 1980. Much work had been put in by Scouts and most especially Old Scout Victor Codling with some helpers. Patrol corners had been built and Scouting was heading for an active 1981, following the inauguration at the camp-fire.
Mention should be made here of a minor tragedy (major in the opinion of the writer of these Memoirs). The Court of Honour, breaking with tradition, had decided to close one of the founding patrols - the Tigers. Fortunately the disaster was remedied a year later when the Troop was again expanding.
The year 1981 commenced with a Patrol travelling to Porto Alegre to represent the Carajás at the 4th. Panamerican Jamboree. The representatives were: Tony Sewell, Ricky Ryan, Gerry Codling, Carlos Alexandre Cerny, Alan Thisted, Egon Szenttamásy and Justin ?
This was followed by a return to Itatiaia in July, the first camp in those mountains for some years. It commenced with the hike up the “Mata Cavalo” from the Mauá side, where the path had become even more difficult to find. At one stage the path split into two. It was getting late, so Martin Jimenez decided to pitch camp and wait for daylight before continuing. Kris Harrison and Marc Lignon insisted on going onwards and, in the end, were allowed to do so with Tommy Gregory, who as an Old Scout had been invited to the activity, accompanying them. They stumbled along the path to run into pouring rain with just three torches to light their way. These, one by one, went on the blink, so finally they spent a miserably wet night trying to find shelter to sleep and continue after daylight. Daylight arrived and they discovered that they were only a few hundred yards from the comfort of their destination, the “Abrigo Rebouças”. Tommy and Marc went back to find the rest of the Troop whilst Kris stayed and relaxed in the “luxury” of Rebouças.
LEADERSHIP CHANGES
After many years of loyal service Patsy and Sonny Arnaud had resigned and from 1981 to 1982, Karin Harrison was Akela at St.Paul’s School, assisted by her brother Kris, who later was to take over from her. During this period Group Scouter Ronald Bloch also gave a hand with the Cubs and Ingrid Urban became a Cub Instructor.
Domitilla Bercht, who had maintained an active Cub Pack at the Anglican Church over a three year period, resigned in 1982, after which Gerry Codling was to become Akela assisted by Thomas Govier.
In late 1980, Marcos Campos, who had been a keen Group member, first as a Scout and then Scouter, over some sixteen years, had resigned. His assistant Martin Jimenez, known to everybody as Martini, took over from him, assisted by two Scouts, Ricky Ryan and Kris Harrison (who was also working in the Cub Pack).
The leading Troop personalities over this period, included: Marc Lignon, Alan Thisted, Peter Gölitz “Chicken”, Egon Szenttamásy, Carlos Alexandre Cerny and Robert Craddock.
By early 1983 Paul Thomsen, who was now fully active again in the Leadership area, together with Kris Harrison and a few Scouts, got lost (perhaps they were on a short cut planned by amateurs) whilst hiking round the borders of Paul’s Ubatuba farm, which goes way up in the forests of the Serra do Mar. They arrived at their destination a day late, by which time the Police were setting up search parties.
XVTH. WORLD JAMBOREE - CANADA - 1983
Fourteen Carajás formed part of the Brazilian Contingent of 120 Scouts and Leaders to this Jamboree. Four Troops were formed, each in separate sub-camps. The Jamboree was held in Calgary, at a place called Kananaskis, in the Canadian Rockies. The Carajás participants were: Martin Jimenez, Kris Harrison, Federico Bússola, Eric Nice Jr., Robert Craddock, Matthew Govier, Peter and Richard Cochrane, Egon Szenttamásy, Gerry Codling, Marc Lignon, Alan Thisted, Michael Betenson.
On the way back to Brazil, Martin Jimenez stopped off at Miami, advising that he would be back in São Paulo a couple of weeks later, for the “Chefia” meeting to plan the second half year programme. To this day he has not returned to Brazil and, consequently, Kris Harrision became Troop Scouter as well as Akela, posts he held for a number of years.
NEW LEADERS AND PACKS
Kris Harrison, together with a number of keen Scouts, come up from the Troop, formed a fine team of Leaders, namely: Jonathan and Thomas Govier, Gerry Codling and, by 1985, “Chicken” Gölitz, Egon whose surname Szenttamásy is beyond the ability of the average Carajás to pronounce, and Carlos Alexandre Cerny. They were supervised by Ronald Bloch until he handed over to Chris Downey.
Bloch, who had always been called by his surname since his early days as a Cub, deserved a medal for his perseverance in maintaining continuity ever since the difficult period of 1979/80, as well as for bringing up a fine team of new Leaders. He continued active in different capacities until his sad and sudden death in 1994, when the medal was finally but posthumously awarded. He is greatly missed by the Group, but at the time of writing these Memoirs, his son and daughters, Sydney, Cynthia and Suely are active members, with his wife Mara giving support in the background.
Owing to lack of records and log books, these memoirs have included little about Cub activities, but with Gerry Codling’s help, information from the mid eighties onwards, has been supplied in detail.
During 1983 and 1984 many Cub outings were held, including camps to the Ryan’s sítio in Itapevi, a hike up the Pico do Jaraguá following a trail laid by Thomas Govier, and more than one overnight stay at the Munn’s sítio near Itapecerica. All these camps were joint camps for both the School and Church Packs. Another popular site used by the Cubs is the sítio belonging to the Winslow and Comber families, on the Billings lake, the same site as was used by the Bandeirantes Boys’Club over fifty years ago.
Although the weather was cold and wet it was a very active camp with kayak races, swimming and a “Desfile de Fantasias” at the camp-fire, at which a number of Cubs showed great imagination in their dressing-up.
At the end of year camp-fire the prize for the best and most popular Cub was awarded to Patrick D’Heursel. This was in 1984.
PARENTS COMMITTEE
From the earliest days the 1st. and 2nd. São Paulo, followed by the Carajás, have always had strong and active Parents Committees, supporting the uniformed members in all that is required for the successful running and facilities required by a modern Scout Group. Space does not allow for mention of all names nor do complete records exist, but, as in the past, some names are remembered as a result of dedicated service. The Committee at the time of the construction of the new gymnasium at the school which included the new Scout headquarters, was chaired by “Brasileiro” Charlie Harrison, whose sad death was to take place two years later. Other members included Old Scouts Julian Sewell and Eric Thisted and parents Ronald Lees, Jacques Lignon and Geoffrey Cochrane, who in due course was to become Chairman and a leading Committee member over a number of years, contributing much to strengthening relationship with the Community and School. He later became Chairman of the Group Council. Others who served during the mid eighties were: Old Scout Eddie Bennett, Susan and Alain D’Heursel, Helen Gibbs, Herry Fuldauer both as Committee member and Group Scouter, Richard Stevens who became Committee Chairman, and Anette Betenson.
In 1987 the Committee was composed of the following members: Chairman, Chris Downey; Vice-Chairman, Jonathan Govier (also a Scouter); Treasurer, Ronald Bloch; Secretary Daniel Dupont Liot, other members being Ian Comber and Roddy Govier, John Mills and Taiki Hirashima, later to become Chairman.
1984 to 1986 - ACTIVITIES
In addition to being Group Secretary, Herry Fuldauer was closely involved with Scout Troop activities and, in conversation with Ronald Bloch one day, they recalled the John Macnab games of the past. Hearing that Toby, who was living in Rio, would be travelling to Europe early in 1984, just before the July camp in Ubatuba, they contacted him for help in setting up a new Macnab kidnapping game. Toby offered to fully organise it and become John Macnab, so he proceeded to send letters to the Troop from the U.K. and Holland, advising that he, John Macnab and a wild tough Scot named Angus, were to visit Brazil, had heard of the Carajás and their coming long camp. He challenged the Troop to prevent the kidnapping of a few Scouts by himself and the “fingers of steel nail bending” Angus, on a certain day. If the Troop did not accept the challenge they should hoist a white flag from the flagmast, in place of the Troop flag, on that specific day. Nobody would get hurt - it was just a game.
The Troop enthusiastically, although somewhat nervously, accepted the challenge. One Patrol slept the night before the attack with all Scouts tied to each other.
On the chosen day, as arranged by Thomas Govier and Toby when they met secretly that morning (Toby had driven down from his cottage near Angra dos Reis); the Troop set off on foot to a nearby beach to bathe. Along the way they came across a not so young, typical pipe smoking British tourist standing by a car, it was Macnab himself although they did not guess it. He turned and asked in a loud voice if anybody spoke English and could help him. Delighted to find that they were English speaking Scouts, he informed them that he had been attacked and all his documents had been stolen and he had avoided losing his hired car by throwing the car keys into the bushes. He was searching for them in order to drive to “Ubertuber” to look for help from the British Consul. The Scouts helped him find the car keys, informed him Her Majesty had no Consular representative in Ubatuba, so he should go and register the occurrence at the local Police Station and that two Scouts would willingly accompany him to act as translators, Patrol Leader Egon and Bobby Betenson (both in the know). As the most grateful British tourist drove off with the two Scouts in his car he handed Kris Harrison a folded card which, when Kris opened it, showed a message in large print which read: “That was only the beginning - Much Love - John Macnab”. With Egon putting on a magnificent show by yelling “SOCORRO” at the top of his voice, the now rather worried Macnab who feared that other local bathers might join the Scouts who were now chasing his car, drove off and took the Scouts for an excellent lunch in Ubatuba.
Following the lunch John Macnab tried to work out a suitable ending for the game, thus terminating the worries of the Troop, who had found the camp-site and even Kybo littered with Macnab warnings. It was agreed that the tables would be turned and Egon and Bobby would capture Macnab and take him back to camp with his hands tied. This was done, Toby was introduced to his old Troop and the day ended with a grand old camp-fire.
One of the most successful Macnabs ever.
The last important event of 1984, apart from the annual camp-fire, was the visit to São Paulo and a Scout meeting of Col. Mark Noble, Chief Commonwealth Commissioner of the British Scout Association. He gave an interesting talk on World and British Scouting.
1985 was another busy year. Following the Easter camp at Ubatuba, the Troop competed in the Everill-More sailing trophy at S.P.Y.C., after a gap of many years. Also, following a fairly long absence, the Group again became actively involved in District and Regional Scout activities, sending three Patrols to the Ajury Nacional, where they mounted an enormous pioneering “Star”, which had first been mounted at the School during a fund raising Field Day Churrasco.
July camp of that year was from Itatiaia to Mauá with the camp held on a new site near the Pedra Celada, which lies on the North side of Mauá village, further along the mountain range.
A new generation of Patrol Leaders and Scout personalities maintained Carajás traditions, namely: Pls. Matthew Govier and Michael Betenson, the twins Richard and Peter Cochrane, respectively for the Condor, Tiger, Eagle and Cobra patrols, together with Scouts José Maria Carré, Marco Aurélio Jordano, Marco Nader, Tony Cochrane and Patrick Sigrist.
During 1985 Rachel Codling gave a hand in the Cub sectors together with the Leaders already referred to in these notes.
The first Cub camp of 1985 was held at the Comber sítio on the Billings lake - a very wet camp which did not prevent the holding of hikes and other typical Cub activities. The turnout from both Packs was a record with 53 Cubs participating plus 8 Leaders.
Later in the year another camp was held on the same site and again it rained.
Early in 1986 Tiger Patrol Leader Michael Betenson moved up to the Chefia and chose to give a hand with the Church Cub Pack, assisting Gerry Codling.
The main Cub camp for 1986 was held at Campos do Jordão, once again at Aratóca. A good turnout and many hikes including a so-called (by Gerry) “short cut” which delayed them four hours. Once again both Packs participated as they do until this day on their long outings.
This was a busy year with many activities including one to a site offered by the “Escoteiros Hungaros” near Embú.
The Best Cub for 1985 was Ricardo Couto and the most popular, Marcos “Pingo” Versteeg. In 1986 these awards went to Rebecca Mattos (see introduction of Girl Scouts below) and Ricardo Couto, as best Cubs, Ricardo being chosen also as the most Popular Cub. These were the winners for the Church Pack.
GIRL SCOUTS AND GIRL CUBS
Following the trend in World Scouting, mixed Groups and/or activities for Girl and Boy Scouts have become the norm. To some extent this was already in vogue within the Carajás in the late sixties, when joint Ranger/Senior activities were held. However, for reasons unknown to the writer of these Memoirs, the U.E.B. decided to go on its own, forming the sectors “Lobinhas” and “Escoteiras”, rather than join up with the Federação das Bandeirantes, the Girl Guides.
Consequently in 1983, following National H.Q. policy, the Carajás formed the first mixed Cub Packs.
The first Girl Scout Troop (at the Scout Troop level the units continue separate) was founded and became active in 1985, with Irene Goldstein as Leader, to be followed a year later by Tunde Gölitz (who always introduced herself as “I am Chicken’s mother”), her Assistant being Susan D’Heursel for a while, later followed by Rachel Codling, Gabi Gölitz and Helen Ricket.
The first two girls to take their Scout oath in 1985 were Anne D”Heursel and Juliana Spink.
Many joint activities have been held with the Boy Scouts, including hikes and climbing in the Itatiaia region. This, those first “raw” Girl Scouts discovered, required hard training and stamina, which they did not have at that time, but certainly have nowadays.
1986 - 1987
After about twenty years as Headmaster, having guided St.Paul’s School through many changes, Adam Ross was returning to Scotland for a well merited retirement. The new Headmaster, Paul Gysin, took over from him early in 1987.
This was another very active year for the Carajás and what better proof of the quality of Scouting being offered then and nowadays, than the record number of older Scouts who, upon reaching leaving age, chose to remain in the Group, even if only part time, so as to give a hand in the Leadership. Apart from Kris Harrison, Jonathan and Thomas Govier, Gerry Codling, Egon, “Chicken” and Carlos Alexandre, all already referred to in these Memoirs, newcomers in 1986 were Matthew Govier and Michael Betenson, for the Scout and Cub sectors, José Maria Carré as well as both Peter and Richard Cochrane for a short period, before leaving for school abroad.
Chris Downey transferred the Group Leadership to Herry Fuldauer and was elected Committee Chairman. Eddie Bennett whose son Ian was a Cub continued actively working on the Committee. Herry, after a long hard working stint on the Committee now gave his full attention to the uniformed sectors determined to maintain Carajás traditions and was instrumental in “dragging” Toby back into the picture, even from the distance separating Rio and São Paulo. Paul Thomsen, who over the years had always been available to help out when required, became fully active taking on responsibility for Senior Scout activities, as well as working for the U.E.B. as Regional Senior Scout Commissioner. Paul’s wife Edna could not resist and also joined the ranks of Carajás Leaders, Palle his eldest son being a keen Scout and, his daughter Annete a member of the Cub Pack - another Scouting family with one still too young to join in 1987, but frequently present at activities of that period.
Kris Harrison travelled to England in 1986 to take his Wood Badge training in the Mecca of Scouting, Gilwell Park. He was followed by Egon in 1987 (with Old Scout Richard Leach acting as Carajás booking agent in England), and Paul took his turn on a local Wood Badge Course.
Paul and a number of Seniors including Kris Harrison, Paul Krausse, Thomas and Matthew Govier, travelled on the “Trem da Morte” to Sta. Cruz de La Sierra, across Bolivia to Machu-Picchu in Peru, in January 1986. They spent the New Year in La Paz where they were amazed to see the full week of celebrations with just about everybody drunk throughout the whole period,
During the same year the Carajás built a very large pioneering project, a “Roda Gigante” at FEIRANÇA (Feira da Criança) at Anhembi. Hundreds of children rode on it over the week and the Troop is proud to say that, as a result, the Scout Movement received useful promotion.
JAMBOREE-ON-THE-AIR AND OTHER ACTIVITIES
Repeating an activity which he had organised many years before, Paul Thomsen re-introduced participation in the annual International Jamboree-on-the-Air amateur radio contacts between Scouts of the World. As from 1985 various transmitting sites have been used, including Monte Verde. Other Scout Troops have joined the Carajás on this activity.
During 1986 the Troop again camped in Monte Verde so as to be at an ideal spot to see the Halley Comet. A good camp but nobody saw any comets.
Along came 1987, the year these Memoirs were first compiled and the, shall we say “two years late” celebration of the Group 60th. anniversary.
Scout Troop Pls. for 1987 were: Bobby Betenson, André “Eguinho” Szenttamásy, Marcelo Adamek, Klaus Wuestefeld and Alex Comber, respectively for the Cobras, Condors, Tigers, Eagles and Foxes. Other leading personalities, all patrol Seconds were: Chris Merkel (to become PL. of the new Lion Patrol in 1988), Michael Downey, Marco Carré, Lawrence Mills and Bernard Fuldauer.
The Pls. of the Girl Scouts were: Nicole Phillips, Juliana Spink, Anne D’Heursel and Carrol Cochrane, respectively for the Leo, Phoenix, Orion and Aquila Patrols.
Both Easter and July camps were held at Ubatuba, to be followed in August by a 60th. anniversary “Jubilee Camp” on the same site, with the participation of the whole Group and many Parents and Old Scouts. It was a most enjoyable event despite a camp-fire which was reluctant to light and then got rained on. The finale of the camp with schooners taking everybody to Ilha Anchieta was a fitting end to this celebration.
The Cub Packs continued their active life and the first camp for 1987 was held at a farm belonging to the Boccia family. Rain and stormy weather once again over two nights which became so bad on one of the nights, when “Chicken” was heard rushing about yelling “abandonar navio” and everybody moved into the farm house. Nevertheless the Cubs went on their usual hikes, held a Treasure Hunt and even a camp-fire by lamplight. The memory left from this camp was “carapatos”.
Other Cub Scout activities included a train ride to the Alto da Serra and Paranapiacaba, where they learnt what had been done and was still to be done on the “serra” railway. They also visited the museum.
Towards the end of the 60th. anniversary celebration year, a dinner was held at S.P.A.C. , very well organised by the Parents Committee and Leaders, with overall co-ordination in the hands of Old Scout Andy Beeby with Arne Arnesen Jnr. as his right hand man. There were almost 500 present at the dinner, among them founding members of both the 1st. and 2nd. São Paulo (E.S.) Scout Troops. Just to mention a few - Jimmy Macintyre, Arthur Bennett, Geoffrey Sewell and Harry Dodd, all from the 1st. Troop, and Frank Dawe, Bill Treacher, Tom Gregory and Peggy Winslow from the 2nd.
After the get-together drinks, all sat down to dinner with Group Council Chairman, Geoffrey Cochrane, opening proceedings by welcoming old timers and special guests, including Consul General Mr. Ronald Harrison, Rev. Glauco Lima from St. Paul’s Anglican Church, St. Paul’s School Headmaster Mr. Paul Gysin, the Regional Scout Commissioner, Chefe Paulo Cesar Xavier da Silveira, and old friend of the Carajás, Walter Schlithler, representing the Grupo São Paulo.
Following the presentation, Julian Sewell took over as M.C. keeping things moving throughout the dinner, with a Quiz, Raffle and an excellent sketch put on by the Scouts and Cubs, during which Rachel Codling listed the entities to which the Group offered their thanks for continued support.
The party ended up with a sing-song which went on until the early hours.
Yes, 1987 was another active year with 27 Carajás of both sexes, going to the World Jamboree in Australia. The lucky ones were: Paul Thomsen, Edna Thomsen, Rachel Codling, Gaby Gölitz, Jonathan Govier, Thomas Govier, Matthew Govier, Carlos Alexandre Cerny, Peter Gölitz, José Maria Carré, Klaus Wuestefeld, Bernard Fuldauer, André Hirashima, Ian Wallis, Marcelo Adamek, Chistian Merkel, Palle Thomsen, Mark Stevens, Alexander Comber, Lawrence Mills, Bobby Betenson, Michael Downey, Anne D’Heursel, Juliana Spink, Nicole Phillips, Cristina Rheims and Carol Cochrane.
Whilst the above were at the Jamboree, in fact on New Year’s Eve, a dozen young Scouts, led by Kris Harrison with the help of the dedicated PL. of the Condors, Eguinho Szenttamásy, hiked across the mountains of the Serra da Bocaina, down to Manducaba Bay and Toby’s beach house at Porto Frade. On arrival, Toby took one look at the tired and muddy young Scouts - it had rained a lot during the hike - and had all of them strip and get down to washing their clothes before entering the house. From then on they had a good time going out boating, bathing and all the fun of the Frade condominium, plus their good turn, cutting hedges and painting Toby’s fence for him.
THE WHAT MAKES CARAJÁS TICK
Undoubtedly the strength of the Carajás results to a great extent from the loyal and dedicated service of many Leaders over the years and the strong Committee and Community support, which has supplied the Group with all its needs in order to carry out the Scouting programme.
However, above all, good Scouting comes from correctly applying the methods introduced by the Founder Baden-Powell, together with the true Scouting spirit, governed by the Scout Oath and Law. From the very early days the Court of Honour composed by the Patrol Leaders and Scouters in charge, has been a powerful force in the running of the Scout and Seniors Troops. Correct use of the patrol system is possibly the main factor in maintenance of traditions and top quality Scouting in the Group. May it always be so.
Examples of the functioning of the Court of Honour over the years illustrate Carajás standards and success. Here is one. On an unfortunate and embarrassing occasion during the sixties, a patrol of selected Scouts which included some members of the Court of Honour, participated in a large Regional hiking competitive game around the Guarapiranga lake. Our Patrol took first place winning the Trophy. A few days later, the PL. in charge of our patrol, a very dependable loyal Scout, came to Toby and started off by offering his resignation. After Toby calmed him down, he reported that unknown to him during the game, one of our Pls. (who formed part of the patrol) had used private transport which was strictly forbidden by the rules of the game, thus giving us an enormous unfair advantage over the remainder. He was very ashamed. Toby called a joint Senior and Scout Troop Court of Honour. The culprit was punished and the patrol, led by the PL. in charge went to the Regional Commissioner to make a public apology and hand the Trophy to the runners-up in the game. Oddly enough this resulted in favourable publicity from the Scout Regional office, admiring the sense of honour of the Carajás.
On a number of times the Court of Honour has judged serious offences and, at least two Scouts during Toby’s time, who were no longer young boys and whose behaviour was considered disgraceful, were expelled from the Group by the Court of Honour which, in a good Troop together with the Scouter, makes these decisions.
On another occasion, also during Toby’s time, the Senior Troop Court of Honour overruled him. He had arrived at their meeting with a letter already signed to send to the parents of a certain Senior, asking them to remove him from the Troop. The C. of H. insisted that the boy had problems at home and his continued life in the Senior Troop would help him. They proved to be right.
As any Leader knows, running a Scout Group is by no means milk and honey, but with a loyal and creative team of Scouters, good Committee support and keen active Patrol Leaders, success is assured.
It would be nice to be able to list all the Patrol Leaders over the years, but records are incomplete. However, in the addendum the names of all the King Scouts and Escoteiros da Patria are listed. They were all Patrol Leaders.
The above comments were written in 1986 when these Memoirs were first started. Some of those who read the original notes have asked why certain other incidents from their active Scouting days, were not included. It is impossible to cover everything of importance that happened, but here is a sample of some of the incidents they referred to:
- Why was no mention made of the Scouts and Cubs who paraded before the Prince of Wales in the thirties, or Queen Elizabeth when she visited Brazil?
- Or, no mention is made of the Scout Troop leaving from their camp in Chacara Flora in 1934, to help hold back the crowd at the inauguration of Congonhas Airport.
- Or, why is their no mention of bathing in “Ray’s Hole” near our old Perus camp-site.
- Or, what about the time we almost carried that eighty kilo thirteen year old up and over the Agulhas Negras, on our climb from Itatiaia to Mauá in the fifties?
- Or, you never referred to the traditional appetites of the Swedes, of which the all-time champ, was Arne Lindholm.
- Or, you completely forgot to report on the Senior Scout visit with John Moore, Eddie Bennett and a few others, by a FAB plane, to the Ilha do Bananal and their visit to the Carajás Indians.
And so on, but now we shall report on the ten years of activities from 1986 to 1996.