This is a strange sight, a tent in front of our sport hall.
The reason for this was, it was years 12 student’s scout camp. It meant two nights of sleeping at the school, participating in scouting activities and staying in tents. I asked the boys if they were having a good time and the answer was negative. All the students I asked, the answer was the same each time.
Early in the morning the table tennis tables are busy. It is a very popular sport here and each break time the tables are full of budding young superstars.
On each table there will be 4 or more students. The two people playing simply play until one reaches 2 points. They stay on the table (The King of the table) and the others rotate around waiting their turn.
I enjoy grabbing a bat and having a game against the kids and they really enjoy playing the farang teacher.
Back to the scouts, the senior scouts had finished breakfast and were now lined up ready to start their fun filled day.
It was then time for inspection. The students were lined up and a senior scout member (I suppose you call a master, no idea as I was never in scouts) inspected each student’s uniform, salute and so forth.
In Thailand scouts is compulsory from primary 1 until secondary 6, or another words your entire schooling life to participate in scouts.
The uniforms are standard across the country, there was talk of changing the uniforms a few years back but there was a huge backlash from the public because of the cost. The uniforms are not cheap anyway, and with all the accessories it would cost a small fortune for most Thais to outfit their kids.
The older scouts changed into normal clothes and did group activities through the day. Most were outside and they were always so happy when it was time to break. They told me it was hot, and also the sun makes them go black. They were lucky it was cloudy and breezy for the first 2 days.
But there was still time to pose for the camera, and all three told me they still weren’t having fun. Times are tuff for Thai students in Isaan Thailand.
These kids are really lucky as a few years ago the scout camps were held out in the bush. The kids were bused out to their location and then had to walk a few kilometres to their accommodation. This was very basic; there were many insects, especially mosquitoes and also plenty of leeches. Cold showers only and the kids complained for days about going here.
These guys need to thank whoever made the decision to stop going there.
Brunty
4 comments:
The scouts is a great program; at least it teaches the young kids some skills so they don't end up like many of the kids in the west (fat, cannot cook, clean, camp or do much of anything but shop or play video games).
Good post JB.
Pity that - I was a scout too, I would have loved to camp out in the djungle, singing with others around a campfire and so on. (We didn't have this type of military setup though, our organization was very relaxed.)
It's too bad they make it compulsory - if it wasn't, I think there might be quite a few who'd join for fun and have cool experiences.
it would be more fun if they actually did something fun for the kids. who wants to camp out on the school lawn?
Franky, exactly it does teach some good things to the kids but so many of them are not interested. They would rather be playing games or sleeping.
Stefan, I too think it shouldn't be compulsory and an extra curriculur activity. Getting out into the country is one of the best things to do.
MJ, I too cannot understand why they have stopped going to the camp area in ths scrub. That is what it is all about right?
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