Scouts attend survival camp
By A M Zukarnaen & Suriani Garip

Here are some handy tips.

If the mushroom is turned upside down and insects are living at the base, then the mushroom is not poisonous. The reason is that if it is safe enough for insects to be feeding off the mushroom, then it is safe to be eaten.

Another tip is that if you sprinkle salt on the mushroom, and the colour changes, then it is poisonous. But if there is no change in colour, the mushroom is safe to eat.

These pointers are just part of the survival skills being taught to a group of boy and girl scouts from Brunei-Muara District during a four day/five night camp at Shahbandar, which started yesterday. The participants will be also taught about comradeship, independence and fending for themselves in the jungle.

The camp is a training ground for an international camp that will be held sometime this year.

The instructors teach the students, some as young as 13 years old, about survival in both the jungle and the world.

The survival skills include knowing which herbs offer remedies in case of an emergency in the jungle.

The scouts learn the importance of comradeship and dependence on peers in vital situations as well as having trust in one another during the camp.

Among the activities are beautifying and cleaning up the park, night march, scout games, hiking, traditional games, "Sukan Ria" and a cultural night.

Organisers hope that the scouts return home a better person with greater awareness and understanding of the values instilled during the camp.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin