Our Little Scout

We were still in Singapore when we decided to enrol Niels in the local Scout group once we returned to Holland. It seemed like the ideal activity for him; charging around in the forest with lots of other little boys, burning off energy and learning essential survival skills like how to toast marshmallows, pitch tents, and swear with conviction. It all seemed very tetosterone charged to me, but actually there are a few girls is his group - or horde as it's called - and it's more civilised than I'd expected. We are lucky that in this part of Holland we're surrounded by forest, and the Scout hut is a great location, about a 10 minutes cycle away, nestled beneath the pine and beech trees. It's also the perfect excuse to get muddy without getting into trouble, something that really appeals to little boys.

Holger was a Scout for years when he was a boy, and he gets all misty-eyed and nostalgic when he recalls his glory days, so hopefully Niels will one day look back on his Scouting experience with a smuch enthusiasm.

Niels was allowed to attend three meetings before deciding whether or not to join, and when the big day came he very bravely memorised the Scout creed and perfected his salute. We were quite a contingent, Opa, Papa, Mummy, and Carl, watching from the sidelines and dripping steadily onto the bare wooden floor on what must have been the rainiest day we've had since we moved back. One of the Scout leaders turns up to every meeting in a huge pair of clogs which I always thought was quite funny. However as we slithered our way through the mud and rain last Saturday it suddenly struck me how convenient it would be to be wearing what is essentially a huge wooden bucket on each foot. Nothing could dampen Niels enthusiasm however, and he was initiated into the Welp Horde with great ceremony. The flag was unfurled, his fellow hoard-ees stood to attention in a circle around him, and he was solemnly saluted after receiving his first badges. As the ceremony finished he seriously returned the salute to the group before joinng the circling...and flicking us a quick peace sign and an impish grin before taking his place. This is Niels, after all.