BBQ and Horse Riding

The weather was comfortably warm and especially beautiful today, making our outdoor activities even more enjoyable! 

During the drive, our new scouts introduced themselves and we all got to chatting and playing games immediately. Just before we arrived at the Iruma riverside park, we stopped at a supermarket to buy some ingredients for our barbecue later in the day. The scouts chose giant sausages, red peppers, shiitake mushrooms, and green onions. 

 As we arrived, the scouts packed up their snacks they had been eating along the way, getting their backpacks ready for the rest of the day. We walked for a little while, discussing what activities awaited us. 

Once we reached the right spot, we excitedly set up camp. Mark collected bamboo branches to be turned into skewers, while the scouts collected tinder, kindling, and wood for the fire. The scouts were taught the basics of safety near a fire/grill, how to build a fire, and how to start one with a Ferro Rod. The scouts tried to strike a spark big enough to light the tinder for a few minutes, but as it takes lots of practice to do so, Mark lit the fire so that we could have time to prepare our skewers. 

 After a coordinated team hustle to keep the fire alive, the scouts were able to turn their attention to making their bamboo skewers. Mark showed them the safe and proper technique to carve and clean the bamboo with a knife. They then wiped the skewers clean and sterilized them over the fire to make sure they were food safe. 

 Once we had all eaten lunch, we gathered around to make our shish kabobs. The scouts skewered their desired ingredients on, and placed them on the grill to cook. We let them play nearby as the kabobs cooked, calling them back as they finished to eat. Roasting marshmallows came soon after, and the scouts focused very hard on trying to toast them just right. As we got done eating, the scouts did as well, and it was about time for some horse riding at the Alice Riding Club. 

We packed up our things and started the short walk there, talking about respecting horses and acting appropriately when around them. We arrived shortly thereafter, and the scouts got split into two groups, one which rode first and helped with work in the stables after, and the other which helped first and rode second. 

 When riding, the scouts practiced mounting and dismounting, walking, turning, stopping, and guiding the horse through and over obstacles. Some of the older scouts were also able to guide the horse into a trot which was especially exciting. They did all this with the help of an experienced teacher who spoke Japanese, with Mark translating for the scouts who didn’t. 

When working at the stables, the stable master taught the scouts how to clean a horse’s stable efficiently, prepare its meal with all its varied parts, and brush its hair gently. 

 Sadly, it was time to leave before we knew it, so the scouts said their thanks and goodbyes to the lovely horses and the very kind and helpful staff. We walked back to camp and played for a bit before we needed to pack our things up, and head back to the car. The scouts showed bravery, patience, focus, and a hard working mindset today, and we are nothing less than proud. We hope the scouts had as much fun as we did, and we look forward to seeing you all soon for another great event!