Boys should be taught how to use the compass and a map in tracing their way through an unknown country. Also to travel by the stars or by the moss on the trees.
CHAPTER V—PERSONAL CHECK LIST OR INVENTORY
CHECK LIST MARKING LOST AND FOUND MEMORY HOW TO PACK SHIPPING LABELS NEATNESS GENERAL HINTS
Experience only can determine what should be taken to camp. Usually the first camping trip decides what to take on the second trip, and also reveals how few things, providing they are right things, one really needs to be comfortable in camp. A boy's mother, who is generally the official trunk packer of the family, makes a mistake in stowing away in the trunk a lot of things not serviceable or suitable for camping. Cotton goods, except towels, handkerchiefs, and hose, are of no use. Gray woolen shirts, gray, brown, or green sweaters (a boon to campers—avoid white, red, or striped colors), khaki suit, outing flannel pajamas (tan color preferred) are in the class of real camp necessities so far as clothing is concerned. The hat should be drab or khaki color, of campaign style, something that will shed water and sun. The hat used by the Boy Scouts of America is admirably adapted for campers.
The outfit may be divided into four classes: things necessary, things desirable, things convenient, and luxuries. Boys who go camping for two weeks or less should take articles in the following list marked (1); those who go for four weeks or less should take articles marked (2) in addition to those marked (1); and those who go for what may be called the season, six or more weeks, should take those marked (3), in addition to all of (1) and (2).
Necessary
Woolen sweater (coat style) (1)
Note book or diary (1)
Twine and rope (2)
Two flannel shirts (gray) (1)
Lead pencil (1)
Change of underwear (1)
Pens and ink (2)
Two pairs stockings (1)
Stamps, stamped envelopes (1)
Jersey (2)
Outing flannel pajamas (1)
Paper, postals and envelopes(2)
Running pants (1)
Handkerchiefs (1)
Needles and thread (1)
Two pairs woolen blankets (1)
Matches in metal box (1)
Poncho (1)
Folding drinking cup (1)
Turkish towels (1)
Strong pocket knife on chain(1)
Extra pair heavy shoes (2)
Toilet soap (in aluminum or
celluloid box) (1)
Echo whistle (2)
Fishing tackle (2)
Comb and brush (1)
Camera (2)
Tooth brush and tooth paste(1)
Small-sized Bible (1)
Money (1)
Pins and safety pins (safeties one-inch and four-inch) (1)
Good disposition (1)
Leggings-tan, army style (1)
Desirable
Extra suit of clothes (2)
Rubber-soled shoes (sneakers) (1)
Soft laundered shirt (2)
Bathing suit or tights (2)
Small compass (2)
Small mirror (1)
Baseball, bats, gloves (2)
Whisk broom (2)
Tennis racquets and balls (3)
Dish towels (2)
Ping Pong racquets, balls (3)
Cheap watch (1)
Rubber boots or overshoes (2)
Map of vicinity (2)
Clothes pins (2)
Musical instruments (2)
Flash lamp (2)
Scissors (2)
Repair outfit (2)
Convenient
Games (3)
Can opener (2)
Books (3)
Small hand washboard (3)
Small pillow (2)
Thick strong gloves (3)
Mosquito netting (2)
Heavy woolen stockings (3)
Candles (3)
Elk hide moccasins (3)
Luxuries
Bath robe (3)
Blacking and brush (3)
Shaving outfit (3)
Laundry bag (2)
Face rag (3)
It is understood that cooking utensils; tools, tents, cots and the general camp equipment is supplied by the camp management. The above list is for the individual campers.
Mark Everything
Mark everything with your initials, or, if in a large camp, your camp number. This may be done with indelible ink upon white tape, and the tape sewed upon the garments, or you may order through the large department stores your full name embroidered on tape in sufficient quantity to sew upon your belongings. Marking your "goods and chattels" helps identify ownership, for things somehow get fearfully mixed up in a boys' camp.
A clever scheme for locating lost articles was adopted by one large camp. A "Lost and Found" shop was opened. Articles found were brought to the shop. Hours for identification and reclaiming were announced, the owner paying two cents for each article claimed. This method had the effect of making the boys more systematic and less careless in throwing things around, or leaving them upon the ground after a ball game or play. After a certain length of time, an auction was held of all unclaimed articles. The money received was put into books for the camp library.
Write it Down
Make your "check list" during the winter. Have an old box handy in which to put things you think you will want to take to camp. Boys usually talk over the experiences of the last camp until about January 1st, then they begin to talk and plan about the next camp. As you think of things jot them down in a little memorandum book marked "Camp Ideas." Leaders will find this plan especially helpful. In making up the list, put down each article on a separate line. Don't jumble things together. Leave nothing to memory which, alas, too frequently is a splendid "forgetter." Write it down on paper. Examine your list very carefully, and strike out everything you can do without. Simplicity coupled with comfort should be the guide in making up the list or inventory. Tack the list on the inside of your trunk or camp box. Often the little trifles prove the most valuable things on a camping trip. For instance, a supply of giant safety pins is invaluable for pinning blankets together in sleeping-bag fashion. Ever roll out of your blankets or toss them off on a cool night? If so, you know the value of a giant safety pin.
What to pack the outfit in and how to pack it is a problem which each must solve for himself. A cracker box, with hinged cover, padlock, and rope handles, is good for a short-time camping trip. It should be of the following dimensions: 30 x 18 x 15 inches.
[Illustration: Camp Box]
A good strong steamer trunk is about the best thing. It is convenient, easy to handle, and takes up very little space.
The boys who are mechanically inclined, will want to have the fun of making a camp box. The illustration is a suggestion successfully worked out by a number of boys. The dimensions may be determined by the maker. Don't make it too big, or it will be a burden and also occupy too much room in the tent. It stands upright and serves as a dresser. Boys who spend a summer in camp should have either a steamer trunk or this dresser.
If the trunk or box is too small to carry blankets, a good plan is to roll blankets, bedding and such articles in a roll or canvas, the ends and sides of which are doubled inward, so as to prevent articles from dropping out or getting wet. Strap with a good shawl or strong rope. (See illustration.)
[Illustration: Blanket Roll.]
A dunnage[1], duffle, or carry-all bag is sometimes used for packing, but there is a possibility of a "mess" as well as a loss of your good disposition and patience in trying to locate some desired article.
Carry your poncho to be used in case of rain en route.
[Transcriber's Footnote 1: Personal baggage.]
Shipping
Have your expressman deliver your baggage at the station at least one hour before the train starts. If the baggage is delayed, much annoyance and loss of temper is the result. If the camp is a large one, some one should be designated to look after the baggage arrangements. After checking the baggage, this person should receive checks and attend to claiming baggage at destination.
Many of the large camps provide mucilaged labels or "stickers" to paste on the end of the trunk or box making identification easy at railroad baggage room. Initials and camp number should be painted on outside of trunk or box.
Neatness
"A place for everything and everything in place" should be the real key to find things in your trunk. Neatness is good discipline for the mind, and should characterize every real camper. The trunks of some boys in camp look as if a cyclone had struck them. "Full, pressed down, and running over." Every old thing in any old way is both slovenly and unhygienic.
About once a week everything should be taken from the trunk or box, and exposed to the sun. Let the sun also get into the trunk or box. Then repack neatly. This will prevent mould and dampness, and be the means of discovering lost articles. Finally be sure to go over with care your "check list" or inventory the day before camp breaks. This will prevent rushing around excitedly at the eleventh hour, hunting lost articles.
GENERAL HINTS
Gray and khaki are the most inconspicuous colors for camping.
Shirts should be provided with breast pockets.
Each lock should have a duplicate key to be given to the tent leader, or in a large camp, to the camp banker.
Have an old laundry bag in which to put soiled clothes. "Wash day" is a popular day in many camps. No camper need be dirty when there is abundance of water.
There is a luxuriance in a piece of soap and a clean towel that only experienced campers can understand and appreciate.
Wet towels, swimming suits or tights should not be placed in the trunk or box, but hung upon a rope, or non-rust wire outside of the tent.
The poncho is the camper's friend. It makes a good rubber blanket, a wrap, a cushion, a bag, a sail or a tent.
Be sure to take enough bed clothes. You will need them on cold nights.
Stamps wiped over the hair of your head will not stick together—the oil of the hair does the trick. Take a self-filler fountain pen—no glass filler to break.
A small Williams or Colgate shaving stick box, with screw or hinged cover, makes a good match box. A better one is a water-tight hard rubber box, with screw top. If dropped into a lake or stream it will float, whereas a metal box will sink.
Some one has said that "Good temper is as necessary for camping as water is for swimming." Be sure it is on your "check list."
[Illustration: Personal Labels]
CHAPTER VI—ORGANIZATION, ADMINISTRATION AND DISCIPLINE
A RECOGNIZED LAW COOPERATIVE SELF-GOVERNMENT COUNCIL MEETINGS DEPARTMENT ADMINISTRATION RULES DISCIPLINE BY WHISTLE DISCIPLINE BY CONSCIENCE SELF IMPOSED DISCIPLINE SEVEN THINGS WHICH GOD HATES LIARS AND SNEAKS A "MEDITATION LOG" AND OTHER METHODS PRIVATE TALKS PERFECT FREEDOM
The heavens themselves, the planets and this centre
Observe degree, priority and place,
Insisture, course, proportion, season, form,
Office and custom, in all lines of order.
-Troilus and Cressida. Act 1, Scene 3.
Order
It matters very little if the camp be a large or small one, all will agree that system and organization must prevail if the camp is to be a "place of known delight and proved desire." Order is said to be Heaven's first law, and a boys' camp should not be operated contrary to this recognized law. What is everybody's business usually becomes nobody's business. Much soup has been spoiled by the stirring of too many cooks. A boys' camp becomes a place of discord when everybody takes a hand in "running it." There must be one whose word is absolute and final, and who is recognized as the leader or director of the camp; at the same time the campers should have a voice in the government and share in planning and participating in its activities. (See chapter on Leadership.)
The following charting of organization will explain the "degree, priority and place" of those who are to be responsible for the administration and welfare of the camp.
Cooperative Self-Government
This form of organization recognizes maturity, experience, ability, cooperation, justice and altruistic service. Self-government wholly by the boys is unwise. There must always be a paternal guidance of hot, impulsive and indiscriminate youth. Boys desire adult leadership and where a wise combination is formed of man and boy working together, there will be found the highest type of efficient, wholesome, happy and purposeful camp life.
Council Meetings
Frequent council meetings should be held. When the senior council, composed of the leaders and director, meet for planning and to discuss the work, it should be understood that whatever is said or discussed at the meeting, must not be talked over in the presence of the boys, particularly matters of discipline, awarding of honors and camp policy. Joint meetings of the junior and senior councils should be held weekly. Each "tent" is represented on the junior council by electing one of their tent-mates, who shall present the views of his constituents at council meetings.
[Illustration: Camp Organization Chart]
Departments
The director should have the power of appointing the chairmen or heads of departments, and the chairmen the privilege of selecting associates from the two councils. The policy of each department must be ratified by a joint meeting of the councils before it becomes operative. Prevent bickering over minor parliamentary details. Keep in mind first, last and always, the highest welfare of the camp. Let the "voice of the people" be heard, yet see that the legislation introduced is in the interest of the highest good of the campers. The chart suggests the work of the various departments.
RULES
In all well-organized and purposeful camps for boys, three rules are considered absolutely essential for the safety and welfare of the campers. These rules are:
1. No fire-arms, air-rifles or explosives of any kind allowed.
2. No one of the party shall enter the water for swimming or bathing, except during the designated period.
3. No tobacco used in any form.
Every boy going to camp agrees, in signing his application, to observe whatever rules are decided upon as best for the welfare of all. Boys should be trusted and expected to do as the majority think best. There should be a happy understanding and mutual confidence existing which should make a long list of rules unnecessary. When the boys arrive in camp, the director should outline and explain the purpose and policy of the camp in kind, but unmistakable terms.
A camp of a dozen boys and their school teacher, in the White Mountains, was operated for three delightful weeks, upon the following "agreement," which all the boys and their leader signed.
We, the members of Camp Bejoyful, do hereby subscribe cheerfully to the following rules and regulations and will be governed by them while we are members of this camp.
We further agree to pay any penalty the other members of the camp may think fit to impose upon us for breaking these rules or resolutions.
We will not lose our tempers.
We will not use any language we would not use in the presence of ladies.
We will not tell stories we would not tell or want told to our sisters.
We will perform cheerfully any duties our Camp Master asks us to perform.
We will at all times respect the rights and feelings of others.
We will remember that the command to "Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy," is obligatory at all times and in all places.
The motto of this camp shall be "Noblesse oblige."
The Whistle
Unless the camp is conducted under the auspices of the Boys' Brigade or some military organization, where boys prefer the military discipline, it is unwise to introduce it in a camp for boys. The type of discipline to be used will depend upon the type of leader. Some camps are controlled by the use of a whistle. When the attention of the boys is desired, the leader blows a shrill blast of the whistle and the boys immediately respond by absolute silence and await the announcement or whatever the leader or director desires to say to them. Never blow the whistle unless necessary. Secure first the attention of the boys if you want their interest. Camp boys become accustomed to continuous blowing of the whistle in the same manner that city boys become used to the noise of the street-car gong. Blow your whistle and wait. Cause for a second blast should be considered serious.
Conscience
"In a camp where through the thoughtlessness of a boy a misdemeanor had been committed, the leader explained at the camp fire how mean the action was and said that he did not believe there was a boy in camp who, if he had realized its contemptible nature, would for one moment have thought of doing such a thing. He concluded his remarks by saying, 'If there is any boy here who knows who did this thing, I earnestly request that he will keep it to himself and not breathe the name of the offender to anyone in camp.' Especially did he request that on no account should the offender's name be told to him. There were a few rather red faces about the camp fire, but the name of the offender was never known and no similar misdemeanor occurred while the camp was open.
Self-Imposed Discipline
"In another camp two boys had thoughtlessly violated the understanding regarding swimming and they spent an hour on the hillside with the leader discussing the situation. After the leader had explained to them his responsibility to the parents of each boy in camp and how insecure parents would feel if they thought their boys were not being properly taken care of, he asked them: 'Now, if you were in my place, what would you do with two such fellows?' And they both replied that they thought the two boys should be sent home as an example to the rest of the camp. The leader agreed with them and the two boys, who had pronounced their own sentence, left the next morning for home. That leader has today no better friends among boys than those two particular fellows." [1]
[Footnote 1: E. M. Robinson, Association Boys, June, 1902. ]
Seven Things Which God Hates
Solomon in his book of Proverbs says, "These six things does the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him. A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, a false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren." (Proverbs; 16:19.)
Liars and Sneaks
Punish the liar heavily. Help the boy to see that to make a mistake and own up to it, is regarded in a much more favorable light than to sneak and lie out of it. Have him understand that the lie is the worst part of the offence. It is awful to have the reputation of being a liar, for even when a boy does tell the truth nobody believes him because of his past reputation. Never indulge suspicion. Above all discountenance sneaking; nothing is more harmful than to maintain a feeble discipline through the medium of tale-bearing.
Never keep a boy in camp who is out of tune with the camp life or its standards, and whose presence only serves to militate against the real purpose of the camp. "Grouchitis" is a catching disease.
Meditation Log
The methods of punishment are as varied as the colors of the rainbow. In one camp, a "Meditation Log," upon which the boy sits and thinks, and thinks, and thinks, and—. No doubt he is a sadder and wiser boy for his period of meditation. A "wood pile" where boys saw from one to five or more sticks of cord wood into stove lengths, is an economic mode of punishment, for it not only provides wood for the kitchen stove, but hardens the boys' muscle as well as helps him to remember his mistakes and to avoid repetition. Walking around the campus for a certain length of time carrying an oar over the shoulder, is another method. Curtailing a boy's privileges, such as swimming, boating, taking away his dessert, are other methods in vogue in boys' camps. When a boy swears, if he is a "scout," the other "scouts" pour a cup of cold water down the offender's sleeve or back, for each offence. Some boys have been cured of swearing by having their mouths washed out with "Welcome Soap," publicly, along the shore of the lake or stream, with camp-mates as silent spectators. Make the "punishment fit the crime," but always the kind of punishment which the boy will acknowledge is deserved and just. Never punish in anger.
Private Talks
A "heart-to-heart" talk with the boy during a walk in the woods, or in some quiet place of the camp, will do more good to get him to see and realize his need of adjustment to camp life and enlist his willingness to try again and to "do his best" than any form of physical punishment.
When it becomes necessary to send a boy home, always telegraph or write his parents, telling them on what train or boat they may expect him and the reason for sending him home.
[Illustration: Raising the Flag—Camp Kineo.]
CHAPTER VII—THE DAY'S PROGRAM
A MORNING PRAYER REQUISITES OF A CAMPER 7.00, "REVEILLE" 7.15, THE DIP 7.30, BREAKFAST 8.30, CAMP DUTIES 9.30 TO 11, EDUCATIONAL RECREATION 11, "BLANKETS IN" 11.30, SWIMMING TIME 12, NOON INSPECTION 12.30, DINNER 12.45 TO 2, "SIESTA" 2 TO 4.30, SPORTS 4.30, PREPARATION FOR THE NIGHT 5, GENERAL INSPECTION 5.45, "COLORS" 6, SUPPER 6.45, MEDITATION AND STUDY 7.15, CAMPUS GAMES 8, CAMP FIRE AND ENTERTAINMENT 8.45, "TATTOO" AND HYMN 9, "TAPS" AND "GOOD NIGHT"
A Morning Prayer
The day returns and brings in the petty round of irritating concerns and duties. Help us to play the man, help us to perform them with laughter and kind faces. Let cheerfulness abound with industry. Give us to go blithely on our business all the day. Bring us to our resting beds weary and content and undishonored, and grant us in the end the gift of sleep. —Robert Louis Stevenson.
Requisites
All the major habits of life are formed during the teen period of life. If camping teaches a boy anything it teaches him the habit of being systematic. The day's program should be built upon a platform calculated not only to keep the camp running smoothly, but to develop within the boy and man those qualities requisite for a good camper, viz., truth, sincerity, self-control, courage, energy, skill, mental capacity, justice, patriotism, stamina, efficiency, executive power, consideration, kindliness, cheerfulness, self-reliance, good temper, good manners, tact, promptness, obedience, helpfulness, and cooperation. Camping has as good an effect on a boy's character as it has upon his health. It teaches him to be self-reliant, to look after his own wants, and not to be abnormally self-centered. It is marvellous how much more tidy and considerate a boy becomes after he has had a season in camp, looking after himself and his own belongings, as well as sharing in keeping his tent neat and clean, and having his part in the day's work. From "reveille" at 7 A.M. to "taps" at 9 P.M. the day's program should be definitely planned. In order to make this chapter of practical value the different periods of the day and its activities will be described very fully and enough suggestions given to make the day purposeful, educational, recreational and attractive in either a large or small camp.
Seven o'clock is usually the hour of beginning the day, although some camps make the rising hour six-thirty o'clock. The first morning in camp boys want to get up around four o'clock, thinking it about three hours later, on account of the sun streaming into their tent. After the first morning boys who wake early should be expected to keep silent and remain in their tent until "reveille" sounds. Consideration should be shown toward those who desire to sleep.
7.00
When the bugle sounds "reveille" everybody turns out in pajamas or swimming tights and indulges in a brisk ten-minute setting-up exercise. This should be made snappy, giving particular attention to correcting stooping shoulders and breathing. Boys should not be excused from this exercise unless ill. At the end of the exercise the flag is raised and the campers salute the stars and stripes as they are flung to the morning breeze. A small cannon is fired in some camps when the flag is raised. The honor of raising the flag may be given to the boys of the tent having won the honor tent pennant of the preceding day or to boys specially assigned. The spirit of patriotism is fostered by respect to the flag.
7.15
Flag-raising is followed by a dip in the lake. It should be understood that this is to be a dip or plunge and not a swim. Five minutes is sufficient time to be in the water. Place some responsible person in charge of the dip. A safe rule is never to permit boys in the water unless supervised. The boys should take soap, towels and tooth brushes with them when they go for the dip. A good morning scrub of the teeth with a brush saves many hours of pain. Boys are woefully negligent (because ignorant) of the care of their teeth. Saturday is "scrub" day in many of the large camps when all are required to take a "soap scrub." Marvellous how the "tan" disappears after this scrubbing period!
7.30
By this time every fellow is hungry enough to devour whatever food is set before him, whether he is fond of it or not, and there is an alacrity of response to the Mess Call of the bugle which only a camper understands and appreciates. When the campers are seated there is either silent or audible grace before the meal is eaten. Take plenty of time for the eating of the meal. Forty-five minutes is not too long. Encourage wholesome conversation and good natural pleasantry, but discountenance "rough house" and ungentlemanliness. The announcements for the day are usually given at the breakfast table followed by the reading of a chapter from the Bible and a short prayer.
8.30
A boy should be taught that all labor is noble, that "no one can rise that slights his work" and the "grand business in life is not to see what lies dimly at a distance, but to do what lies clearly at hand." With this kind of a spirit, blankets are taken out of the tent to be aired and the sides of the tent tied up, the camp is cleaned and put in a sanitary condition, the tents are put in order, and kitchen work, if part of the boys' duties, is attended to. All work should be finished by 9.30. No matter whether the boy pays twenty dollars a week or three dollars a week for the outing, labor of some sort should be a part of his daily life while at camp, for when one gets to love work, his life becomes a happy one. The world despises a shirker but honors a worker.
The work of the day is sometimes done by tent groups or by boys grouped in alphabetical order, each group being under a leader whose part is assigned daily by the Camp Director (see chapter on Organization). In the writer's camp, work is considered a great privilege. For instance, if three bushels of peas must be picked from the camp garden for dinner, a call is made for volunteers. From forty to fifty hands will go up and after careful choosing, six boys are selected to do this coveted work, much to the disappointment of the others. It is all in the way work is presented to the boys, whether they will look upon it as a privilege or an irksome task.
9.30 to 11.00
If tutoring is a part of the camp's plan, the morning will be found a desirable time for tutor and boy to spend an hour together. Manual training, instruction in woodcraft, field and track athletics, boating, life-saving drills, rehearsal for minstrel shows or entertainments, photography, tennis, baseball, are some of the many activities to be engaged in during this period. One day a week, each box or trunk should be aired, and its contents gone over carefully. A sort of "clean up" day.
11.00
About this time the Life Saving Crew will be getting ready for their drill and patrolling of the swim. The other campers will be taking in their blankets and after shaking them well and folding, will place them on their beds for the inspection, which usually comes at noon. At 11.20 boys who cannot swim should be given instruction by those who can swim. If this is done before the regular swim there is less danger and greater progress is made.
11.30
This seems to be the popular hour for swimming in nearly all the camps. It follows the ball game, the tennis match, the camp work, and usually the temperature of air and water is just right for a swim. Allow no swimmer to go beyond the line of patrol boats. Have some one on shore who is keen to observe any boy who may be in need of assistance.
Twenty minutes is sufficient length of time to be in fresh water. When the boys come out of the water, have a towel drill, teaching the boy how to use the towel so that his back may be dried as well as every other part of his body. This rubbing down induces circulation of the blood and gives that finish to a swim which makes the boy feel like a new being. It is unwise to permit boys to lie around undressed after a swim, for physiological as well as moral reasons. Swimming tights should be wrung out dry, either by hand or by a wringer kept near the swimming place, and hung out on a rope or rustless wire, stretched back of the tent. Do not permit wet clothes to be hung in the tent, on the canvas or tent ropes.
12.00
Beds or bunks should be made up for inspection. Three men or boys may be appointed as inspectors. Considerable interest and pride is taken by the boys in having their canvas home look neat. This training in neatness, order and cleanliness is invaluable. (See chapter on Awards.) The inspection should not take over twenty minutes. While this is going on those who have kitchen or table duty will be busily engaged getting tables in readiness for dinner.
12.30
Mess call for dinner. This meal should be the heartiest meal of the day, and plenty of time given to the eating of the food. Mail is usually given out at this meal in camps where there is but one delivery a day.
1.15, "Siesta."
"Siesta," or rest hour, follows dinner. In the early days of boys' camps this suggestion would have been laughed at, but today it is looked upon as highly hygienic and considered one of the best things of camp and strongly to be commended. The boy is advised to lie down flat on his back, in his tent or under the shade of a friendly tree, and be quiet. He may talk if he wishes, but usually some one reads aloud to his fellows. This gives the food a chance to digest, and the whole body a nerve and muscle rest before the active work of the afternoon.
2.00 to 4.30
These hours will be spent in various ways. Usually it is the time for athletic sports, baseball games, quoit[1] tournaments, tennis tournaments, excursions afield, boat regatta, archery, water sports, scouting games and other activities in which most of the campers can engage. The big outdoor events should occupy this time of the day.
[Transcriber's Footnote 1: Flat rings of iron or rope are pitched at a stake with points for encircling it. A ring used in this game.]
4.30
Where daily inspection is a part of the camp plan the boys will begin getting everything in readiness for that important event. A general bustle of activity will be in evidence and every boy on the qui vive[2] to have his tent win the coveted honor pennant, usually given for the neatest tent,
[Transcriber's Footnote 2: Sentinel's challenge. On the alert; vigilant.]
5.00
Inspection is conducted during the absence of the boys. While the inspectors are making the round of tents, the boys should assemble either in the permanent building of the camp or under some big tree, to listen to a practical talk by the camp physician, a demonstration in first aid work, the reading of a story, or to something equally educational in character. This is a valuable hour when occupied in this manner. (See chapter on inspection, awards, etc.)
5.45
Rather than depend upon "sunset" as the time to lower the flag, it is much better to set an hour for "colors." Promptly at this hour the bugler blows "colors." No matter where a camper may be he should stand erect, uncover and remain attentive until after the playing of the "Star Spangled Banner" and firing of the cannon. The flag is lowered very slowly during the playing of the "Star Spangled Banner" and camp should be a place of silent patriotism. Those who have witnessed this ceremony in a boys' camp will never forget its impressiveness. The flag should never be permitted to touch the ground, and should be carefully folded and in readiness for hoisting the next morning.
6.00
Supper hour cannot come too promptly for active boys. The announcement of the day's inspection should be made at the meal and the honor pennant or flag presented to the successful tent, and accepted by one of the boys. This occasion is usually a time of rejoicing, also a time of resolve-making on the part of tent groups to "do better tomorrow." The record of each tent is read by one of the inspectors, and at the end of the week the tent having the best record gets a special supper or "seconds" on ice cream day.
6.45
About this time, with the going down of the sun, nature seems to quiet down, and it is the psychological time for serious thought. Many camps devote twenty minutes to Bible study (for suggested lessons, see chapter on Religion and Moral Life). Tent groups under their leader study thoughtfully the meaning of life and the great lessons taught by God through nature. Night after night the boys consciously or unconsciously acquire through this study the requisites of a good camper mentioned in the first part of this chapter.
7.15
Campus games, boating, preparation for the bonfire, etc., will occupy the time until dark. Every boy should be engaged in some recreative play, working off whatever surplus energy he may have at hand so that when the time for "turning in" comes, he will be physically tired and ready for bed.
8.00
The evening program varies. Some nights there will be a minstrel show, other nights a camp fire, or mock trial, an illustrated talk, or "village school entertainment," or a play, or a musical evening or "vo-de-ville." Leave about two nights a week open. The boys prefer to have occasional open evenings when they are free to loaf around, and go to bed early. Plan the evening "stunts" very carefully.
8.45
The bugler blows "tattoo"[1] which means "all in tents." After the boys have undressed and are ready for bed, the leader reads a chapter from the Bible, and in many camps the boys lead in volunteer prayer, remembering especially the folks at home.
[Transcriber's Footnote 1: Signal on a drum or bugle to summon soldiers to their quarters at night. Continuous, even drumming or rapping.]
From a hill near camp, or from a boat on the lake come the notes of a familiar hymn such as "Abide With Me," "Lead, Kindly Light," "The Day is Past and Over," "Sun of My Soul," or "Nearer, My God to Thee," played by the bugler. Every boy listens and the ear records a suggestion which helps to make the night's sleep pure and restful. Try it. Taps played slowly, follows the hymn. As the last notes are being echoed upon the still night air the lights are being extinguished in the tents, so that when the final prolonged note ends the camp is in darkness and quiet, and all have entered into a nine-hour period of restoration of body and mind. Who knows, but God himself, how many of the boys, and even leaders, while wrapped warmly in their blankets have silently breathed out that old, old prayer so full of faith, which has been handed down from generation to generation:
Now I lay me down to sleep
I pray Thee Lord my soul to keep.
A prayer echoed by the camp director, for now is the only time of the day's program when he begins to breathe freely, and is partially able to lay aside his mantle of responsibility. A cough, a sigh, and even the moaning of the wind disturbs this ever vigilant leader and he thinks of his charges, until finally, weariness conquers and sleep comes.
THE WELL-ORDERED DAY
How shall the day be ordered? To the sage
The young man spoke. And this was his reply:
A morning prayer.
A moment with thy God who sends thee dawn
Up from the east; to thank heaven for the care
That kept thee through the night; to give thy soul,
With faith serene, to his complete control;
To ask his guidance still along the way.
So starts the day.
A busy day.
Do with a will the task that lies before.
So much there is for every man to do,
And soon the night when man can work no more.
And none but he to life's behest is true
Who works with zeal and pauses only when
He stretches forth his hand to help the men
Who fail or fall beside him on the way.
So runs the day.
A merry evening.
When toil is done, then banished be the care
That frets the soul. With loved ones by the hearth
The evening hour belongs to joy and mirth;
To lighter things that make life fresh and fair.
For honest work has earned its hour of play.
So ends the day.
—John Clair Minot in the "Independent"
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Association Boys' Camps—Edgar M. Robinson. Association Boys, Vol. I.,
No.3, 1902.
The Day's Program—C. Hanford Henderson. "How to Help Boys," Vol.
III., No.3, 1903.
The Camp Conference—Secretary's Report, 1905-06 (out of print).
The Camp Conference—"How to Help Boys," July, 1903.
[Illustration; The Story Hour—Sunday Afternoon—Camp Wawayanda]
CHAPTER VIII—MORAL AND RELIGIOUS LIFE
THE RELIGIOUS INSTINCT NATURE'S TEACHINGS SUNDAY IN CAMP BIBLE STUDY HOW AND WHEN TO TEACH THE BIBLE COURSE OF CAMP BIBLE STUDY BIBLE STUDY COURSE FOR BOY SCOUTS DEVOTIONS IN TENT DAILY BIBLE READINGS A "NOVEL" BON-FIRE READING OF STORIES ON SUNDAY PURPOSEFUL READING CHAPEL SERVICES BIBLIOGRAPHY
The aspect of nature is devout. Like the figure of Jesus, she stands with bended head and hands folded upon her breast.—Emerson.
Camp life should help boys to grow not only physically and mentally, but morally. Religion is the basis of morality. The highest instinct in man is the religious. Man made the city with all its artificiality, but, as some one has said, "God made the country." Everything that the city boy comes in contact with is man-made. "Even the ground is covered with buildings and paving blocks; the trees are set in rows like telegraph poles; the sunlight is diluted with smoke from the factory chimneys, the moon and stars are blotted out by the glare of the electric light; and even the so-called lake in the park is a scooped-out basin filled by pumps. Little wonder that a boy who grows up under these conditions has little reverence for a God whose handiwork he has not seen."[1]
[Footnote 1: Walter M. Wood in Association Boys, June. 1907.]
Nature's Teachings
When a boy's soul is open to the influence of nature he feels the presence of the divine in the forest. There is an uplift, an inspiration, a joy that he never experiences in the city. He does not know how to express himself, but somehow he feels the spiritual atmosphere pervading the woods which his soul breathes in as really as his nostrils do the pure air, and he is ready to Go forth, under the open sky and list to Nature's teachings. -Bryant.
For as Martin Luther said, "God writes the Gospel not in the Bible alone, but in trees and flowers and clouds and stars."
Sunday
Sunday in a boys' camp should be observed by the holding of a service in the morning, with song, scripture reading, prayer and a short talk. The afternoon is usually occupied by letter writing, Bible study, or reading, the day closing with a vesper service in the evening just as the sun is setting. Boisterousness should not be encouraged. Unnatural restraint, however, is contrary to the spirit of the day. The day should be different from other days. Many camp boys date their first real awakening to the best and highest things in life from a Sunday spent in camp.
Every real camper has experienced a Sunday similar to this one described by Howard Henderson. "A quiet Sunday in the deep woods is a golden day to be remembered for many a year. All nature combines to assist the camper in directing his thoughts to the great Author of all the beauty that he beholds. 'The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handiwork.' The trees under which one reclines rear their heads heavenward, pointing their spire-like minarets far up toward the blue-vaulted roof. It inspires the very soul to worship in these unbuilt cathedrals with wilderness of aisle and pillars, which for elegance and beauty have never been equalled by the architects of any age. And the music of the trees combined with the notes of the bird songsters, give a joy which is unknown in listening to a city choir."
Bible Study
The Bible becomes a new book to boys when studied under such an environment. As one boy wrote home to his father after a Sunday spent in a camp where Sunday was observed in this manner, "Dad, it is so different here, from a Sunday at home; I understood the talk and the Bible study was great; it was a bully day!"
The following Bible course was worked out by the author and has been used in scores of boys' camps. These lessons were taught to groups of boys at eventide when nature seemed to quiet down and the boys were most responsive to good, sensible suggestion. The camp was divided into tent groups, each group being taught by their leader or an exchange leader, one group occupying a big rock, another the "Crow's Nest," or "Tree House," another getting together under a big tree, another in their tent. No leader was permitted to take more than twenty minutes for the lesson. It is unwise to take twenty minutes for what could be said in ten minutes. The boys all had a chance to take part in the discussion. Each lesson was opened and closed with prayer, many of the boys participating in volunteer prayer. In teaching a lesson don't spend too much time in description unless you have the rare gift of being able to make your scene live before your hearers. Talk plainly and to the point. Naturalness should characterize each lesson. Boys hate cant[1] and apologies and lack of definiteness. Your best illustrations will be drawn from the life of the camp and from nature.
[Transcriber's Footnote 1: Monotonous talk filled with platitudes.
Hypocritically pious language.]
In some camps these lessons were taught in the morning directly after breakfast, while the boys were seated at the tables.
There are "Sermons in stones, and good in every thing," therefore the purpose of these lessons should be to help boys hear these sermons and learn nature's lessons of purity, strength and character.
A COURSE IN BIBLE STUDY
LESSON 1. THE HILLS-PRAYER
Psalm 121.
Christ going into the mountains to pray.
Matt. 14:23; Mark 6:46; Luke 6:12; Mark 1:35; Matt. 6:6-15.
PRACTICAL THOUGHTS
Unnatural not to pray. Even Pagans pray, but they pray through fear.
More things are wrought through prayer than this world dreams of.
—Tennyson.
Pray to Christ as friend to friend. The Lord's Prayer.
He prayeth well who loveth well
Both man and bird and beast.
He prayeth best who loveth best
All things both great and small,
For the dear God who loveth us
He made and loveth all.
—Coleridge's "Ancient Mariner."
Strength received through prayer. A time and place for prayer.
LESSON 2. THE BIRDS—DEPENDENCE UPON GOD
Matt. 6:26; Psa.147:9; Luke 12:24; Matt. 10:29-31.
PRACTICAL THOUGHTS
God feeding the birds. How much more does God care for you. Not one forgotten, the most worthless, the most restless.
God loves the birds. He loves you. Show your love to Him by caring for the birds.
Isa. 40: 28-31.
Abraham Lincoln and the bird fallen from the nest.—"Gentlemen, I could not have slept tonight if I had not helped that little bird in its trouble, and put it back safe in the nest with its mother."
LESSON 3. FLOWERS-PURITY
Matt. 6:28-30. Beauty of flowers.
Isa. 55:10-13. Provision for summer growth and beauty.
PRACTICAL THOUGHTS
(Bring wild flowers to the class.)
Flowers come up out of the dirt yet unsoiled.
Possible for boys to keep clean and pure, surrounded by evil.
Evil thoughts determine evil deeds.
"My strength is as the strength of ten
Because my heart is pure."-Sir Galahad.
Purity of character, the lily.
Know thyself. Keep thyself pure. 1 Cor. 3:16,17.
White Cross Pledge.
Virtue never dwelt long with filth and nastiness.—Count Rumford.
LESSON 4. TREES—GROWTH
Psalm 1. (Hold the session under the biggest and best proportioned tree.)
PRACTICAL THOUGHTS
Cedars of Lebanon—Strong in the Lord.
The oaks—From acorns grew.
The fruit tree—Living for others.
By their fruits ye shall know them.
Stunted trees. Crooked trees.
Scarred trees. Grafted trees.
Matt. 1:16-20; Jer. 11:7, 8.
Things that interfere with a boy's growth.
LESSON 5. WATER-LIFE
(Hold the session along the shore.)
Psa. 65:9-13. God's liberality.
Isa. 55: 1. Freeness of the gospel.
John 4:14. Woman at the well.
Rev. 22:11. The last invitation in the Bible.
PRACTICAL THOUGHTS
The joy of living. The fun at camp.
Friendship.
Temporal life vs. eternal life.
Water will only satisfy thirst temporarily.
Water revives—Christ satisfies.
Eternal life for the asking.
LESSON 6. ROCKS—CHARACTER
(Hold the session on or near some big boulder or rock.) Matt. 7:24-27. A good foundation. 1 Cor. 3:9-14.
PRACTICAL THOUGHTS
All boys are building character day by day.
All builders have a choice of foundation.
All foundations will be tried.
Only one foundation will stand.
Jesus Christ is the Rock of Ages.
"Every thought that we've ever had
Its own little place has filled.
Every deed we have done, good or bad
Is a stone in the temple we build."-Sargant.
Character, not reputation, will alone stand the final test.
LESSON 7. STORMS—TROUBLE
Matt. 8:23-27. Need of help.
Phil. 4:6. A strong deliverer.
Psa. 107:28-30. A safe place.
PRACTICAL THOUGHTS
Boys have real troubles, real temptations, real shipwrecks.
Difficulties in school life, at home, in camp.
Almost ready to give up.
Have faith in Christ as a Saviour.
"The inner side of every cloud
Is bright and shining,
I therefore turn my clouds about,
And always wear them inside out
To show the lining."
"Look ever to Jesus. He'll carry you through."
LESSON 8. SPORTS—MASTERY
(Teach this lesson after a field day.)
1 Cor. 9:24-27. The race of life. Mastery of self.
Heb. 12:1, 2. Run with patience.
1 Tim. 6:12. A good fight.
Rev. 2:10. Faithfulness.
Ecele. 9:11. Not always to the swift.
Eccle. 9:10. Wholeheartedness.
PRACTICAL THOUGHTS
"Each victory of self will help you some other to win."
Self-control.
Value of training. You are either master or slave.
The Bible, the book of instruction.
Solomon's rule of self-defence. Prov. 15: 1.
LESSON 9. NIGHT—SIN
Psa. 19. Night unto night.
John 3:19-20. Evil deeds.
Rom. 13:11-14. Awake out of sin.
PRACTICAL THOUGHTS
Bad thoughts come to us in the dark.
Dark places productive of crime.
Mischief at camp during the night.
Darkness cannot hide us from God.
"Thou God seest me."
North star a guide for sailors—Jesus Christ a safe guide.
"Character is what a man is in the dark."
-D. L. Moody.
LESSON 10. CHUMS—FRIENDSHIP 1 Sam. 18:1-4. True friendship. 1 John 4:11. Love one another. 1 Cor. 13:4-7. To the end.
PRACTICAL THOUGHTS
Chum means "to abide with," to share the same tent. Camp chums. David and Jonathan. The genuine article. Helping each other. The Friend—Jesus Christ.
LESSON 11. CAMP FIRES
Build a camp fire along the shore. Read alternately the twenty-first chapter of the gospel of St. John. The fire on the beach. John 21:9.
PRACTICAL THOUGHTS
Jesus was there—Jesus is here.
Peter confessed Him there. John 21:15-17.
Who will confess Him here?
Peter denied Him by another fire. Luke 22:54-62.
Will you deny Him here?
P. S. Make this a decision meeting.
LESSON 12. FISHING—PERSONAL WORK
Luke 5:1-11. Fishers of men.
PRACTICAL THOUGHTS
Sometimes fish are caught and used as bait to catch others. When a boy becomes a Christian he should bring to others the same blessing.
Patience is essential in fishing—same in winning boys to Christ. Every fisherman expects to catch fish. To lead others to Christ is the noblest work in the world. Dan. 12: 3.
Tent Devotions
In some camps a bit of Scripture is read each night in the tent just before retiring. The following readings having been prepared by W. H. Wones, C. C. Robinson, Arthur Wilson and Charles R. Scott for use at Camp Wawayanda. Just before taps, if you have a good cornetist, have him go a short distance from the camp and play a well known hymn, like "Abide With Me," "Nearer, My God, to Thee," "Lead, Kindly Light," then play "taps." The effect is wonderful, and prevents all inclination toward noise or "rough house."
JULY
TOPIC: VACATION
1. Personal Work on a Journey. John 4:5-15. 2. Its Results. John 4:27-30, 39, 42. 3. The Disciples' Trip for Service. Mark 6:7-13. 4. Their Interrupted Vacation. Mark 6: 30-42. 5. A Night on the Lake. Mark 6:45-56. 6. A Foolish Journey. Luke 15:11-17. 7. A Wise Return. Luke 15:18-24. 8. The Welcome Guest. John 12:1-9. 9. A Fishing Experience. John 21:1-14. 10. Spending a Night on a Mountain. Luke 9:28-36. 11. Vacation Suggestion: "Keep Sweet." Psalm 34:8-15. 12. Vacation Suggestion: "Stick to Principle." Psalm 119:25-32. 13. Vacation Suggestion: "Confess Christ. "; Matthew 10:24-33. 14. Vacation Suggestion: "Keep up Bible Study."; Psalm 119:1-8. 15. Vacation Suggestion: "Write Good Letters." 1 Corinthians 16:3-13. 16. Speaking for Christ While Traveling; Acts 8:26-39. 17. A Queen's Visit. 1 Kings 10:1-10. 18. An Adventurous Voyage. Acts 27:1-13. 19. Shipwreck. Acts 27:14-26. 20. All Saved. Acts 27:27-44. 21. Praying for a Prosperous Journey. Romans 1:8-16. 22. A Traveler's Adventures. 2 Corinthians 11:23-33. 23. A Merry Heart Desirable. Proverbs 15:13-17. 24. Keeping from Sin. Romans 6:16-23. 25. Meeting a Stranger. Luke 24:13-27. 26. A Delightful Surprise. Luke 24:28-35. 27. Jacob's Bivouac. Genesis 28:10-22. 28. David's Prayer in the Cave. Psalm 142:1-7. 29. Avoiding Sinful Pleasure. Hebrews 11:23-27. 30. Peter's Counsel. 1 Peter 4:1-10. 31. The Greatest Pleasure. Psalm 16: 1-11.
AUGUST
TOPIC: NATURE
1. The Story of Nature's Creation. Genesis 1:11-22. 2. The First Garden. Genesis 2:8-17. 3. God's Care for His Creation. Matthew 6:25-34. 4. The Symbol of Peace. Genesis 8:1-11. 5. The Sign of God's Promise. Genesis 9:8-17. 6. The Burning Bush. Exodus 3:1-6. 7. The Accompaniment of God's Presence. Exodus 19:16-25. 8. Nature Halts to Accomplish God's Purpose. Joshua 10:5-14. 9. Nature's Tribute to God's Glory. Psalm 97:1-12. 10. The Midnight Hymn. Psalm 8:1-9. 11. The Sunrise Hymn. Psalm 19:1-14. 12. The Thunder-storm Hymn. Psalm 29:1-11. 13. The God of Storm. Matthew 8:23-33. 14. Nature has no perils for the God-fearing Man. Job 5:8-27. 15. The Full Ear. Matthew 13:1-9,18,23. 16. Harmful Weeds. Matthew 13: 24-30, 36-43. 17. The God of Nature Protects Us. Psalm 121:1-8. 18. He Cares for Us. Psalm 147:1-20. 19. God's Voice After the Storm. 1 Kings 19:5-13. 20. The Tree of Life. Proverbs 3:13-21. 21. The Trees Desire a King. Judges 9:8-15; Joshua 24:15. 22. The Root Out of Dry Ground. Isaiah 53:1-12. 23. Water Without Price. Isaiah 55:1-13. 24. The Perfect Vine. John 15:1-14. 25. The Light Brighter than the Sun. Acts 9:1-20. 26. A Wonderful Star. Matthew 2:1-11. 27. Sand or Rock? Matthew 7:24-27. 28. Broken Branches. Matthew 21:1-11. 29. The Unprofitable Tree. Matthew 7:15-21. 30. The Profitable Tree. Psalm 1:1-6. 31. Do Good in all Seasons. Ecclesiastes 3:1-12.
BOY SCOUT COURSE
For a Boy Scout Camp, the following course, "Boy's Scout Guide Book Study," was prepared by W. S. Dillon:
THE SCOUT'S OATH
Lesson 1. To Do My Duty to God and My Country.
Daniel 1:8; 6:4-10.
Lesson 2. To Help Other People at All Times. Exodus 3:1-11.
Lesson 3. To Obey the Scout Law. Exodus 20:3-17; Luke 10:26, 27;
Matthew 7:12.
THE SCOUT SALUTE AND SIGN
Lesson 4. Judges 12:6; Acts 4:12; Galatians 6:14.
THREE CLASSES OF SCOUTS THE TENDERFOOT
Lesson 5. Luke 5:1-11.
THE SECOND CLASS SCOUT
Lesson 6. Have at Least One Month's Service as a Tenderfoot.
2 Samuel 15:1-6.
Lesson 7. Signalling. 1 Samuel 20:20-22; 35-39.
Lesson 8. Lay and Light a Fire. Fire Lighting Contest.
1 Kings 18: 22-24.
FIRST CLASS SCOUT
Lesson 8. Signalling. Daniel 5: 1-31.
Lesson 9. Go on Foot to a Given Point and Return and Give a Report
of the Trip. Numbers 13:1-3; 17-21; 23-33.
Lesson 10. Produce an Article of Carpentry, Joinery or Metal Work. 2
Chronicles 2:11-16.
Lesson 11. Bring a Tenderfoot Trained in the Points Required for a
Tenderfoot. John 1: 40-42.
THE SCOUT LAW
Lesson 12. A Scout's Honor is to be Trusted. Genesis 39:7-10.
Lesson 13. Loyalty. Esther 4:8-16.
Lesson 14. A Scout is a Friend to All, and Must NEVER BE A SNOB.
Luke
9:46-48.
Lesson 15. A Friend to Animals. 1 Samuel 17:12-16.
Lesson 16. Obey Orders. Jonah 1:1-3.
Lesson 17. Cheerfulness and Willingness.
Acts 16 :25; Phillippians 4:11-13.
Lesson 18. Thrift. Matthew 6:19-21.
THE GREAT SCOUT MASTER
Lesson 19. Matthew 23:10.
Novel Bonfire
The author experienced something very unusual one Sunday afternoon in a camp where he was invited to speak. The talk was on "Trees or Growth," one of the studies of the course described. During the talk a number of things were referred to that enter into the growth of a tree which either mar or hinder it from becoming a symmetrical, beautiful tree and a similar comparison was made regarding a boy's growth. The question was asked of the boys, "What are some of the things which interfere with a boy's growth physically, mentally and morally?" A number of things, such as smoking, swearing, impurity, etc., were given, and finally one of the small boys piped up "reading dime novels." His answer was received with howls of derision, especially from the older boys. "Hold on," I said, "let's discuss the matter; if dime novels are good for a boy's growth mentally, we want to know about it, but if they are detrimental to this particular kind of desired growth, of course, we want to cut it out." The discussion brought out the fact that a number of the boys had smuggled a lot of this kind of literature into camp and were just loafing through their time in the woods, gloating over the wonderful and daring escapades of Wild West heroes. The boys finally decided that their mental growth was retarded by such reading. Then came the question, "What are you going to do about it?" "We don't usually have a bonfire on Sunday," I said. "I am inclined, however, to ask your leader for a special dispensation and we will have one.
You are to furnish the fuel, your leader the kerosene oil and I will provide the match. The fuel is to consist of all the dime novels in the camp." "Whew!" "I know it will take grit to do this, but it is a test of your sincerity and determination to progress along right lines." "We're game?" yelled the boys, "and we mean business."
The start was made for the place where the bonfires were usually held. By the time I reached the spot, the boys were coming from their tents with bundles of novels. Every boy was requested to tear each novel in half and throw it upon the heap. When everything was ready, the boys uncovered and in the silence that came upon the group, the match was struck and the flames began to leap upward, until finally, all that remained was the small piles of ashes. For the majority of the boys it meant the burning up of the dross and the beginning of better and nobler thinking. I shall always remember this novel bonfire. This is what I mean by making Bible study and camp talks effective.
Reading
Sunday afternoon is the time for reading good, wholesome stories. Take the boys out into the woods where they can squat under a big tree, or if the day is warm seek the cool shelter of the tent and while the boys are lying down read a short story or several chapters of a story like "Dr. Grenfell's Parish," by Norman Duncan, "Just Boys," by Mary Buell Wood, "Some Boys I Know," "Chapel Talks," or "The Story of Good Will Farm," by George W. Hinckley. If the group is made up of older boys who like to discuss life problems, read a chapter or two from Robert Speer's excellent books, "A Young Man's Questions" and "Young Men Who Overcame." Make sure that whatever you read has the uplift note. The real purpose of the afternoon's reading should be that of instilling in the boys' minds some of the cardinal virtues of Christian character.
Don't moralize; let the story do its own moralizing. Boys are hero worshippers. If the hero or the heroic appeal of the story is of a sane type and not abnormal there will be created naturally within the boy a desire to emulate the good deeds of the hero in the everyday life of the camp, which is much better than the parrot-like vocalization unfortunately many times encouraged by well-meaning men.
Chapel
A pile of stones made to serve as an altar or pulpit, a chapel having the branches of a friendly pine as its roof and under which are built a reading desk and seats of white birch, a cathedral with towering columns of pine and cushions of pine needles, a rocky shore along the ocean—all are places where boys have heard the appeal for right living and responded with an earnest decision that marked an advance step in their moral and religious growth.
Make much of the music at these outdoor services on Sunday. A choir of men and boys responding in the distance to the hymns of the camp boys, in antiphonal manner, a cornetist playing a hymn in the distance, make an impression never to be forgotten.
The great test of camp life is not the fun the boy had, or his gain in weight, height or lung capacity, or the friendships formed, or his increased knowledge in woodcraft, but his advancement in character-making and gain in spiritual vigor.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
BOOKS HELPFUL IN THE PREPARATION OF BIBLE STUDY LESSONS:
Lessons from Life (Animal and Human)—Thomas Whittaker. Macmillan, $2.50.
Sermons in Stones—Amos R. Wells. Doubleday, Page & Company, $1.00.
Parables from Nature—Mrs. Gatty. Colportage Library, 15 cents.
A Good Bible Dictionary and Concordance.
BOOKS UPON THE RELIGIOUS LIFE OF Boys:
The Boy and the Church—Eugene C. Foster. The Sunday School Times Co., 75 cents net.
Starting to Teach—Eugene C. Foster. Association Pres., 40 cents.
The Child and His Religion—George E. Dawson. University of Chicago, 75 cents net.
Religion in Boyhood—Ernest B. Layard. E. P. Dutton and Company, 75 cents net.
CHAPTER IX—FOOD—ITS FUNCTION, PURCHASE, PREPARATION, COOKING, SERVING
GOOD COOKING FOOD CHARTS DIGESTION CHARTS TABLE OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES PURCHASE OF FOOD GROCERY LIST THE STEWARD COMMISSARY DEPARTMENT THE COOK LIST OF FOODS WEEK OF MENUS A FEW HINTS TABLE ETIQUETTE GRACE AT MEALS SERVING DISH WASHING
We may live without friends, we may live without books,
But civilized man cannot live without cooks.
Good Cooking
The normal boy sums up life in two words of three letters each: "F-u-n" and "E-a-t." As long as there is plenty of fun and plenty to eat, he thinks life is worth living, and he is not so far from the truth, for it is only when the fun of living dies within us, and our digestive apparatus refuses to do its function that we "become of all men most miserable." A boy will put up with all sorts of inconvenience but rebels at once at poor food and bad cooking. The good nature, congenial atmosphere, and contentedness of camp life is largely due to good cooking. Economize in every other way, but think twice before cheap cooks are employed or a cheap grade of food purchased.
[Illustration: Where They Eat to Live]
A good cook will economize, he knows what to do with left-overs and how to prepare menus of variety. The quantity of swill soon reveals the worth of the cook. In a large camp a hundred dollars may easily find its way into the garbage can because of cheap cooks and poor food. A growing boy demands relatively more of the tissue-building kind of food than a grown person, because the body is being built up. When the full stature is reached the tissue-building part of the food is only required to take the place of that worn out each day. Professor Atwater has told us that the boy of fifteen or sixteen requires ninety per cent of the food ration of the adult man engaged in moderate muscular work. Boys at twelve require seventy per cent.
Vegetables, fruits, cereals, bread, nuts and meats furnish the essentials. Sugar and fat have only part of them. Coffee and tea have no food values except for the milk and sugar added. They tend to check certain normal secretion in the body and should not be used during growth.
Food Charts
The United States Department of Agriculture publishes a series of fifteen food charts of exceptional value. Leaders and cooks will find them helpful in providing and planning the food for the boys. Boys will be interested in the information given and the attractive form of presentation. The set costs $1.00. Send to Superintendent of Documents, Washington, D. C. The following table is a condensation of the facts given on the charts, and will help in planning menus:
Prepared by C. F. LANGWORTHY. Expert in charge of Nutrition Investigation.
Carbohy- Calories
Chart 1 Protein Fat drates Ash Water per
Whole milk 3.3 4.0 5.0 0.7 87.0 310
Skim milk 3.4 0.3 5.1 0.7 90.5 165
Buttermilk 3.0 0.5 4.8 0.7 91.0 160
Cream 2.5 18.5 4.5 2.5 74.0 865
Chart 2
Whole egg 14.8 10.5 —- 1.0 73.7 700
Egg white 13.0 0.2 —- 0.6 86.2 265
Egg yolk 16.1 33.3 —- 1.1 49.5 1608
Cream cheese 25.9 33.7 2.4 3.8 34.2 1950
Cottage cheese 20.9 1.0 4.3 1.8 72.0 510
Chart 3
(edible portion of)
Lamb chop 17.6 28.3 —- 1.0 53.1 1540
Pork 16.9 30.1 —- 1.0 52.0 1580
Smoked ham 16.1 38.8 —- 4.8 40.3 1940
Beefsteak 18.6 18.5 —- 1.0 61.9 1130
Dried beef 30.0 6.6 —- 9.1 54.3 840
Chart 4
Cod, lean fish 15.8 0.4 —- 1.2 82.6 325
Cod, Salt 21.5 0.3 —- 24.7 53.5 410
Oyster 6.2 1.2 3.7 2.0 86.9 235
Smoked herring 36.4 15.8 —- 13.2 34.6 1355
Mackerel, fat 18.3 7.1 —- 1.2 73.4 645
Chart 5
Olive Oil —- 100.0 —- —- —— 4080
Bacon 9.4 67.4 —- 4.4 18.8 3030
Beef suet 4.7 81.8 —- 0.3 13.2 3510
Butter 1.0 85.0 —- 3.0 11.0 3410
Lard —- 100.0 —- —- —— 4080
Chart 6
Corn 10.0 4.3 73.4 1.5 10.8 1800
Wheat 12.2 1.7 73.7 1.8 10.6 1750
Buckwheat 10.0 2.2 73.2 2.0 12.6 1600
Oat 11.8 5.0 69.2 3.0 11.0 1720
Rice 8.0 2.0 77.0 1.0 12.0 1720
Rye 12.2 1.5 73.9 1.9 10.5 1750
Chart 7
White bread 9.2 1.3 53.1 1.1 35.3 1215
Whole wh bread 9.7 0.9 49.7 1.3 38.4 1140
Oat breakfast
food (cooked) 2.8 0.5 11.5 0.7 84.5 285
Toasted bread 11.5 1.6 61.2 1.7 24.0 1420
Cornbread 7.9 4.7 46.3 2.2 38.9 1205
Macaroni 3.0 1.5 15.8 1.3 78.4 415
Chart 8
Sugar, granulated —- 100.0 —- —— 1860
Molasses 2.4 —- 69.3 3.2 25.1 1290
Stick candy —- —- 96.5 0.5 3.0 1785
Maple sugar —- —- 82.8 0.9 16.3 1540
Honey 0.4 —- 81.2 0.2 18.2 1520
Chart 9
Parsnip 1.6 0.5 13.5 1.4 83.0 230
Onion 1.6 0.3 9.9 0.6 87.6 225
Potato 2.2 0.1 18.4 1.0 78.3 385
Celery 1.1 —- 3.4 1.0 94.5 8