The Savannah morning news. (Savannah, Ga.) 1900-current, 1902-08-03

sport and fun, under the careful lead
ership of Christian men. AS rule,
one trustworthy man is placed in
charge of a group of from eight to
ten boys, and these are called leaders
or assistant leaders. Self government
practically prevails, and the rules are
simple. The three most important are
these:
mo firearms or air rifles allowed"
None of the party shall enter the
water for swimming or bathing except
in the presence of the leader, or one
expressly designated by him. Ample
opportunity is given to all to enter the
water twice daily
1.-The use of tobacco is strongly dis
couraged, and every one is expected to
abstain while connected with the
camp"
The outfit for such a trip is as SIM
pie as the rules. No duck suits, stiff
hats or laundered linens are required,
but there must be heavy army blan-
kets, a raincoat, winter underwear, a
swimming suit, a heavy sweater al
the typical camping equipment dear
to the boyish heart at that age when
fashion and conventionalities are
bugaboo. On the other hand, mem
bers are urged to bring good books
to increase the camp library, their
cameras and musical instruments that
life may not be all idleness and play.
Long tramps in the woods, often fol-
lowed by making an impromptu camp
miles from the central camping spot,
jaunts to nearby historical spots and
field day sports, add to the regular
pleasures of camp life.
In the average club from $50 to 200
members the cost is dollar day,
which covers railroad fare and all in
cidental expenses, save the special
trips which involves carriage by wagon
or train. Thirty dollars will, therefore,
purchase a month of health giving rec
reation. The mother at home may rest
assured that while her boy will prob
ably have an acute attack of home
sickness after his first night of sleep
ing on the ground, rolled in a blanket,
he will take to camp life like a duck
to water. The food will be plentiful
and wholesome, and physician is AL
ways in attendance upon a club of this
size.
1t has been found that "once
camper, always a camper" is the rule
The same boys appear on the scene
year after year, and the waiting list
grows larger with each season.
An admirable feature with well man
aged clubs is the spirit of manly indie
pendence that is inculcated by the
leaders The boys are taught that to
pay their way to camp is special
honor, and the boy who the first sea-
son goes at his parents expense is apt
to be self-supporting for his vacation
period the next year. From the day
he returns to the city he begins to save
his pennies, to devise means of earn
ing little here and there that he may
be sure of his next years outing.
Moreover, he becomes enulouS of the
boy who can manipulate a camera, or
play the guitar or lead the singing
around the campfire, and the first step
toward self-improvement has been
taken.
Boys are all the better for an oc-
casional breaking away from mater
nal apron-strings, provided they form
a temporary attachment of sterling
character. The growing lad needs to
get near to natures heart, and few in
deed are the busy. mothers who can
give him the coveted opportunity, save
through the agency of the camping
club.