The Detroit times., 1916-06-01
Rules for Boy Campers.
~ Or. FRANK CRANE
Copyright. 1915. by Frank Crane)

In the spring the young mans fancy
ii he is in his teens. lightly turns to|
thoughts of camping out.
It's a good thing. Would that all No.
man creatures, some time in the summ0e.
went to the woods, and lived in tents, and
got back to earth, air, fire and water. tie
four Oldest friends and best doctors oil
mankind.
Just to help along, it may be well toI
set down a few hints to keep in mind
when camping.
The best all-around rule, and address,
myself especially to boys, is Safety
First" 1t might also be added, Safety
Second and Safety Third" Don't take|
fool chances. Accidents will happen, butt
they love to happen to the thoughtless.
Living outdoors is an art. You have toI
learn it. Be teachable.
The fun of outdoor life is of the over
coming kind, not the pampering kind.
Endure hardship like sport. DON'T
complain. Have the soldier spirit. DON'T
look for softness and self-indulgence, but
for adventure with courage.
Pay attention to sanitation. especially
the disposal of garbage and offal.
Find good water and make sure that
it is pure.
Set wholesome food. Be careful of II.
Do not expose it to the flies. Flies are|
your deadliest enemy.
Pitch your camp where the drainagel
is good, preferably on sandy soil and on
high ground.
Do not camp in thick woods. 1t Isl
usually damp there, and the mosquitoes
are bad. Have partial shade, but let1
there be open space enough around the
tent so that the wind will drive away
the insects.
DO not camp near swamps or stagnant|
water, and keep out of rank grass.
Be liberal and enthusiastic with soap
and water. Clean your hands thorough
ly when you are in from your tramp and
through with your labors.
Keep your cooking utensils secured an6
neat. Do not let remnants of food OF
grease remain in them.
Keep sugar, coffee and cereals in
dry place. Do not let them get musty.
Get ice and have an ice-box if you
can. If not. keep your perishable food1
stuffs in cool running water.
Do not scatter fruit Feelings or scraps
of food about. Have receptacle fol1
them. well covered from the flies, and
empty it every day.
Remember that the sun is the best
health giver Sun your clothes, youl|
food boxes, your tents, yourselves.
Good eating is essential. But cooking
| is an art, also natural gift. Sometimed
so much time is taken up by cooking and
dish washing that the other and more i'm
portant camp joys are infringed upon
If convenient it pays to have some ono
hired and competent to do the cooking.
Use cots, if possible. They keep thu
bedclothes drier, and are every way mor(
satisfactory than sleeping on the ground
Take along some rubber blankets, Of
at least oilcloth, to guard against mois}
| ture.
Observe discipline. Nothing is sureI
to bring disappointment and general dis
satisfaction than for every one to insisS
upon having his own way. Select CAPT
tain, if only for a day, and obey him
Make a program and follow 1t.
Cooperation and organization is NOR
necessary for group of people whose
only business is to have good time
than it is even for company of work
ers.
Keep cheerful. Don't find fault. Over
| look UNPLEASANT things. Don't quarrel.