The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1917-09-06
Y. INCA. MAKES
ITS PLANS FOR
COMING SEASON
Interesting Work Grows Out
of Demands Of Wartime
Upon Association
The following /,


z Or they1s17-191S work is made by the
e. M. C. a.:
In these~ times when our newspA-
pers are full of war news we read 4
great deal about the activities of the
various relief examinations (which are
working for physical, mental and mo-
raj betterment of those who have Of
fered their lives in defense of their
country's honor. Among these is the
War Work department of the Young
Mems Christian association which has
performed service of inestimable value
80 the fighting men of the world. By
means of providing clean social sur
roundihgs, religious sercices, and. ath-
letic games, this very efficient organi-
cation has made, and is making a. con-
trtbution. of vast Importance which
helps to make the life of the soldier
and sailor a little more pleasant.
But in giving a great deal of credit
to the war work and which is SO
richly deserved.
At the home association should not
be forgotten, Here; the men inter.,
ested in'the boy life of the communf-
ty are faced by a new condition Of
things. On account of the large num-
U,
big brother" ags who have enlisted
or: been called, there is scarcity of big
brothers left in the homes. It is
found that a number of young men
and boys are doing the work of their
older brothers and in some case it is
found that the ''playtime'' of these
boys has been reduced to almost
nothing.
Of co So
draft was the vast number of men
who were unable to pass the physical
examinations. These, men, really in
the prime of life, were turned down
in percentages which in some cases
were really appalling. The Y. M. c..
A., by means of its gymnasium equip
ment, and under the direction of ex-
pert physical directors. provides for
the physical needs of those boys who
because of their age, are not allowed
to fight for their country.
Here in Bridgeport, the Boys lDi-
vision Of the Y. M. C. A. is facing
the new situation Louis Cope, who is
entering on his fourth year as boys
work director, has already drawn up
his years program. The building in
Gilbert STREET has been put into first
class shape and is in readiness for
the fall opening and winter activities.
"A new reading rom and library has
been furnished and is an ideal place
for the boys to spend their idle hours.
But the great value of the Y NJ
c.. A. to. the boys of the city lies not
only in the social anc physical activi-
ties provided but in the fact that that
every boy realizes that in the director
he has real big brother to whom
he can come with his problems OF life
Mr.. Cope. ever since he. entered upon
his work in this city, has Seen known
to Bridgeport boys as PA and he
has well lived, up to this affectionate
title given him by the boys.
v Through his interviews with boys,
he. has been instrumental in having
a great number go away to school to
get a better education. Every, one OF
those boys keeps in touch with "Pa"
and he shares their problems with
them. Not only has Mr.. Cope been
doing a great work along this line
himself, but he has surrounded him
self with a committee of local bust
ness and professional men who are
willing to back him up in his endea-
vors to help worthy boys.
The governing body Of the Y. M.
c. "A. Boys Division is the Cabinet.
This body is made. UP, of boys who
have have shown to the director that
they are endowed with qualifications
that will make them leaders. This
body of boys meet every month with
the committee from the Board of Di-
rectors and plan for all affairs Of the
department. The first meeting of the
new year vii be held Friday, Sept 7,
and at this meeting the opening gun
of the fall and winter work will be
fired.
With this excellent Organization,
the Y. M. c. A. Rey% DepartEse nt
is ready to do its share in developing
the boys and young men of this city
and by 80 deins will be endeavoring
to make its contribution to the nation
in their times of need