The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1919-04-03
ADVANTAGES
OF MASS PLAY
Described by Gsorgs~o. Draper Of tK1
Physical Department of the Inter.
national Committee, Y. N. G. A.
Is Engaged in Work in Maine.
(From Kennebec IournaIl

(From Kennebec Journal)
George o. Draper of the physical
department of the international COM
mittee of the Y. NJ. c. A. was a caller
Tuesday in Augusta. He is working
with the Maine Y. NJ. c. A. leaders Of
Maine to inaugurate a satisfactory
physical and recreational program.
Mr.. Draper told a reporter Of the
kennebec Journal many interesting
facts about the work of his depart
ment during the war. He spoke of the
lack of physical trailing among
young men before the war. He said
that when men were picked for the
army only about one out Of every
three came up to the standard physi-
cally. He stated that now steps are
being taken all over the country to
improve this condition; the govern
ment has plans of county supervision
of health conditions of school chill
dren. and steps are also being taken
to introduce bill federaliZing phySi-
cal education in our schools
In regard TO the war program of
the physical department of the Y NJ.
G. \. Mr.. Draper said: AT the time
the war started the Y. NJ. C. A. and
all other institutions had less than
500 trained physical directors and
now they have more than 5000 in
war work alone. These men were
rapidly trained by being put through
a months physical course in mass
play. Men Of college training and
athletic ability were selected. Only
men over IS years of age were taken.
Mr.. Draper stated that the great
lesson which leaders in physical
training had learned from their war
experiences. He said: The entire
plan of the Y. NJ. c. A physical pro-
gram had been changed as a result
of this experience and that the physi-
cal director who hoped to do effective
work in any community must organ
ize mass play" He stated that the
games would need to be taken to the
people and not try to bring the peo-
pie together at any special place.
Factories, schools and many institu-
tons have already learned the value
of play, and are bringing groups to-
gether for mass play.
Mr.. Draper also spoke Of the great
value of the proposed training center
at East Winthrop. He said that here
leaders will be trained who can carry
adequate physical training back to
their home communities throughout
the State. He further said that the
Y. NJ c. A. of this State will en-
deavor to make available for the
State the very latest and most sci
entific word in physical training.
was picking out his overseas equip
ment for front-line service he received
orders from Major General Henley to
come at once to Washington and DO
head of the "Depai tment of Accident
investigation for the Division OF Mill
tary Aeronautics." And. to Jim's great
disgust, there's where they held him
to the end of the war.
Specialist in Boys Work
Mr.. Barnes began his boys work In
1898 at Allston. Mas. as athletic d.
rec or Of The camp school there. Dur
ins his Sophomore year at Harvard he
was volunteer leader OF the boys club
al the Boston Y NJ C. A. In 1910 ne
was ASST slant superintendent of the big
camp at FIR endship, Maine. He organ
i2ed l1n Boston boys into a clean sport,
clean speech and clean living 9ssocia.
ton and was Massachusetts director Of
the Red Triangle campaign in lelT. Dur
ing Billy Sundays campaign in boston
Barnes was d member Of the executive
committee and chairman of the boys
and girls work committee He was a
member Of the Massachusetts, COMMITTEES
of public safety. and inspector Of the
state farm camps He Is a recognized
expert on the "American Standard Fro
gram" of charting boys lilly" work
and Find Yourself" campaigns. and
he has very definite program for the
Maine boys.
'T'm after all the boys in Maine" he
declares: mot only Harry ami Jack in
Portland but Tom and Charlie in For
Kent. I don't want them yet. I want
Leaders first. ready to be real organize: 8
enlist"
At the county conventions the dele
gates were signed up for various du-
ties. especially for the campaign. -
this camTaign work the secretary saya
he will find many Of his leaders and
secure new ideas for community groups
ana county fraternities. -Four minutes
speakers vii! be chosen from these
ranks to address school sessions, men :
and women's clubs, church and other
gatherings Boys groups, in competl-
lion. VIII solicit contributions