The Bozeman courier., 1921-08-03
WHY A SUMMER CAMP?

Why the "boys' camp" each year. What's
he idea? These are questions heard each year
rom those who do not understand the more mod
,srn methods of our educational system Nor do
hose who ask these questions realize or give a
hought to the great effort being made by the fed
aral government to assist in the education of our
young men and women.
We very often hear reference made to the
methods followed by the countries Of Europe, es-
Decially to Germany, in the concentrated efforts
md work done in educating their children. Many
people Of this country are more familiar with the
work than they are of their own. The reason for
his is that there is press bureau" for the Ger
nan school system and there is none or has not
)een formally for the United States. Until recent
ears the United States government did very lit
le to inform the people here of the work it was
arrying on in the furthering of the education Of
he young people of this country. It seemed to
)e the plan to let the school work advertise itself
t was also handicapped for funds. Near-sight-
d congressman would not Or could not see any
eason for advertising the fact that this country
lad any interest in the welfare or future of the
coming generation. So when appropriations were
,.sked for along these lines they were grudgingly
assed but cut to the very smallest possible
mount, in fact so small that there was no OppOr-
unity to get the real results desired.
That IS what brought about the boys camp.
he desire of those who are devOting their life
ime TO the development Of the mental capacities
f the future men and women Of this country saw
ne success Of other nations in community educa-
ION. They saw the welding Of the various dis
,icts together in friendship and cooperation in
heir labor. /. was their desire to do the same
Or this great nation. 1t could not be done under
az Cf
EDUCATIONAL purposes. So they conceived the idea
interesting the older folks. Those who had
OF had the opportunities of youthful advantages
ere talked to and through them was developed
ne summer camp for boys. And it has proven a
uccess. 1t has done far more for the boys than
as hoped or expected.
One week Of social and educational activities
y buch Of real live American boys viii bring
1T in them elements Of useflness that whole term
fperfmctOTy schooling will not do. And that is
ne fOundatiOnal idea behind the summer camp
eek. To bring the boys together, to give them
)nle real happy youthful enjoyment, and at the
ame time to occupy their minds for a short time
lch day with something that win be of benefit
. them when they are out in the world battling
II their own living.
Primarily the object is to make better farm
s OF the boys, for the boys are supposed to come
ON the farm homes. But there is that in the
aiming they receive that fits them in any line
endeaVor they wish to follow The principle
lOugh that is conveyed to them is the necessity
close relationship with their neighbor. It !:
get away from the isolation, the idea Of each
an for himself, and the devil take the hindmost
impress upon them that many associated toget
can do most anything while the one who goe.
ong alone has to work out MS problems as bes
g can unassisted.
So the reasons for the boys summer camp ar,
many there can be no end to the argument il
ne support Of it. The smallest cost to the indi
dual in the school district from which the bo,
2mes IS nothing in comparison to the great re
IN IN the greater viewpoint the boy gets by tn
iperlence He is better physically, mentally am
)irituay. And those three are the cardna
2ints OF good citizenship everywhere. The Unite
,ates will not go wrong in future years if he
)ys are continually trained in summer camps. i
injunction with their regular education.