Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1923-07-28
THE GREAT OUTDOORS GRIPS
MAINE BOYS AT "Y"' CAMP
Continued from Page one)

II to the reader to analyze the infiu-
ence on those who participate
=, Nature was kindly disposed when
the spot where the Y. M. C. A.
camp was created. and someone with
foresight and vision realized the
natural advantages Of the location
ana Its possibilities of development.
All IN all 1t Is ideal. centrally located,
easily accessible by both main lines
OF railroad at Winthrop and Augusta.
with State highway almost to the
door. and yet paradoXically. isolated
from trespass and invasion by the
undesirable. with a perfect grove of
majestic pine trees, gradually sloping
shores and a clean lake bottom on
the entire frontage. The camp has
Its own farm where most of the
vegetables and green stuff are raised,
and its own herd of tuberculin test
ed cows, supplying the more than
nifty gallons of pure sweet milk that
are daily consumed in season. Ger
tainly the environment is conclusive
to smiling faces and laughing hearts.
And JEFF Smith, the guiding genius
of 1t all. certainly it is not necessary
to introduce JEFF for he is known
throughout the width and breadth
OF the Pine Tree State and far be-
yond its borders. Jeff with his great
capacity of understanding of the
minds and hearts of boys. His father
ly, brotherly. and yes on occasion
motherly spirit. His never failing
genial good humor, his powerful
personality. and his Christian atti-
tude, his clean code of living, and
above all else the ability to instill
something of these same character
istlcs in those with whom he comes
~ 10 Taff x,,lN
supervises every little detail that
has to do with the well being of this
great family of youth placed in his
care. and just-how infinitely he makes
it his personal interest is evidenced
by the fact that he not only knows
every one of the $50 boys in the
camp by name. but can give thumb
nail sketch of each boys character,
and the high lights of home life
that influence that lad for good or
i'll.
There are several boys at the camp
at the present time who are guests of
the camp. They have no one else in the
world to look after or even have an
interest in their welfare. Some of them
have been subjected to witness or be
a part of some pretty tough circum-
stances, and jeff, or the all-under-
standing, affecting heart. feels that
if he can give these lads to know some
little bit Of the sunshine of life and
Of the God-given right to happiness
and a square deal, then the investment
represented by this camp and its equip
ment has not been without return.
Each and every boy has the same
chance and is as good as the other fell
low at this camp. He does the same
things and eats and sleeps under the
same conditions. There is no differen-
tiation in treatment accorded the gov
errors nephew and that of the blonde
haired ward Of the Little Wanderers
Home. This camp life is great lev
eler and 1t is tosS-up as to which
derives the most good. 1t seems as IL
every boy takes unto himself the best
Of his comrades and of his leaders,
and it doesn't take any special effort
on the observers part, or any stretch
of Imagination to visualize these boys
of today as the upright leaders of to-
morrow, the towers of strength and
sturdy influence for good in their re-
Spective communities.
The daily program IS the same as
regards certain things but most va
ried in other attractions, amuse-
ments, instruction and recreation. 1t
is well balanced as to the intended
influence on mind, body and spirit.
The day begins with the clear call of
the bugle for reveille at $50 A. NJ.
At 6.35 the boys are line up in front
OF their respective lodges for five or
ten minutes of monkey drill setting
up exercises, followed Immediately
by the plunge in the lake. This
morning dip is required of everyone
in the camp with illness as the only
excuse for participation. Some
times a lad is late for the morning
roll call, and in such an instance it
has been found that tossing him into
the night cooled waters of Lake
Cobbosseecontee has a most revivi-
flying effect. Breakfast is at $50
sharp and tardiness is not counter
anced at the table. A late conner is
summarily sent to the wood pile to
spur his appetite. During breakfast
time a brief talk is given by jeff
Smith or one of the leaders, and it is
usually along the lines of spiritual
guidance.
Following the breakfast there Is
a short recreational period and then
the hour from $50 to $50 is the
morning work period for cleaning up
the bunk houses, making the beds,
policing the grounds and the various
little tasks which improve the camp
and are tackled with a Zest by the
boys. who get real joy out of their
working together. 1t is in this hour
that the boys under the direction and
leadership of the councillors have
cleared up the lake shore, removed
the obstructing stones, cut away the
entangling underbrush from the
campus, laid out the rock bordered
paths to the county lodges, smoothed
the roadway leading into the
grounds and the thousand and other
little things that make for better
and more attractive camp each sea-
son.
The half hour from $50 until 10
o'clock is the educational period, in
which time there are classes in
handicraft, and the making of ratine
tables. Small minor repairs are per-
formed by the boys as a matter of
elemental instruction in the use of
tools. Glasses in life saying for the
advanced swimmers and lessons for
the mons swimmers. first aid, and ma
ture study are among the things
taken up in this educational period.
There are also classes in athletics
with instructions by the leaders in
track, tennis, baseball, basketball
and volley ball.
The hour from 10 to II is the I'M
organized period, during which time
the boys are allowed boating and
canoeing under supervision and reg
ulation. 1t is in this hour too, that
the youngsters write to the home
folks of the wonderful time that they
are having. At lilo the Juniors
have a twenty-minute swimming
period, followed by the Seniors at
1880, and the life guards following
them. At 1890 the noon meal COM
mences, and it is at this time. when
the boys are all assembled under the
one roof of the mess hall, tnats the