The northwestern bulletin., 1923-07-07
SENDING MOTHER TO
CAMP FOR VACATION
Experience of Tennessee Exten-
sion Agent in Attracting Wom-
en- to Summer Club.

of Agricuiture)
The devoted mother who said, Il
haven't missed cooking a meal since
was married, so / just don't guess
could come,' was exactly the kind of
woman the extension agent for women
and girls in Wilson county, Tenn,
wanted to attract to three-day wom-
ems summer club camp last season.
Knowing how much good even brief
change would do each of her club men,
bers, this extension agent began to
"sell" the idea of a women's camp
months before it was time to hold It.
Considerable argument was needed to
convince most of the mothers and
housekeepeers that they could be
spared from home at all.
Working with the daughters first,
the agent began stressing the thought
Mother needs rest" among her club
girls. The girls, of course, knew that
If they could persuade their mothers
to go to the camp they themselves
would have very much better chance
of being allowed to attend the girls
camp, which came later. For over two
months the agent talked about the
scamp for women" at every club meet
ing and wherever she went.
The use of a suitable house with
beautiful, five-acre, level, shaded lawn
was obtained. This home was situated
eight miles from the county seat and
quarter Of a mile from railway sta
tion. At the time the camp was held
there was no living room In the house.
A commercial light company wired the
lawn, so that 1t was well lighted every
night.
About q week before the date decided
on for the camp, letter was sent to
every club member in the county, urg-
ing her to come. A list stating what
II would be necessary to bring was put
in the letter, and program for each
hour of the three days at camp. 1t
was felt ut this time that the camp
would be success If 25 women came.
Over hundred registered the first day.
BY rail and by automobile they came,
bringing their own food for the picnic
dinner and supper, and part of the
other food needed. Other club mem
bers came later. A report of the way
in which camp was run, received by
the United States Department Of Agri-
culture. may give women elsewhere
ideas on managing a similar vacation
for Mother"
Each woman registering contributed
25 cents toward the expenses of the
camp. The fund thus obtained fur
nished hired cook for the second and
third days. Arepresentative from each
club helped serve at meal time. All the
meals except breakfast were served on
the lawn. Breakfast, on the large
kitchen porch, consisted of toast, but
ter, eggs, bacon, fruit, preserves and
coffee. For dinner the campers had
beans, boiled meat, fried chicken,
mashed potatoes, corn, vegetables,
salad, light bread, corn bread, cake,
and iced tea. Corn on the cob, French
fried potatoes, vegetable salad, bread
and butter and fried chicken were
served for supper. The women were
so afraid there would not be enough
to eat they brought extra chickens,
which were used at supper time.
Z The work Of cleaning the house and
preparing vegetables for dinner was
shared by the club members. Then
came social hour until the days pro
gram began. Talks were given by the
state home demonstration agent the
state health specialist, the farm bureau
president and the county agent. The
rest and play periods were enjoyed by
everyone. "It seemed as IL all these
I women were girls again." said the
county extension agent. Club singing
created great enthusiasm; also but
ter-judging contest. Moving pictures
and an illustrated lecture helped pass
the time pleasantly during the eve
nings. When the three days were over,
the women left with unconcealed re-
gret, voting to make the camp an an
nual affair. As one woman expressed
II, II feel like just love every other
woman just little bit better because
I know her better" The chance to be-
come better acquainted with so many
county neighbors was a real JOY to
every woman attending.
One of the accomplishments Of the
camp was the organization Of the
County Federation Of Women's Clubs.
which means that the women all over
Wilson county will come into closer
contact with each other than ever be-
fore.