Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1926-08-24

Gated and splendidly equipped, the
many boys and girls camps of Maine
offer a wonderful opportunity for the
young people to pass their summer
months amid surroundings that can
not but stimulate them both in mind
and body. This however is not fully
realized by the majority Of Maine
folks or by the people of this vicinity
although there are countless camps
for boys and girls Of all ages within
a few miles of Augusta.
The only thought that many of the
residents of the state give to this
great industry" If it may be called
that is when they see upon the
streets q crowd of from 10 to rs or
even more, strong, healthy, tanned
youngsters IN camb garb and under
the leadership Of a councillor, who
exercises absolute control over them
at all times. Even then but a mo-
ment is occupied by any considera-
ton Of these young folks before
some problem brushes them from the
minds Of the spectator.
But they represent the product Of
a continually growing business Of
the state of Maine, a product that
surpasses the product of other states
as the Maine potatoes surpasses that
of other portions of the United
States. They bring to Maine many
thousands Of dollars and spend 1t
here, they return to their homes in
all Of the states Of the Union filled
they had in Maine and advertising it
could ronSsjhlU do
and during the later part Of the
summer season they act as the mag
net which draws to this state their
parents and friends, many of whom
might not otherwise cross the
boundaries Of Maine.
Many kennebec Camps
A recent trip to several of these
camps at the urgent invitation Of
George w. Merrill, a local merchant
who does much Of the finishing Of
films from the camps in this vicinity
and who maintains a regular route
to the Belgrade region, which he
visits twice a week, gave a new in
sight into the magnitude Of this
business as well as into the careful
thought and close supervision OF
minute details which is found neces-
sary by the managers and councillors.
Camp Jo-Lee on the shores of
Great Pond was first visited. Many
attractive rustic lodges all grouped
around the central administration
building, offered accommodations to
the large number of girls who are at
the camp for the summer months.
Many of the girls were at the lake
shore, where under the competent
direction Of an expert swimmer and
qualified life saver they were learn
ing to handle a canoe and proving
their fitness by eXacting tests both
in swimming and canoeing before
they are permitted to take them out
into deep water. While this was go
ing on, two girls entered the door of
the administration building and it
was learned that they were schedul-
ed to take hot baths at that time,
that each girl is obliged to take a
hot bath according to schedule, in
addition to the regular swimming
periods at the lake. Another little
girl was practicing her vocal lesson
while still another was dancing with
spritely grace during her regular
dancing lesson. A group of girls in
terested in archery were using the
tennis court for a place to practice
and the air was full Of laughter as
they sent the feathered missiles at
the target.
Military Riding Master
The next stop was at Camp Ken
nebec, boys camp on the shore of
Salmon Lake. Here many of the
boys were out for their morning
Reputation" about Is horses being
used. These horses, all trained to
the saddle are the best that can be
secured and all the boys learn to
ride. Their riding master is a
West Point graduate who puts the
boys through in real army style.
Others were preparing for their life
saving tests, a number were at the
well equipped carpenter shop shaw
ing out their canoe paddles to enter
in the contest for the best paddle, a
few were using the rifle range and
the Instructor in arithmetic, who is
also the dramatic coach was busy
preparing the open air stage for an
other play. At this camp the boys
live in large tents, placed upon rails
ed platforms and here a special staff
OF negro workers, who come to the
camp year after year, do much of
the necessary work.
Arts and Crafts
At Camp Arden, many of the girls
were on a hike for the day but a
small group Of girls We're busy at the
splendidly equipped cottage which is
used by the arts class. Here silk
looms for weaving silk scarves and
many other useful objects were pro-
vided, painting in both oils and
water colors was underway and one
of the girls, particularly gifted
along these lines was busy making
quaint ornamental signs, which when
hand painted would be placed over
the door Of each lodge. They were
much different from the ordinary
signs and were most attractive. The
lodges at Camp Arden are on the
shore of pond, a little distance
from the dining hall and administra-
ton building. All are of rustic de-
sign and are very pretty. A feature
OF this camp is the little spring house
In a nearby glen. This, which is
also Of rustic design, is a regular
Peter Pan" setting and here each
year a delightful ceremonial is con-
Quoted by the girls.
A trip Of several miles ended at
Camp Somerset where a large num-
per OF girls Of all ages were seated