Douglas daily dispatch., 1927-07-03

the beautiful Pinery canyon, so named
because Of the abundant growth of
pines there, is located the Interstate
*. M. G. A. boys camp, which provides
camping facilities for the ''Y' lads OF
Douglas, Tucson, Bisbee, Miami, and
when completed will draw boys from
Ell Paso, Morenci and Clifton.
Seven acres of land have been leased
to the Y M c.. AS representatives by
the u. S. forestry department, on which
it is planned to construct is cottages,
size 18x20, large lodge building 30x72,
which will contain assembly room, din
ing room, kitchen, office, ETC., and a
2Ox6O swimming pool to be constructed
of concrete.
The first unit of this camp is now
complete, five cottages having been
built this summer, funds for the con-
Struction of three being contributed by
individuals and organizations in Doug
las. 1t is planned to rush construction
work as fast as funds are received from
the various towns interested. Fred D.
Pierce interstate secretary, will spend
considerable time this summer on the
camp project alone, and hopes to have
UA1C W11O1C AAA VAAAAN @OA
next years outing.
The usual camping period is from
two to four weeks, but secretaries in
tereSted in Pinery camp plan to hold
weekend hikes, conferences and con-
ventions at this site several times dur
ing the year. Associations in the fu-
ture will probably use the facilities at
successive periods during the summer.
The Y. M. c.. AS of the southwest hold
two joint conferences every year, and
it is planned to hold these at Pinery
when the camp is completed. An older
boys conference is held every year in
this district, which also will be con-
Quoted at the Interstate site.
These camps and meetings are of
great value in themselves, and in addi-.
tion they bring considerable business to
Douglas which otherwise would go to.
other places.
This year 100 boys spent two weeks
in camp, and all supplies for the camp
period, as well as construction mate
rial for the five cottages were bought
from Douglas business houses. The
expenditure for operating a camp for
100 boys will run more than 81 900.
Within one and a half hours hiking
distance from Pinery camp is the ma
tiOnally known Wonderland of Rocks"
or 1sPinnacles," /" as they are sometimes
called, offering an educative and i'm
Struetive tramp for boys as we'll as
adults. Another hike of seven miles
takes the camper to- the top of the
ChiricahuaS, from which a view of the
surrounding country may be had as far
as-tfle naked eye can see. Also leading
out from this site is the BarfoOt trail,
a climb taken each year by the boy
campers.
The Interstate camp is situated on a
game and nom shooting reserve, result
ing. in deer and other wild animals be-
ing seen at most every season of the
year, "A group of F1i-Y boys in going
out to camp one evening this year
stated that two deer were blinded by
the lights of their car, and that they
had to stop the auto to avoid running
over the deer. Birds of all kinds may
be seen in Pinery, and the forest de-
partment has just recently stocked the
canyon with wild turkeys.
Before selecting Pinery as site for
the permanent camp of the Southwest
Y. M. c. AIS, groups of interested men
spent considerable time in searching
for possible locations, sites being con-
sidered near Tucson, near Cochise
Stronghold, and in the Graham noun
tainS near Stafford. None of these Of
fered the combined advantages of
Pinery, that is, beauty, shade, room for
playground games, accessibility to all
associations interested, good roads, and
nationally known beauty spots, and
nearness to a reliable source of sup
plies.
Y. M. C. A. camps are standardized
and graded by the national organiza-
ton, some of the requirements being
leader for every ten boys, physical
examinations by physician, and a
certified menu of food The Interstate
camp is following out these require
ments, even to the having of a doctor
in camp.
Setting up exercises begin the days
program, followed by Wash-up and
breakfast. Camp duties are assigned
for the early forenoon, tent inspection,
Woodcraft and educational studies, and
half hour period for Bible study.
Dinner is at noon, followed by an
hours siesta, while in the afternoon
some of the boys may be taken on
hikes, while others take part in COM
petitive games and in swimming events.
Camp fire programs and inter-tent
stunts and competition wind up the
days activities.
Every effort is made to secure last
ing friendships between boys of the
different towns represented in camp.
This feature alone appeals strongly to
boys and their parents. Visitors days
are observed each Sunday at which
time the camp is open to all for in
spection.
Pinery canyon is reached by going
through McNeal, Elfrida and Light
over good road. A hard dirt and
rock road is being constructed through
the canyon by the forestry service of
the United States government.
AS you enter the canyon it is not an