Evening star., 1938-07-25
Parents Who
Visit Child
At Camp
Should Not Upset
Regular Routine
By Breaking Rule.
BY ANGELO PATRI.

A VISIT to the camp where the
children are staying for the sum-
mer is a pleasant duty that parents
look forward to each season. The
director does not always look toward
as happily, however, to that visit. He
hopes mother will not come until
Junior has settled down. 1t is his
first season and his first prolonged alb
sence from home If mother comes
on Sunday, three days after opening,
Junior will be torn between two loves.
If mother really wants Junior to be
with her, the end is in sight. Junior
will cry; mother will soothe him and
explain to the director, You see he
is so young. yet. Maybe next year"
But the director knows better He
knows that just one more good boy
has been spoiled.
The director hopes against hope
that the visiting parents will not come
laden with provisions enough to lift
a siege. Absence makes the heart
grow fonder Mother remembers how
son loves chocolate brownies and bakes
enough for the tent" Also how he
likes gumdrops, chewing gum. dough-
nuts, fruit cake, cheese in tins, also
sandwiches in the making. Boys
do enjoy a midnight steal, you know"
The director does know. He knows
too. that his Job is to undo ten months
of mistaken eating, poor routine, self
Indulgence of all sorts. and send home
a sturdy, handsome child, clear-skin-
ned, clear-eyed. candid looking and
bronzed, something like the Apollo
of the museum of Rome. And he
wonders how he is going to get hold
of this consignment of food without
hurting anybody's feelings, and saving
his own skin.
Few campers settle into their stride
before the end of the first ten days.
Experienced campers are set at the
end of week and going strong, but
the beginners take more time. The
time schedule is new to the childs
body, and it must become adjusted
to the new rhythm before the camper
can be at ease. To set this healthy
rhythm, absolute regularity, no ex-
ceptions, is the rule. Hours are
rigidly observed, and infractions of
the code are noted and disapproved
severely in all good camps.
Then along comes mother, rarely
Is it father. but he does appear in
this role now and then. I'D like
to take Son to the village tonight.
There's a show on at the hotel and
know he would enjoy it so much"
That would shatter the work of days.
If the director is the right sort he
says NO, firmly-regretfully perhaps,
but firmly, NO.
One lady made such request and
when the director said. I'm sorry,
but the regulations are that no camp
er leaves the grounds except on camp
business. with his group and counsellor,
and never to any hotel entertainment"
"All right. III take him home with
me I didn't know he was going to
JAIL" said mother
When the news was told to Son his
eyes opened wide in dismay Go
home? Who said so? Did my father
say so? Mother? Why? Say, you just
tell her I said I was staying I came
here Just to forget that stuff. And
you can't find me, understand, when
you come back to get me. I don't
want to be bothered. Please make
her understand"
Don't bother the children, or the
director. or the rules committee.
Camping is a serious, educational ex-
perience and needs to be left to per-
feet its work. Be cooperative visitor
Or stay away.
Mr.. Patri will give personal atten- |
ton to inquiries from parents and