Evening star., 1938-07-11

AAO AAoAdoAAAp VI yCoUCIudy, CuIl ~
Of necessity; on the contrary. it was
actually at times a matter of choice
There was q day. not so many years
ago. when Americans. famed the
world over for demanding the last
word In modern convenience in their
homes, sternly avoided any suggestion
Of civilization in their camps When
they took to the woods they did so in
primitive fashion. The urban pie
thora Of porcelain tubs was in oppo-
site ratio to the lack of bathing IA
cilities, other than the icy stream, of
most camp sites.
The joys Of sleeping under the
stars, rolled in blanket" (nothing was
said about what happened when the
stars wept, nor how wet and soggy the
blanket became) or in an army tent
pitched on the bare earth (where the
night life, including snakes, spiders,
and even less desirable terminates
might crawl right in and be cozy with
you were roundly sung by the outdoor
enthusiasts. Perhaps that Is why only
the determined outdoor enthusiasts
went camping.
Others. less hardy, thought the out
doors was all right If kept in its proper
place. A picnic In the woods was one
thing. but as for living in them, no,
thank you! Dry abodes, soft beds
and hot baths were not lightly to be
foregone.
TO-DAY. however, every one goes
camping because OF the realiza-
ton that 1t Is possible to camp and
be comfortable; that one can safeguard
health and avoid exhaustion, heavy
COLDS, and, to some extent, even mos
quitoes, In the modern camp.
But health and comfort did not
follow right on the heels of hard
ship. In between came the war
and to hardship was added military
reorganization. Thousands Of American
men were, of necessity. encamped
rs soldiers all over the United States
and Europe. Military was the mode
and the women began to act in camps
as though they thought they were
soldiers. The infection spread be-
yond its legitimate confines, beyond
those organizations which were train
ing women for overseas duty, and
took possession Of even purely recrea-
tional camping.
Women strobe up and down COM
pany streets" khaki-clad, high-booted
and hated for all the world like
Gen. Grant. They marched in squads
and platoons-bugles blew, flags new
and orders were ~barked" to the
extent permitted by feminine vocal
chords. Camp had become harder
work than ever. with the military
regime added, and every woman feel
ing that, If she didn't arise at 6, do
"setting-ups' drill before breakfast,
assume her share Of kitchen police and
fatigue" (they never dared admit how
much fatigue) she was not worthy the
name Of camper.
The exigencies Of the times made
their impression even upon Girl Scout
camping. although not for long, It
was inevitable that this organization.
which during its 26 years has sent.
more girls to camp in America than
perhaps any other, and last year alone
counted 1l5,390 enrolled campers,
should be somewhat affected by the
general trend. But always 1t kept
recurring to the original idea of its
founder. Juliette Low, that camping
should be simple, uncomplicated and
wholesome, permitting the girl the
maximum enjoyment from nature it.
self. and providing outlets for her
energy in common tasks and common
play.
y X X
IT MAY be amusing now to con-
template the era Of regimentation
which affected all American camp
inc vat ma ran hA opa%A$,,I - -