The Wyandotte herald. (Wyandotte, Mich.) 1879-1943, 1938-09-09
ASSOCIATION
REPORTS ON
SUMMER WORK

Note: This is the first of two arti-
cles describing the experiences Of local
persons for whom camping was arrang-
ed by the Family Protective Associa-
ton. rs
Appropriate for the end Of the vaca-
ton season is the repOrte of the Wyan-
dotte Family Protective Association
which summarizes this community fund
agency's part in helping to make camp
facilities available TO those who most
need them. Utilizing donations, the
earnings of campers and the agency's
funds the local association referred 141
children and adults to nine Michigan
camps. OF the total referred, 124 were
from WyandOtte and IL from Trenton,
il was reported by Miss Ara Charlton
neau. executive secretary Of the agen-
cy. Valuable transportation was pro-
vided by several public spirited COM
panies and individuals.
Because low cost camp opportunities
are limited and because modern camp
experience should be more than mere
outing" the task of selection of camp
ers and appropriate camps was made
difficult 1t was necessary for the case
the needs Of each child and that the
chosen camp would most adequately
meet these needs. In making camp ar
rangements the Family Protective As
ISOLATION case workers are convinced
that the experience will be of greatly
increased value if the child has earned
at least part Of his fee and that par
ents are more conscious Of their child
ren's problem if they pay some of the
fee. when possible.
The camp experience of boy who
can be called Joe Berger" proves the
value of a carefully chosen camp. JOe's
hand shook when he saw his first meal
IN camp. Ii was an undernOuriShed,
lonesome boy who sat at the table. Joe
came to this country but few years
ago to five alone with his brother In
tiny attic room. Work had been poor
for the brother in the past year but
although they had missed many meals,
he did not apply for relief. Joe has
many good qualities and dramatic tai
ent but his inability to speak good
English kept him from learning the
ways of those who should be his play
mates.
1t was decided by the Family Pro-
tective Association that the University
of Michigan camp could give him the
needed educational and recreatiOnal
opportunities Joe earned part Of his
fee, his brother paid part and the Fam
lily Protective Association paid the rest
from its community fund budget. The
boy is back now with ten pounds added
during his month at camp and valuable
training from, speech classes. Asked
whether he would want to go back,
Joe said. DO I:El'm starting now 70
get enough money ahead Ito pay my
own way next year
''Marie'S" camp experience is an en-
tirely different example of the way in
which carefully directed camping can
help Others to help themselves. Marie
was a real fighter but ii seemed that
hers was a lost cause SO long as
she stayed At home. Quarreling par
ents. delinquent brothers and sisters
seemed certain to permanently ruin
the child's life.
Fortunately, it was possible for the
Family Protective Association TO send
hen to Camp Franklin 10 build up her
health and to give her an opportunity
IL experience living under the direc-
ton of normal people. When she re-
turned from camp a place was found
for her as mothers. helper with a
fine family which has accepted her as
one of its members The agency feels
that the money which gave Marie a
hew c.ance was we'll spent.