The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-03-30
Spirit Of Dr. Lewis Reflected In Work
 Of Aiding Children
Undernourished Children Find Summer Home at Lake Quassapaug Haven of Happiness Minds, Bodies
 Refreshen By Rest, Proper Food

modern plant on the same site Through the generous financial of- ferings of the people of Waterbury, Naugatuck and Middlebury, the building was thoroughly equipped and furnished with every modern convenience and comfort. A fund was raised and invested, the income of which is paid annually to the J. H. Whittemore Co. as rental of this building, and each year the Vaca- ton House committee, headed by Dr. Lewis as chairman, raises a fund by subscription to carry on the work of running it.
 Groups of 70.
 In lean years this sometimes means great curtailment, but usual ly the camp serves about 280 chill dren in groups of 70 for two weeks each. They are all between the ages of six and twelve and both boys and girls are taken. The children sent to the camp are chosen by thirteen different social service agencies in Waterbury, Naugatuck and Middlebury, and after selection are sent to either St. Mary's Dis pensary or Chase Dispensary for thorough physical examinations. A child must be in need of a real vacation but no child with a con- tagious or infectious condition will be taken or one with a bad heart or in an extremely crippled condi- tion, as the terrain is rough and hilly and it would be too great risk for the camp to assume. The majority of the children accepted are girls because in Waterbury there are several camps where underprivi- lieged boys may go, but few places for the girls. After the recommen- dations and examinations have been made, the Visiting Nurse AsSocia- tion takes over the organizing of these children into groups and plans for their transportation and super vises their health condition while in camp. A-nurse is detailed to make daily visits if necessary. This is a large order mad means that Miss Peak and her staff spend a great deal of time throughout the summer in Vacation House health supervis- ion and assume large responsibili- ties.
 The house is huge log structure with wide verandas situated on the west side of Lake Quassapaug. The children sleep in big airy dormitor- ies and eat on the verandas when the weather is fine and have a play ground equipped with simple appar- atus, a dock, and boat. In addi- tion, counsellors lead games, hikes, story hours, train in simple drama tics, and other forms of recreation which help to make camp life in- teresting. The wear and tear on equipment is great and the camp needs more outdoor equipment for games, such as basket balls, nets, swings, slides, etc. and could do a better recreational job if more of these were available. Perhaps some generous soul who reads this will donate something! Also the boat needs replacing!
 Variety of Food
 Food is good, well-cooked, nolir- ishing, and varied. A good cook is always provided who knows the l AAS0A " 0PPCtAOACo VI OutQOOI AV1Ik. 1. Sometimes those in charge have a little trouble in getting the children to eat vegetables; they don't know what they are, and they are not interested. By the end of the two weeks, however, their appetites are accustomed to the new fare and they are eating with gusto. Every child last season gained something x one even as much as seven pounds. Improvement is also noted along other lines. The children learn to live harmoniously together and how to play and enjoy the give-and-take of sports and games.
 Too much cannot be said for the staff. It is hard job and MT. and Mrs. Samuel Budde, who are in charge now, are kept very busy planning, purchasing and supervis- ing for the eight full weeks the camp runs. They are assisted by a group, of five healthy young coun- selors, most of whom excel in some craft or sport and each assumes responsibility for his or her work with the children. There is fine spirit of cooperation ard helpfulness among them, lending much to the happy, normal atmosphere of the camp. The routine is almost identi- cal with that followed in all modern