The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-05-01

and erect Q new building.
 The late MT. Harris Whlttemore again came forward with the same splendid cooperation and helpfulness and built for the Vacation House committee modern plant on the same site. Through the generous financial offerings of the people of Waterbury, Naugatuck, and Middle bury, the building was thoroughly equipped and furnished with every modern convenience and comfort. A fund was raised and invested by Dr. John N. Lewis and Board of Direc- tors of the Visiting Nurse Associa- ton, the income of which IS paid annually to the J. II. Whittemore co. as rental of this camp building and each year the Vacation House directors, headed by the late Dr, Lewis as chairman, has raised Q fund by subscription to carry on the work of running this camp. In lean years. this sometimes means great curtailment, but usually the camp serves about 280 children in groups of 70 for two weeks each They are all between the ages of 6 and i2, and both boys and girls are taken. The children sent to camp are chosen by B different social agencies in Waterbury and Nauga- tuck, and after selection are sent to either St. Mary's Dispensary or Chase Dispensary for thorough eX- aminations. A child must be in need of Q real vacation and no child with Q contagious or infectious condition will be taken, or one with a bad heart, or ln an extremely crippled condition, as the terraine IS rough and hilly, and 1t would be 600 great Q risk for the camp to assume. The majority of the children accepted are girls, because in Waterbury there are several camps where un- derprivileged boys may go, and but few places for underprivileged girls. After the recommendation and ex- aminatlons have been made, the Visiting Nurse Association takes over the organizing of these chil- dren into groups and plans for their transportation and supervises their health condition while in camp. A nurse is detailed to make daily visits If necessary. This Is large order and means that Miss Peak and her staff spend great deal of time throughout the summer In vacation House health supervision, and as- sume large responsibilities.
 Log Structure
 The house Is a huge, log structure with wide verandaS. situated on the west side of Lake Quassapaug. There are several smaller cabins for dor mitory purposes. The children sleep in the big airy dormitories and eat on the verandas when the weather is fine, and have playground equipped with simple apparatus, dock, and a boat. The swimming fa- cilities are ideal, and in pleasant weather the children are allowed to go in twice Q day. In addition coun- sellors lead games. hikes. story hours, train in simple dramatice and other forms of recreation, which help to make camp life interesting There is a small camp library which needs at present additions. The wear and tear on equipment is great and the camp needs more outdoor equipment for games. such as bas- ket 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 We need new boat.
 Food is good, well cooked, nour- ishing. and varied. A good cook is always provided who knows the hearty capacities of outdoor living Sometimes those in charge have a little trouble in getting the children especially those of foreign percentage to at vegetables; they don't know wha they are and they are not in- terested. By the end of the two weeks however, their capacities are adjusted to the new fare, and they are eating with gusto. Every child last season gained something: one even as much as seven pounds. Im- provement is also noted along other lines. The children learn 10 live harmoniously together, and learn how to play and enjoy the give-and- take of sports and games.
 Too much cannot be said for the staff. It is a hard job for MT. and Mrs. Samuel Budde who are in charge. and they are kept very busy, ..s.fs.n cf.an etsF1arNsfcfsan