Evening star., 1941-05-05
Beneficial to
SendChild
ToCanp
Change of Routine
AS Well as Scene
Good For Him
By Leffice Lee Street,

Have you been thinking that you
might send your 8 or 10 year old to
camp for the first time this summer?
If he gets an inkling Of the fact that
you are considering this he will
lombard you with eager, excited
questions. so keep it under your
hat" until you decide one way or the
other, lest he be bitterly disappointed.
1t is hard to generalize in dis
cuSsing what Is, and what Is not,
good for children as a whole, be-
cause each child is a distinct per-
sonality. If a child has brothers and
sisters near his own age and his
home is in the country, or an open
suburb, he does not actually need to
go away as much as the child who is
reared in the heart of the city. How
ever, a change of climate and scene
is good for all of us occasionally.
Even the happiest home seems all
the better when we have been away
for short while and return
The only" child can learn a great
deal that will benefit him in the life
at camp. He will be with group of
children of his own age and sex,
away from the adults who so tightly
govern his life, even if they do not
mean to. The camp counselor has
different status in child's eyes
than his parents or teacher and ap-
pears like grownup playmate.
Here the "only" child is placed
firmly on his own two feet in a very
happy world.
The shy and timid child is helped
by the right camp. too. Plays and
friendly competitions where not only
one, but several children receive
prizes, help to build poise and
confidence.
The gifted child has an oppor-
tunity of expressing his creativeness
in the handicraft and nature study
he learns at camp.
A child who is afraid of his own
shadow" may return from camp
eager to play and learn new games
and sports, able to swim like little
duck In deep water into which he
could not be coaXed before he saw
so many kids his own age splashing
| around in the lake at camp.
The rebellious, spoiled or hard
| to-manage child may profit much
from this new experience. No one
will force him against his stubborn
will. He does not have to get all
'slicked up" no one notices whether
his shirt tail is in or out, or COM
ments upon the state of his nails or
| hair-this is really 'roughing it."
All the counselor seems to care about
is his having fun and being a good
sport with the other boys. Such a
child, suffering from the nervous
ness that results from continually
bucking against everything and
everybody, often feels an easing of
tension at camp.
The nervous, underweight child is
physically aided by this wholesome
life and careful counselors will see
that he does not overdo.
AS far as health is concerned. all
children benefit by the regular hours,
the simple. well-balanced meals, the
exercise, sun and carefree play.
Before you send your child away
have a talk with the counselor. Take
a list with you of all the things you
can think of about your boy or girl,
good or bad. Describe his habits,
likes and dislikes, what frightens
him. how he eats and sleeps and
what foods disagree with him, if
any. In short. draw a word picture
of your childs character and
personality.
Some children are lonely and
frightened the first few days of
camp, but if the counselor has an
idea of the child's disposition and
traits it will be easier for him to
dispel these fears.
Have you questions to ask con-
cerning the care Of your baby"
We suggest that you send for a
copy of Infant Care" Children's
Bureau Publication No. 8, United
States Department Of Labor. to
aid you in raising a healthy,
happy youngster. Send 10 cents
with your order to The Evening
Star Information Bureau today?