Part 6 (2/2)

The heavens themselves, the planets and this centre Observe degree, priority and place, Insisture, course, proportion, season, form, Office and custom, in all lines of order.

-Troilus and Cressida. Act 1, Scene 3.

Order

It matters very little if the camp be a large or small one, all will agree that system and organization must prevail if the camp is to be a ”place of known delight and proved desire.” Order is said to be Heaven's first law, and a boys' camp should not be operated contrary to this recognized law.

What is everybody's business usually becomes n.o.body's business. Much soup has been spoiled by the stirring of too many cooks. A boys' camp becomes a place of discord when everybody takes a hand in ”running it.” There must be one whose word is absolute and final, and who is recognized as the leader or director of the camp; at the same time the campers should have a voice in the government and share in planning and partic.i.p.ating in its activities. (See chapter on Leaders.h.i.+p.)

The following charting of organization will explain the ”degree, priority and place” of those who are to be responsible for the administration and welfare of the camp.

Cooperative Self-Government

This form of organization recognizes maturity, experience, ability, cooperation, justice and altruistic service. Self-government wholly by the boys is unwise. There must always be a paternal guidance of hot, impulsive and indiscriminate youth. Boys desire adult leaders.h.i.+p and where a wise combination is formed of man and boy working together, there will be found the highest type of efficient, wholesome, happy and purposeful camp life.

Council Meetings

Frequent council meetings should be held. When the senior council, composed of the leaders and director, meet for planning and to discuss the work, it should be understood that whatever is said or discussed at the meeting, must not be talked over in the presence of the boys, particularly matters of discipline, awarding of honors and camp policy. Joint meetings of the junior and senior councils should be held weekly. Each ”tent” is represented on the junior council by electing one of their tent-mates, who shall present the views of his const.i.tuents at council meetings.

[Ill.u.s.tration: Camp Organization Chart]

Departments

The director should have the power of appointing the chairmen or heads of departments, and the chairmen the privilege of selecting a.s.sociates from the two councils. The policy of each department must be ratified by a joint meeting of the councils before it becomes operative. Prevent bickering over minor parliamentary details. Keep in mind first, last and always, the highest welfare of the camp. Let the ”voice of the people” be heard, yet see that the legislation introduced is in the interest of the highest good of the campers. The chart suggests the work of the various departments.

RULES

In all well-organized and purposeful camps for boys, three rules are considered absolutely essential for the safety and welfare of the campers.

These rules are:

1. No fire-arms, air-rifles or explosives of any kind allowed.

2. No one of the party shall enter the water for swimming or bathing, except during the designated period.

3. No tobacco used in any form.

Every boy going to camp agrees, in signing his application, to observe whatever rules are decided upon as best for the welfare of all. Boys should be trusted and expected to do as the majority think best. There should be a happy understanding and mutual confidence existing which should make a long list of rules unnecessary. When the boys arrive in camp, the director should outline and explain the purpose and policy of the camp in kind, but unmistakable terms.

A camp of a dozen boys and their school teacher, in the White Mountains, was operated for three delightful weeks, upon the following ”agreement,”

which all the boys and their leader signed.

We, the members of Camp Bejoyful, do hereby subscribe cheerfully to the following rules and regulations and will be governed by them while we are members of this camp.

We further agree to pay any penalty the other members of the camp may think fit to impose upon us for breaking these rules or resolutions.

We will not lose our tempers.

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