Part 16 (1/2)

Whether you receive prizes or honors, points or merit badges for the attainment of a definite achievement in your camp work, it is more systematic to keep some sort of record of each individual's progress and accomplishment.

A very simple way is a book record, but a far more interesting and successful method is to make a chart placing it on a conspicuous wall s.p.a.ce where all may study it. On the chart will be found the names of all the campers together, with the names of all the activities. In a s.p.a.ce under these activity headings and opposite the girl's name, a s.p.a.ce will be reserved for recording her points.

Take for example a proposed section of a chart such as the accompanying one.

For every girl who has received a point on such a chart it means that she has satisfactorily complied with the standards imposed. For example, in Nature Study we may say that Scout Jane identified perfectly 20 flowers and 15 birds.

[Ill.u.s.tration:

|-------------------------------------------------------------------| |CAMP CALMACO CHART RECORD | | - for 1920 - | |---------|---------------------------------------------------------| | | Qualified As | NAMES |-----------|-----|-----|------|---------|-------|--------| | |Second |Child|First|Health|Signaller|Swimmer|Gardener| | |Cla.s.s Scout|Nurse| Aide|Winner| 2 | | | |---------|-----------|-----|-----|------|---------|-------|--------| |M. Bishop| * | * | | * | | | | |---------|-----------|-----|-----|------|---------|-------|--------| |J. Deeter| * | | * | | * | * | | |---------|-----------|-----|-----|------|---------|-------|--------| |B. Dean | * | | | * | | | | |---------|-----------|-----|-----|------|---------|-------|--------|

|---------|-----------------------------------------------| | | Qualified As | | NAMES |--------|---------|---------|-----|-------|----| | |Botanist|Zoologist|Map Maker|Dance|Athlete| | | | | | | | | | |---------|--------|---------|---------|-----|-------|----| |M. Bishop| | | * | * | | | |---------|--------|---------|---------|-----|-------|----| |J. Deeter| | | | | | | |---------|--------|---------|---------|-----|-------|----| |B. Dean | | * | | | * | | |---------|--------|---------|---------|-----|-------|----|

I. Section of a Chart for recording achievements of Scouts. In a large camp, a permanent backer with headings can be made, and strips for each Scout pinned on and removed when she leaves camp.]

Girl Scouts would work out such a chart in relation to and on the basis of the winning of merit badges in the fifty-seven-odd Scout subjects.

Recording is not the only means of recognition given to a girl who has made a definite achievement along some given line. But awards and honors are often given at the end of the season in many camps. However, only the merit badges will be discussed here, as this is primarily a Manual for Girl Scout camps.

It is to be remembered that the chart does not record everything about a girl. When reviewing the chart or record book before deciding who deserves the final honors, or merit badges, there are other things to be taken into account, for instance, the effort and the progress or improvement and the kind of spirit that went with the material achievement.

X

HIKES

_Now away we go toward the topmost mountains. Many still, small voices, as well as the noon thunder, are calling, ”Come higher!”_ --_John Muir_

Daytime

The daytime hike gives the camper an opportunity to see something of the surrounding country, and to have the experience of following paths and trails, of climbing and coming into touch with the deep woods, and all of their beauties. Also the necessary routine and rules of an organized camp would prove unbearable to the all-summer hiker if she did not get away from them once in a while. The very purpose of the camp would be thwarted. All children are not so const.i.tuted or trained that they can go off and sleep in the woods even for one night, but they should be encouraged to take hikes varying in length from five to twenty miles according to the child's ability to endure.

The daytime hikers should leave camp by ten o'clock, each one properly shod and clothed and for convenience carrying her own luncheon either in a knapsack or in a little, well-wrapped parcel. She should have her individual drinking cup, and if the hike is to include a swim in some far-off lake, a bathing suit and bath towel should be taken. There should be an objective for these daytime hikes and the paths and roads should be well known by some member of the party. Two hours is none too long a time for the noon rest and luncheon and the return trip should be planned to bring the campers into camp before supper. It is never wise to start out with a group of girls who cannot keep about the same pace.

Nothing is more fatiguing than exerting oneself to keep up to a pace or on the other hand to slacken one's pace for the accommodation of the lagger. There should always be one person in charge of the entire group and she should have as many a.s.sistants as the size of the group requires. One counsellor to every ten girls is none too many for a daytime hike. Under no circ.u.mstances, even though there were but six girls, should one counsellor a.s.sume the entire responsibility for a week-end or overnight hike. There should always be at least two older people. The great opportunity for studying Nature should be taken advantage of and if possible a nature study teacher should accompany the girls. All hikers on return to camp should be examined, and any blisters, bruises, cuts or strains should be reported and properly attended to. There have been cases where from neglect, a blister on the foot has become infected, causing serious trouble.

Girl Scouts when hiking along highways should walk in single file on the left hand side of the way, thus giving them an opportunity to see approaching vehicles.

There are many interesting signs that can be made by Scouts when hiking, to mark the trail or note conditions observed. These signs and their uses are given in the Girl Scout Handbook and should be learned and put into practice. The use of them develops the powers of observation and makes for alertness.

Week-End Hike

No child should be permitted to start out on a week-end hike unless her physical condition is such as to withstand any unexpected weather conditions which might arise or prolonged exposure in the open. Also she should be properly clothed; preferably in thin woolen clothes, wearing as little as possible, yet being comfortable. Her shoes should be stout, low-heeled and round-toed. She should take with her a sweater, extra underwear, stockings, nightclothes, toilet articles, and blankets.

Only sufficient food should be taken to last during the time planned for. This food should be packed in small bags, preferably waterproof.

Two and a quarter pounds for one day's rations is sufficient. Cereal in some form, many prefer flour in order to make bread, a fat--such as bacon or b.u.t.ter--rice, for bulk, something to drink, cocoa or tea, a sweet, preferably chocolate, a small amount of sugar and raisins are suggested. Eggs can be added to the above; also salt, baking powder, evaporated milk and dried egg.

Never start for a week-end hike late in the afternoon. Plan to make camp not later in the day than five o'clock. At once build the campfire and start to prepare the supper. Select suitable places on the ground for sleeping. Make sure that the ground is dry, and if possible spread a poncho under the blankets. A hole dug so that the body will fit into it and touch the ground at every point makes sleeping more comfortable.