VIII.
Reading edition
THE CAMP PROGRAM
The program is one of the most important factors in the well-organized camp and must be given much thought. It is the thing which gives continuity to the summer's work and holds the entire group together. Without it there would be disorder and confusion.
While including as many activities as possible without causing any feeling of hurry, rush or forcing, it must be planned so that repetition will not prove monotonous. It should provide for periods of work and play, rest and leisure; it must afford ample opportunity for self-expression and development. Parts of the program must necessarily be obligatory for all, others optional, still others optional as to time only.
The fact that the group is composed of Scouts and is living out of doors should bring to the fore, subjects for study which are particularly in keeping with the Scout program, such as nature lore, simple astronomy, woodcraft, campcraft, carpentry, gardening, hiking, map-making, swimming and boating; Scout grade test requirements, and some of the Merit Badge work. Specific directions for teaching these subjects are not given here, as they are covered in the Handbook, "Scouting for Girls," and other publications.
Periods for play may include games, group singing, rowing, hikes, entertainments, and so forth. Leisure moments are for the individual. She should be allowed to follow her own inclination so long as she does not infringe upon the rights of others or break the necessary camp rules which protect the safety and health of the group. Hours of rest which all observe at stated periods are, of course, most essential. While a daily program is absolutely necessary as a basis of work, it should occasionally be put one side to allow the entire group to take advantage of particularly propitious weather conditions for walking and hiking, or for an entertainment or field day. The daily program in every Girl Scout camp should always include the formal ceremony of raising and lowering the flag, inspection, a period of rest directly after dinner, a period for the discussion of the Scout Promise and Laws, and a short period for Setting-up Exercises, preferably the first thing in the morning. On Sundays a simple Scout service should be held.
A Sun Clock never runs down. Stake five feet high driven firmly in ground in open space. Peg is stuck in at end of shadow every hour during the day. From article in "Scouting", Dec. 15, 1917
Program for Housekeeping Squad
3:30 P.M. Report for duty. Change of Squad Work explained Instructions given Off duty 5:00 P.M. Report for duty Prepare for and serve supper Clear table, wash dishes, etc. Light and place lanterns Off duty 7:00 A.M. Report for duty Bring in lanterns Prepare tables, serve breakfast Clear tables, wash dishes Set tables Clean: Mess hall, wash house, latrines, camp grounds, lanterns, fold napkins, burn trash, fill vases with fresh flowers Prepare vegetables Off duty 12:00 M. Report for duty Prepare for and serve dinner Clear tables, wash dishes Wash dish towels 3:30 P.M. Report for change of squad Relieved of duty Swimming and re-enter general program
Housekeeping Squad
A feature of the day's routine is the coming on duty of the housekeeping squad which for a period of twenty-four hours keeps the camp clean, orderly and safe, and performs most if not all of the necessary household duties which must be done in every home or camp. The squad should be under the leadership of a counsellor who is particularly fitted to direct and instruct the squad and be responsible for the work it does.
Going on duty in the middle of the afternoon gives the members an opportunity to have a swim earlier in the day, and after going off duty the next day, which is a privilege not to be despised. The work which this squad does is for the benefit of the entire group and raises or lowers the camp standard each day.
The general program should be posted on the bulletin board and explained to each new group that enters camp. It should be given in detail as to hours, activities and requirements. Whether the program is planned for the group divided into two or three units or for the group as one unit, depends upon the size of the camp. No counsellor can do justice to her work if she has too large a group, and on the other hand, the group if too large will lose interest in the subject. The accompanying program has been tried and may be of value as a suggestion.
Fireplace in the House the Scouts Built
DAILY PROGRAM FOR A GIRL SCOUT CAMP
BugleM.Group IGroup IIGroup III
6.3010Revielle
6.4010Setting-Up Exercises
7.1515Assembly and Morning Colors
7.3030Breakfast and Announcements
8.3030Inspection
9.0030Nature Lore2d Class WorkGames
9.3045Drilling, GamesSwimmingFirst Aid, Bed Making
10.1545BasketryHealth, First AidSwimming
11.0030Scout LawsBasketryHealth
11.3030Health, Adv. First AidScout LawsScout Laws
12.0030Free Time
12.3060Dinner
1.3060Rest Hour
2.3045Mail Distributed, and Free Time
3.15301st Class WorkNature LoreKnots and Signalling
3.4545SwimmingGames, DrillingNature Lore
4.3060Free Time
5.3030Assembly, Retreat, Supper
6.00 Canteen, Boating, Short Walks, Games, Dancing, Etc.
7.30 Camp Fire, Singing, Stunts, Etc., for the Whole Camp
8.20 First Call
8.45 Taps