CHAPTER VL
SUMMER ACTIVITIES
CAMPING

Overnight hikes of all types are popular with groups of both boys and girls.
Hikes may be taken to various points of interest near by. A park, natural camp
site as a large cave, island or sandy beach is especially good if an approved
supply of drinking water is available. These hikes or camping trips may last
from one day to a week depending on age of group, adaptability of camp site, etc.
Any number of tests for the point system can be passed during this time on
nature lore, wood craft, cookery tests and even swimming and life saving.

If boats and canoes are available, a camping trip of several days can be
taken, each night spent in a different place. Over night trips should be planned
far enough in advance for thorough investigation of camp sites for supply of
drinking water, sanitation, depth, current, etc. of bathing places, frequency of
animals and insects and dangers of sharp cliffs, sand bogs, poisonous plants,
and other safety hazards. Poison ivy adds little to camping benefits; rattle-
snakes even less. :

Many schools own lodge sites or such can be arranged for through public
subscription, clubs or P. T. A. organizations. Lodges can.often be built by
manual training classes or Boy Scout organizations and furnished by different
groups ‘that spend time at the lodge. Permanent lodges are very desirable for
many activities since equipment can remain there fram time to time and the afore-
mentioned safety measures can be taken care of as a matter of routine rather than
having each leader check on them before each hike or camping session.

Where a building is available, competition in dancing, stunts and tumbling
can be carried on during a camping session. Folk dancing festivals may be held
as a whole camp activity or as a part of the regular camp program.

Rope hikes are interesting for more advanced hikers and may last from one-
half day to several days. A long rope is used in all descents and climbs, each
person being required to be in contact with the rope at all times it is in use
either by being tied to a loop affixed to the rope or holding to a knot in the
rope. This type of hiking is especially useful in rough densely wooded sections.

Bicycle hikes are enjoyable and can be as extensive as equipment and age of
cyclers permit. Because of the hazards of auto traffic, it is well to avoid main
highways and plan never to be on a wheel after dark.

BOATING AND WATER SPORTS

Safety is a big problem in water sports. No one should be allowed in a
canoe who cannot swim. There should be instruction in the sport before a canoe
is taken out and the first lessons should be in shallow water. For those un-
familiar with the canoe the point should be emphasized that canoes are not for
use in rough water. Students should be cautioned against leaving a capsized
canoe and trying to swim to shore in water soaked clothing. After these pre-
cautions are observed, canoeing is a fine sport. It fits most satisfactorily
into intramurals where there is a point system. Credit can be given for time
spent in paddling, miles covered, ability in handling as in righting and

LO