CHAPTER V

Activities for Girls

Introduction

Physical fitness is as important for girls and women as for boys and men.
Boys must be made ready to serve with the armed forces. Girls must be prepared
to carry on work which is directly related to the winning of the war, even though
not, on the fighting front. a

Many women are now at work in defense industry and farming and this number
will materially increase in the future. Many are serving as nurses, medical
social workers, and recreation leaders with the American Red Cross, with the USO,
and other organizations. The recently organized service units, the WAACS and the
WAVES have enlisted others. Many are busy on the home front. The care of child-
ren, the management of homes, civilian defense, and other types of volunteer
service, are among women's responsibilities.

High School girls must be ready to assume the responsibilities which the
times place upon them. The educational program for girls must be changed to pre-
pare them to meet these responsibilities just as the program for boys is being
changed to meet their needs. Since the needs of girls are so different from the
needs of boys, it follows naturally that the programs must be different.

The program here offered is a guide to teachers of physical education whose
responsibility it is to carry on activities which contribute to the physical fit-
ness of girls. The program recommends vigorous participation. It stresses
activities which develop endurance, stamina, and skill.

The development of skill brings with it a sense of achievement. Achievement
builds morale. The program for girls must give opportunity to achieve, to succeed.
to increase morale. Large numbers of boys and men are leaving their homes and
communities for military service. The responsibility for maintaining morale both
in the home and in the comaunity is, therefore, placed upon the shoulders of the
girls and women of America. Education must prepare them to face this task.

GUIDING STANDARDS FOR THE GIRLS' PROGRAM

1. All normal girls should participate in the pregram here outlined in prepara-
tion for war service. ”

2. Women should teach the girls' program.
3, Restrictions upon participation during the menstrual period should be deter-
mined by individual differences with conservatism the guide in the avsence of

final evidence. if Girls suffering from infections, including minor respiratory

wtias