uld be but one interest on the
part of each camper and that is _to be a Scout_, not only in looks but
in thought and deed. This is sometimes hard, for conditions are not all
as they are in one's home, and to adjust one's ways of living,
especially in regard to eating, is not easy.
It might be well for the camper to realize that the object of a Scout
camp is to give the best and as much as can be paid for by the income
from board, and that the price of board is small in order that all
Scouts may share in the joys of living in the open. With these facts in
mind it is easier to accept conditions that may not be just to our
liking. Wherever we choose to live, indoors or out of doors, alone or as
one of a group, we have to face certain facts which must be dealt with
and not ignored if we would be healthy and happy and have our
surroundings livable.
In dealing with these facts there is certain work to be done which a
good many people call "drudgery," but if this work were neglected those
very people would be the first to complain.
We must eat to live, therefore, food must be prepared, cooked, and
served, dishes washed and wiped, tables set, and kitchen and mess hall
kept clean in every respect.
We must sleep to maintain health so beds and bed-clothing are necessary.
These need care as well as the sleeping room, and all personal
belongings in it.
We must be clean to be decent, and try as hard as we will, trash
collects and must be properly disposed of. Wash houses and latrines are
necessary and they must be kept clean.
Who should be more interested in doing this work and in doing it well
than the Scout herself? She should take the greatest pride in keeping
her camp up to the highest standard always. It can be done without great
effort on the part of any one Scout if each one tries to remember a few
things, among them:
1. That thoughtfulness reduces the amount of work to be done and saves
time and money.
[Illustration: "BY THE SHINING BIG SEA WATER." A Mess Tent for use in
clear, dry weather.]
2. That unless the work _is_ done conditions will be unbearable and camp
will close.
3. That the work she does benefits herself as well as others. It is the
waste and trash thrown or laid down where it does not belong, work half
done that has to be done over, thinking of our own desires instead of
the Scout standards, that are at the root of any trouble. Do not call
the camp duties drudgery, call them opportunities
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