of the Arctic having
a black neck and head.]
The Last Night
The last night in a boys' camp should be the best of all the nights. It is
usually a night of reminiscence. Around the camp fire or log fire in the
"Lodge," all the campers gather and rehearse the good times of the days
that have passed all too quickly--those days of close intimacy of tent
life, where boys of different tastes, temperaments and dispositions were
thrown together, where life's great lessons of give and take were learned
and where character was put to the test! Friendships have been formed
which will last through life. The same group of fellows will never come
together again. The director, perhaps as no other person, realizes the
importance of making this night one of permanent impression, and his
"good-by" talk to the fellows will reiterate the "why" of camping and
emphasize the taking home of the spirit of good which has prevailed and
the making it count for the best things in home, school, factory and
church life of those boys who enjoyed the benefits of the camp.
All the favorite songs of the camp are sung, the leaders make "speeches,"
and the boys have an opportunity of telling what camp life has done for
them. As the fire dies down the bugler off in the distance plays "God Be
With You Till We Meet Again"; silence--and then "taps."
Packing Up
There is just as much need of system and care in breaking camp and packing
up, as in opening camp. Chas. R. Scott at Camp Wawayanda issues to each
leader the following letter of instructions, which may be of help to those
in charge of large camps.
LETTER OF INSTRUCTION TO LEADERS
DEAR FRIEND--Will you kindly help me break camp by carrying out the
following instructions:
1. Have all your boys return all books to the librarian not later than
Thursday morning, and tools to the shop by the same time.
2. Encourage your helpers to loosen the side walls of tent early Friday
morning, if clear, and fasten guy ropes so that canvas will dry if damp.
3. Take out all the pegs which fasten the side walls, clean off dirt and
place in boxes at boat house.
4. Take down the board in your tent, take out all nails; straighten them
and place in proper boxes in shop. Then take board to the boat house.
Leave the rope over the ridge pole untied.
5. Take out all nails and screws in the upright poles of your tent and
bunks, and place in boxes in shop.
6. Empty the oil and clean lantern and return to t
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