that system and organization must prevail if the camp is to be a "place of
known delight and proved desire." Order is said to be Heaven's first law,
and a boys' camp should not be operated contrary to this recognized law.
What is everybody's business usually becomes nobody's business. Much soup
has been spoiled by the stirring of too many cooks. A boys' camp becomes
a place of discord when everybody takes a hand in "running it." There must
be one whose word is absolute and final, and who is recognized as the
leader or director of the camp; at the same time the campers should have a
voice in the government and share in planning and participating in its
activities. (See chapter on Leadership.)
The following charting of organization will explain the "degree, priority
and place" of those who are to be responsible for the administration and
welfare of the camp.
Cooperative Self-Government
This form of organization recognizes maturity, experience, ability,
cooperation, justice and altruistic service. Self-government wholly by the
boys is unwise. There must always be a paternal guidance of hot, impulsive
and indiscriminate youth. Boys desire adult leadership and where a wise
combination is formed of man and boy working together, there will be found
the highest type of efficient, wholesome, happy and purposeful camp life.
Council Meetings
Frequent council meetings should be held. When the senior council,
composed of the leaders and director, meet for planning and to discuss the
work, it should be understood that whatever is said or discussed at the
meeting, must not be talked over in the presence of the boys, particularly
matters of discipline, awarding of honors and camp policy. Joint meetings
of the junior and senior councils should be held weekly. Each "tent" is
represented on the junior council by electing one of their tent-mates, who
shall present the views of his constituents at council meetings.
[Illustration: Camp Organization Chart]
Departments
The director should have the power of appointing the chairmen or heads of
departments, and the chairmen the privilege of selecting associates from
the two councils. The policy of each department must be ratified by a
joint meeting of the councils before it becomes operative. Prevent
bickering over minor parliamentary details. Keep in mind first, last and
always, the highest welfare of the camp. Let the "voice of the people" be
heard, yet see that the legislati
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