VIII.
THE CAMP PROGRAM
The program is one of the most important factors in the well-organized camp and must be given much thought. It is the thing which gives continuity to the summer's work and holds the entire group together. Without it there would be disorder and confusion.
While including as many activities as possible without causing any feeling of hurry, rush or forcing, it must be planned so that repetition will not prove monotonous. It should provide for periods of work and play, rest and leisure; it must afford ample opportunity for self-expression and development. Parts of the program must necessarily be obligatory for all, others optional, still others optional as to time only.
The fact that the group is composed of Scouts and is living out of doors should bring to the fore, subjects for study which are particularly in keeping with the Scout program, such as nature lore, simple astronomy, woodcraft, campcraft, carpentry, gardening, hiking, map-making, swimming and boating; Scout grade test requirements, and some of the Merit Badge work. Specific directions for teaching these subjects are not given here, as they are covered in the Handbook, "Scouting for Girls," and other publications.
Periods for play may include games, group singing, rowing, hikes, entertainments, and so forth. Leisure moments are for the individual. She should be allowed to follow her own inclination so long as she does not infringe upon the rights of others or break the necessary camp rules which protect the safety and health of the group. Hours of rest which all observe at stated periods are, of course, most essential. While a daily program is absolutely necessary as a basis of work, it should occasionally be put one side to allow the entire group to take advantage of particularly propitious weather conditions for walking and hiking, or for an entertainment or field day. The daily program in every Girl Scout camp should always include the formal ceremony of raising and lowering the flag, inspection, a period of rest directly after dinner, a period for the discussion of the Scout Promise and Laws, and a short period for Setting-up Exercises, preferably the first thing in the morning. On Sundays a simple Scout service should be held.
A Sun Clock never runs down. Stake five feet high driven firmly in ground in open space. Peg is stuck in at end of shadow every hour during the day. From article in "Scouting", Dec. 15, 1917
Program for Housekeeping Squad
3:30 P.M. Report for duty.
Change of Squad
Work explained
Instructions given
Off duty
5:00 P.M. Report for duty
Prepare for and serve supper
Clear table, wash dishes, etc.
Light and place lanterns
Off duty
7:00 A.M. Report for duty
Bring in lanterns
Prepare tables, serve breakfast
Clear tables, wash dishes
Set tables
Clean: Mess hall, wash house, latrines,
camp grounds, lanterns, fold
napkins, burn trash, fill vases
with fresh flowers
Prepare vegetables
Off duty
12:00 M. Report for duty
Prepare for and serve dinner
Clear tables, wash dishes
Wash dish towels
3:30 P.M. Report for change of squad
Relieved of duty
Swimming and re-enter general program
Housekeeping Squad
A feature of the day's routine is the coming on duty of the housekeeping squad which for a period of twenty-four hours keeps the camp clean, orderly and safe, and performs most if not all of the necessary household duties which must be done in every home or camp. The squad should be under the leadership of a counsellor who is particularly fitted to direct and instruct the squad and be responsible for the work it does.
Going on duty in the middle of the afternoon gives the members an opportunity to have a swim earlier in the day, and after going off duty the next day, which is a privilege not to be despised. The work which this squad does is for the benefit of the entire group and raises or lowers the camp standard each day.
The general program should be posted on the bulletin board and explained to each new group that enters camp. It should be given in detail as to hours, activities and requirements. Whether the program is planned for the group divided into two or three units or for the group as one unit, depends upon the size of the camp. No counsellor can do justice to her work if she has too large a group, and on the other hand, the group if too large will lose interest in the subject. The accompanying program has been tried and may be of value as a suggestion.
Fireplace in the House the Scouts Built
DAILY PROGRAM FOR A GIRL SCOUT CAMP
| Bugle | M. | Group I | Group II | Group III |
| 6.30 | 10 | Revielle | ||
| 6.40 | 10 | Setting-Up Exercises | ||
| 7.15 | 15 | Assembly and Morning Colors | ||
| 7.30 | 30 | Breakfast and Announcements | ||
| 8.30 | 30 | Inspection | ||
| 9.00 | 30 | Nature Lore | 2d Class Work | Games |
| 9.30 | 45 | Drilling, Games | Swimming | First Aid, Bed Making |
| 10.15 | 45 | Basketry | Health, First Aid | Swimming |
| 11.00 | 30 | Scout Laws | Basketry | Health |
| 11.30 | 30 | Health, Adv. First Aid | Scout Laws | Scout Laws |
| 12.00 | 30 | Free Time | ||
| 12.30 | 60 | Dinner | ||
| 1.30 | 60 | Rest Hour | ||
| 2.30 | 45 | Mail Distributed, and Free Time | ||
| 3.15 | 30 | 1st Class Work | Nature Lore | Knots and Signalling |
| 3.45 | 45 | Swimming | Games, Drilling | Nature Lore |
| 4.30 | 60 | Free Time | ||
| 5.30 | 30 | Assembly, Retreat, Supper | ||
| 6.00 | Canteen, Boating, Short Walks, Games, Dancing, Etc. | |||
| 7.30 | Camp Fire, Singing, Stunts, Etc., for the Whole Camp | |||
| 8.20 | First Call | |||
| 8.45 | Taps | |||