“If a member of either Fire Department or Police Force is disloyal to his fellow-man or breaks his vow to live up to the laws governing his department, he will be discharged, and another boy elected to fill the vacant place. But I hope no such vacancies will occur.”
Uncle Ben then mentioned other important things and good points in managing the camp, and told the police he had blue uniforms for them to wear when on duty. He held up a suit made of blue denim, and a cap to match, but no clubs were to be given to this police force! Weapons were tabooed by Uncle Ben.
“Now, boys, I want each of you to ‘do his bit’ in this camp, and to drill well so that you can give a fine exhibition of your ability when called upon to use it. I expect the Blue Birds and Bobolinks at Happy Hills next week, and it will be a great surprise to them to see what we have accomplished in so short a time.”
The boys quickly agreed to study and practice well, so Uncle Ben smiled approvingly and called upon a group of girls to step forward. There were six girls from ten to twelve years of age in one group, and four, of thirteen years, in another group.
“Here you see six nurses who will have charge of the Little Citizens who should accidentally be scratched, cut or have any other physical trouble. These nurses will have the right to go to the infirmary and use whatever they may need for a patient. But they will have to ask the grown-up in charge of the infirmary for the needed remedy.
“These nurses will also see that Little Citizens are careful of their manner of living in camp, and will report anyone who breaks the rules or is careless of the welfare of others.
“The four big girls you see in the other group are Mother’s Helpers. Everyone knows what a Mother’s Helper is, and with these four Helpers to go about and offer help to any little Mother Wings, there ought to be a chance for everyone to have a good time.
“Take Maggie, for instance! Maggie has six little brothers and sisters to look after, and they are a handful. Now one of these official Mother’s Helpers can help Maggie in the morning so that she need not be late for breakfast on account of having so many little ones to wash and dress,” explained Uncle Ben, smiling at Maggie.
The latter heaved a deep sigh and said: “Oh t’ank you, Uncle Ben!”
“Tomorrow morning at nine o’clock sharp, the Firemen will drill at this place, and at ten o’clock the Police Force will meet and drill,” said Uncle Ben, and the meeting was over for that day.