Part 15

The following is suggested as a good distribution. Two in each life boat, oarsman and coxswain, one person on the dock, two lookouts and messenger in the tower, one at diving board and one or two instructing swimming (change instructors every third day).

The Swimming Test. After every camper has had a medical examination he should have a test in swimming and be graded in one of three classes: Non-Swimmer, red knot on right shoulder; Beginner--the ones that will still bear watching--white knot on right shoulder; Swimmer, American Red Cross Junior Life Saving Corps emblem.

Check your list up every once in a while to see that everybody is in the right class. Hold frequent tests to re-classify two lower grades. The graded Red Cross tests are recommended and arrangements can be made for Red Cross awards.

Supervision of Boating

A Non-Swimmer should never be allowed to take out a boat unless accompanied by a swimmer. The Beginners should be limited in the distance they can go and only the Swimmers should be allowed to go where they please. At least two-thirds of every boat load should be able to swim and take care of those who cannot swim.

Under no circumstances allow more than one boat to be towed behind a motor or sail boat, and then only if boat being towed is in hands of an expert coxswain.

No boating should be allowed during bathing periods.

Detail one of the crew to give instructions in boat handling if necessary.

Have all boats in by "Mess gear" unless special permission is given.

No boating after dark without special permission.

Every camper should know how to tie up a boat, if he wishes to use them. See that he does it.

A simple set of rules may be drawn up and posted in prominent places so that every camper will know exactly what the bathing regulations are. The following are a few suggestions. No one is allowed to swim for at least two hours after meals. No swimming allowed in the heat of the day. No one is allowed to swim if he has any stomach disorder. A limit set on number allowed in boats. No boats loaded with campers allowed to be towed behind motor boats. Absolutely no swimming to be permitted unless life boat is on hand for protection of bathers.

Of course these rules may be modified to suit each camp's local problems, but if these suggestions are adhered to in the main, it will be almost impossible for any accidents to happen.

One accidental drowning case may ruin the reputation of a camp. Build up the confidence of your campers and their families by making your safety system as near foolproof as possible.

Send every camper home a swimmer; and, if possible, able to swim for two.

For information about life saving, write American Red Cross Life Saving Corps, 44 East 23rd St., New York City.

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.

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