_There is a pleasure in the pathless woods,
There is a rapture on the lonely shore,
There is society, where none intrudes
By the deep Sea, and music in its roar:
I love not Man the less, but Nature more,
From these our interviews, in which I steal
From all I may be or have been before,
To mingle with the Universe, and feel
What I can ne'er express, yet cannot all conceal_
--_Lord Byron_
Planning for a camp is a matter of hours of thought and pipe dreaming,
every item receiving its due amount of consideration, first in general
terms, then in detail, until the whole scheme is so well formulated and
all needs so well recognized and provided for that the actual camp comes
into existence quite easily and successfully.
It is much more economical and satisfactory to change an idea than a
building, and it behooves us all to learn the trick as soon as possible.
Start to think in the winter; the fall is even better. Begin at the
beginning and let no step of the way be slighted.
Shall we have a camp, and where shall it be, are the first questions
that come to mind. Of course have it, even though it be for a small
group only, and very simple as to equipment. The benefits derived by
body, mind and soul cannot be over-estimated. The joy of finding and
seeing for the first time the things that can only be found and seen in
the open, living away from stilted civilization, flings open a door
which rarely closes again for any length of time. Most people, and
especially children, are not so far away from nature but that love and
appreciation of it can be easily awakened by its beauty of color, form
and sound, or its prodigality which cannot be rivalled. Then to realize
that all humanity is a part of this great system is to love all living
things, to know they are good, and that it is fear which calls forth
their antagonism, as has been proved time and time again. If such things
as these can be learned by living in the open, have we not sufficient
reason for providing the means to the end? Someone has said that
"cutting the camp out of the Scout year is like leaving the yeast out of
the bread."
[Illustration: BETWEEN WOOD AND FIELD. Arrangement of wall tents with
flys, set up with stakes.]
A well ordered camp is built and run on the same lines as a well ordered
house, as regards fundamentals. Whether it is made to accommodate a
small group or an army, all who gather in it must have certain dominant
needs provided for. They must eat, sleep, work, play, keep themselves
and their surroundings clean, and live the group life. How these needs
are met depends on the individual who makes and executes the plans. One
knows how to make his camp comfortable, practical and hospitable
wherever it is, and regardless of materials used, meeting all of his
daily needs, while another, glorying in simplicity _for a while_, does
without comforts which could easily be obtained. Still another casts off
all law and order, to say nothing of many necessities, during his stay
in the open.
But when planning a camp for girls who are to receive the greatest
benefits from living out of doors, and living together, there is no
reason why their environment should not be made pleasing to the eye, of
benefit mentally, a comfort to the body, and in accord with the best
known laws which govern camping.