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.
[Illustration: 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]