CAMP FOR BOYS

Dominion, Volume 25, Issue 90, 11 January 1932, Page 10

CAMP FOR BOYS

Talk of Its Extension ENTHUSIASM OF BOYS Dominion Special Service. Masterton, January 9. “The first fortnight has proved that city boys can be interested in even the drudgery of farm life,” states Mr. L. J.' Greenberg, who is in charge of the agricultural training and holiday camp for unemployed boys being conducted at Penrose. The experiment, both from an agricultural and an educational viewpoint, was being watched with.the keenest interest, Mr. Greenberg added, and it was quite possible that the Y.M.C.A. authorities might be asked to continue the camp for a further period. Mr. Greenberg said that complete satisfaction with the progress that was being made was expressed by the Director of Education, Mr. T. B. Strong, who visited the camp on Thursday. Mr. Strong, who was inquiring into the whole scheme on behalf of the Minister of Education,, considered that it was the only practical .movement of its kind now being conducted.

The boys have now fully settled down to the programme of work, and are showing great enthusiasm. Originally it was intended to form a special group of about twenty boys for special intensive training. The others were so enthusiastic. however, that within a dgy or so sixty out of the ninety lads had made a demand for extra intensive training, and expressed ■ their willingness to forgo their recreation and sport to carry out the special work. Two-thirds of the boys are now engaged in extra practical work, while all the boys are doing the ordinary work provided for in the camp programme. A good response has been received to the appeal to farmers to assist by inviting parties of boys to visit their properties and see various kinds of farm-imple-ments at work.