Y.M.C.A. CAMP IN OTAKI

Dominion, Volume 32, Issue 106, 28 January 1939, Page 7

Y.M.C.A. CAMP IN OTAKI

Total Of 164 Boys Attend During Four Weeks One hundred and sixty-four boys attended the eleventh annual summer (•.•imp conducted-by the Wellington ioung Men’s Christian Association at Mr. Harper's property in Otaki, which has now closed. During the four weeks under canvas the boys had experience .of various phases of camp life, such as over-night hikes, day tramps through the scrub and bush, tracking, swimming, cricket. Soccer, basketball and baseball. One of the ideas introduced to camp was the selection of a boy as the “best camper.” the trophy for which was won by G. Albert. The all-round championship was won by Brian Brimmer, points being recorded for Scripture reading, serious recitation, humorous recitation, solo, original item, original construction, and accurate throwing. Colin Brown was successful in securing second place in both the "all-round” competition and in the ballot for the best camper. , One of the highlights of the camp was tiie visit by 40 members of the hoard of directors, boys’ work committee, ami members of the ladies’ auxiliaries. A challenge cricket match played between the visitors ami campers resulted in a drawn game. During the evening the visitors provided the entertainment for the campers. Mr. R. 11. Nimmo showed movie films of his world tour, including one of the famous Harold It. Eardmaiin Camp of the Honolulu Y.M.C.A. i’lie educational value of the camp was greatly enhanced by the visit of Dr. \V. 11. B. Oliver, director of the i tominion Museum. In his rambles wit Ii the boys, Dr. Oliver was able to tell the story of the geographic surroundings of the camp and valleys, mid to tell the boys interesting phases oi the bird life and trees of the district. Mr. W. J. Phillips, also of the museum staff, lectured and taught the boys Maori string games, weaving, plaiting, basket-making, stick games and Maori lore. On two occasions Maori concert, parlies under the leadership of Mrs. Te Ilan i and Miss Tahiwi entertained i lie boys. Lectures on fits! aid were given by Mi. A. G. 11. Bread, signalling by Mr. K. Allen and life-saving by Messrs. K Tbwaites and S. C. Niven.