TREAT FOR YOUNGSTERS

Evening Star, Issue 21219, 28 September 1932, Page 10

TREAT FOR YOUNGSTERS

HOLIDAY CAMP BY THE SEA CHILDREN OF THE UNEMPLOYED TO BENEFIT It is cheering news that arrangements are under way to establish a health camp for children during the summer holidays. As it is probable that the locality finally chosen as the site' will be either Waikonaiti or Karitane, the fifty or sixty fortunate children selected to participate in this out-of-doors treat will have the benefit of a memorable vacation in an equable climate by the sea. Preliminary details of the scheme were given to an ‘ Evening Star ’ reporter this morning by tbe originator, Mrs Marshall Macdonald, who said that accommodation in the camp would be reserved for children of unemployed and necessitous parents, the holidaymakers to be selected by the school medical officers. The proposal to establish the camp, which would last lor one month, had the approval of the Minister of Health, the Health Department, and the Education Board, and would be carried on under the auspices of the Junior Red Cross Association, of which she was patron for Otago. The children would not be under canvas, and parents could rest assured that, in the event of occasional unpropitious snaps of weather, there would be no hardships. .Her work among the unemployed during the last three years had (moved to her the urgent need for such a camp, and it was onlv a doubt regarding the possibility of raising the necessary finance in times of stress that had prevented her from launching the project last summer. However, the finance for this year had been assured, and definite arrangements could now be made. The camp, which is to be under Mrs Macdonalds supervision and control, will be run on scientific lines, and voluntary medical and nursing services have been promised. Various offers of assistance have come to hand, an outstanding example being that of the Crystal Ice Company, which has volunteered a daily supply of ice cream to the fortunate fifty or sixty children for the whole month. As dietetic experts are of the opinion that ice cream has a definite food value, this donation will assist the supervisor to maintain a nutritious bill of fare. Members of the Junior Red Cross have been busy preparing clothes for the little campers, so that no children need fear that they will miss the outing because they are not suitably garbed. As regards choice of food, Mrs Macdonald has been assured of the cooperation of Professor Strong (dean of the Home Science Faculty). Every side of child life will be catered for without making the campers feel that they are subjected to a routine, and a daily weight chart will be kept. A popular feature will be the appearances of an official story-teller, whose taste in , tales for the young should appeal to all youngsters. Camps of this nature have been held with great success in the North Island, the pioneer establishment having been run at Hamilton, the home district of the Minister of Health. Dr Elizabeth Gtinu has done good work in this connection. The permanent health camp at Otaki is having a valuable influence on the health of those who are taken under its wing. The sensible and valuable scheme now under preparation in Dunedin should meet with warm approval from all branches of the community.