CHILDREN’S HEALTH CAMP

Manawatu Times, Volume LII, Issue 3576, 6 April 1927, Page 9

CHILDREN’S HEALTH CAMP

AT GOVERNMENT FARM, LEVIN. ACHIEVING EXCELLENT RESULTS [Prom Our Own Correspondent.] On Sunday your correspondent paid a visit to the children’s health camp held at the Government Experimental Farm, Levin. The camp is held in the hutments erected during war-time for the conscientious objectors. The two large dormitories are used for sleeping quarters for the children —one for girls, and one for the boys, whereas, the rooms in which the one-time attendants slept, are now occupied by the staff.

The camp is sheltered from the prevailing winds by a beautiful piece of, native bush, in which the children delight to play, and at the same time become acquainted with the names of our fast-diminishing native trees and shrubs. The majority of the youngsters are keenly Interested in animats, and the horses, cows, sheep, and pigs, on the farm, are the means of Interest and education to these city-bred children. The whole. Of the children are divided up into sections, called patrols A B C D and E, and it is the aim of each patrol to have its name in the place of honour at the end of the day. Marks are awarded for such things as neatly-made beds, work, behaviour, etc.

Naturally, there is a great deal of diversity in the temperaments and characteristics of these backward children, and each child has to be treated accordingly. For Instance, if a child is morose, it Is given a good mark if it smiles, if It is naturally cruel it receives marks for doing a kindness, etc. It is wonderful how sullen faces become happy ones, and others who previously delighted only in tormenting, endeavour to win the approbations of their mates and teachers.

The children have already Inst the pasty paleness of the city and are taking on ithe healthy brown of the open air, and Miss McMurray, who is in charge of the camp reports that all have gained considerably in weight. The townspeople of Levin have been exceedingly kind in sending gifts of vegetables, fruit, etc. The children, too, have helped to replenish the-larder, as parties have been sent out black-berrying and gathering mushrooms- which are fairly plentiful Mi: Foss headmaster of the Levin Luxe Theatre Management very generously extended an open Invitation to the staff and children for the ■period of the camp, and on Saturday afternoon 25 children under supervision; took advantage of this kind offer, greatly enjoying themselves. Visitors to the camp during the week were Miss Valentine, supervisor of special classes; Miss Hansen,; Visiting'teacher from Ohio, U.S.A.; Mr. Forse, headmaster of the Levin District High School; the Matron of Otakl Hospital and Dr. Urwin, of Otakl; Mr; and Mrs. Donohue, of the Wareroa Industrial Farm; Mr. and Mrs, Mountstephen and Mrs. Arthur, of Wellington; Mr, T., B. Strong (Director of Education) arid Mrs. Strong were to have visited the camp on Sunday, but wired their regret at not being able. to do .so. Mr. Gibson, of Levin, gave a magic lantern entertainment to the children at the camp on Sunday evening. Dr. Bakewell was expected on Monday, and Dr. Paterson, and Dr. Gunn are to pay a visit during the week.