THE SUMMER CAMP

Timaru Herald, Volume CXL, Issue 20261, 9 November 1935, Page 11

THE SUMMER CAMP

THE ALL IMPORTANT SITE POINTS WORTH REMEMBERING WHEN SELECTING ONE The choice of a camp site is a matter or careful thought. There are many things to consider and weigh up

against each other before coming to a decision. Camping books generally contain pictures of ideal sites, but such sites do not exist; whatever place you choose will have some drawback to it, and so you have to keep in mind the essential matters and hope that other advantages will be added. First of all you need good drinking water and plenty of water for washing purposes; never assume that a stream or spring is good; make sure from the local people before using the water. Your water should also be as near as possible to the site to save a lot of hard work in carrying buckets and dixies. Next, some kind of fuel will be required; if you can get permission to cut dead wood then you will have all you need, but make sure the Scouts cut only dead wood. Make certain that the site is not too exposed or liable to get water-logged in bad weather. The old camper always remembers the rule, “Imagine what the site would look like in the worst possible weather.” It’s not a bad idea to go on your site-search on a rainy day! You will also need field or some flat area for games, and if possible some open country for wide Scouting. Bathing is desirable provided it is perfectly safe and that you strictly carry out the safety rules laid down by Headquarters. Here again, don’t rely on what the water looks like; get local advice and opinion. Another matter to consider is whether supplies of food, etc., can be got to the site easily, and what transport is available for getting gear there, if you are not taking it by trek-cart. These seem rather dull matters, but they make all the difference to having a pleasant or an unpleasant camp. If you can, in addition, get a site in beautiful country, by the sea, or in the mountains, so much the better, but such considerations must come later; you must first think of water, fuel, protection against wind, etc., supplies, and space for Scouting before such things as surroundings. Find out from the owner where you can go and where you must not go; if he is a farmer you can probably arrange about fresh milk and vegetables with him. See that the Scouts understand the importance of shutting gates behind them, respecting hedges and property. In fact, so carry out the camp that you will be asked to come again.