Y.M.C.A. BOYS’ ANNUAL CAMP AT KAI IWI BEACH

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXVI, Issue 18693, 26 January 1923, Page 7

Y.M.C.A. BOYS’ ANNUAL CAMP AT KAI IWI BEACH

After a period of close upon a month under canvas at Kai Iwi beach, the Y.M.C.A. annual Xmas camp closed last week. For several years past the camp has been a popular feature amongst the younger lads and the scope ot its usefulness has grown considerably from a humble beginning of a hired marquee and meagre equipment six years ago, to the present-day stage of having tents and a marquee ot its own, and splendid equipment, and for the first time the camp boasted ot a cook of its own to attend to the needs of the inner man. A splendid spirit prevailed amongst the campers that augurs well for future work amongst our younger citizens. The general routine of camp lite was adhered to, viz., early rising and a morning dip in the bsjny, followed by a hearty plain, but wholesome, breakfast. After breakfast camp was cleaned up and water and wood supplies were renewed. A quiet quarter hour of Bible study, and the remainder of tne morning spent in walking tours visiting places of interest around the district. Back to camp, a swim to remove the travel stains preceded another hearty meal. The afternoons were spent in various ways, some resting, others playing outdoor games or making spears enough to spear all the fish for miles up and down the coast. After tea, exercise was general, and many good games of cricket and football took place on the beach. Twice weekly, in the evening, concerts were held in the big marquee, which was speciallylighted for such functions. Cinema shows and lantern talks also had their place. For the concerts a wonderful array of talent was discovered and the people came from miles around to enjoy these very happy evenings. The religious services held each Sunday morning and evening were also very well attended, and apparently much appreciated, a splendid atmosphere prevailing. Included in the number of lads in camp were/wo youngsters who had spent practically all their lives in China (sons of a misisonary in China), and two stalwart Figians, who took to camp life like ducks to water, taking part in all of the camp activities in a very happy and practical way. The camp has meant much in instilling into the minds of the young lads a desire for a clean, healthy, active Christian life, and from it should come the leaders of to-morrow in ser vice for their fellows. The beach residents, as in former years, tqok a very keen interest in the welfare of the campers, and for this the Y.M.C.A. returns sincere thanks. The Xmas camp has come to be recognised as a regular thing at Kai Iwi Beach, and it would be hard indeed to find a more suitable camping place with so many fine facilities at hand. Possibly an Easter Camp may be held to give the young working men of the Association an opportunity of a brief respite from toil, and a happy and healthy outing under clean Christian influence; thus helping to make for a richer and fuller manhood.