In selecting a camp site bear in mind these things:  (1) A sandy sub-soil, with good drainage.  Avoid very sandy soil; sand provides but little hold for tent pegs, and there is grave risk of damage should there come a gale. (2) An open campus surrounded by hills or sheltering trees, and facing the water. (3) Plenty of good drinking water and water for swimming. (4) Base from which supplies and provisions are to be drawn should be within convenient distance, not more than four miles away. (5) Camp should be away from civilization, far enough to be free from visitors and the temptation to “go to town” on the part of the boys.  Nothing demoralizes a boys’ camp so quickly as proximity to a summer resort.

Arrangement

Before opening the camp much thought and care should be given to its sanitary arrangement.  First of all, the dryest section of the camp ground should be selected for the erection of the sleeping tents.  Locate them where they will have the full benefit of the sunshine.  Tents erected under trees are liable to mildew, for the want of sunshine, and the contents of the tent will soon get musty.  Next in importance to the location of “quarters” is the location of the kitchen.  This should be near the dining tent, so that the serving of food may be quick, and yet far enough away to insure that disagreeable odors will not destroy the pleasure of eating.  If it is very near the sleeping tents the campers will be awakened too early by the chopping of wood and the necessary noises made in preparation of the morning meal.  It should be near water.  This is very essential for cooking and cleaning.  In some of the large camps water is carried to the kitchen in pipes from near-by springs or pumped from wells of pure water.  The dining quarters naturally should be located near the kitchen so that food may be served warm.  Provision should be made for the protection of the boys from cold, wind, rain, and dampness while eating.  The toilet should be located rather far away from the camp, and not in the direction from which the prevailing wind comes toward the camp.  Make sure that it is on the line of opposite drainage from the water used by the camp.  The details of laying out a camp, erection of tents, etc., are given in another chapter.

Latrines

Particular precaution should be exercised in location and care of the toilets or latrines, even in a one-night camp.  Neglect of this will mean disease.  When on a one-night camp, dig a small pit which can be filled in again after use.  If the camp is to be continued for a week or longer, dig a pit or trench about two or three feet deep and about eighteen inches wide, plant posts on each side of the trench, and eighteen inches above the ground level.  Nail shaped seating on these posts.  The number of seats will be determined by the size of the camping party.  It is desirable to erect a six-foot canvas screen with an opening around the toilet.  Dry earth