Table Ware

Campers prefer the white enamel ware on account of its appearance and wear.  If the imported kind is purchased it will last for at least three long-term seasons.  Avoid tin and the cheap gray enamel ware.  Each boy should be provided with a large plate of the deep soup pattern, cereal bowl not too large, a saucer for sauce and dessert, a cup, knife, fork, table spoon and tea spoon.  In a small camp the boy usually brings his own “eating utensils.”  When the table is set with white oil cloth, white enamelled dishes, both serving and individual, with decorations of ferns, wild flowers or blossoms, the food always seems to taste better and the meal proceeds with that keen enjoyment, which is not only conducive to good digestion but promotive of good fellowship.  A dirty table and dishes and rough-house table manners are a disgrace to a camp even as small as six boys.  Cleanliness, courtesy and cheerful conversation contribute to the making of character while at meals.

Table Tops

Table tops should be made of matched boards and battened.  Screw the battens[1] to the boards.  The tables should be thirty-six inches in width.  The length must be determined by the number of persons to be seated.  The seating of boys in tent groups is considered the best plan.

[Transcriber’s Footnote 1:  Narrow strip of wood for flooring.]

A “Horse” Idea

A wooden horse made after the following sketch will support the table top and seats.  The seat may be a plank about twelve inches wide and one and one-eighth inches thick.

[Illustration:  Wooden Horse Table and Seat Support]

Buildings

Permanent buildings are largely planned according to the ideas of the director or organization operating the camp and this, therefore, is a matter which cannot be fully treated in a book of this character.  Convenience, harmony with natural surroundings, and adaptability are the three things which govern the planning and erection of permanent camp buildings.  “Wilderness Homes,” by Oliver Kemp, contains many suggestions for camps of this character.  In “Recreation” for April, 1911, is an excellent article by William D. Brinckle on “Log Cabins.”

Surveying

The following practical suggestions on surveying in a boys’ camp have been especially prepared by H. M. Allen.  Surveying is an important subject for study and practice, as it is both interesting and useful and may serve as a stepping-stone in the later education of the boy.

The surveying may be roughly divided into two parts, simple and advanced.  The simple work includes that which can be carried on with a few cheap instruments easily secured or made by the boys.  The advanced work requires better instruments and is adapted to high school boys.  Only the simple work will be described.

Home-made