Y.M.C.A. CAMP ENDS

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVIII, Issue 49, 26 January 1938, Page 10

Y.M.C.A. CAMP ENDS

BOYS RETURN

Bronzed, healthy, fit, and proud of their physique, 94 boys who spent most of their summer vacation in the Y.M.C.A. camp at Pohangina have returned home. The number of boys under canvas at the camp was a record, a total of 129 for varying periods, the peak being reached with 110 in camp at one time. Eighty-seven boys enjoyed the privilege of. the full period, four weeks. During the whole of the time tne boys were in camp the weather remained perfect, enabling a well-balanced and comprehensive.:, programme of activities to be carried out. Swimming, cricket, tenikoits, camp-fires, overnight camps, bush rambles, all-day tramps, and numerous other pastimes dear to the heart of a boy kept all m camp interested, busy, and happy. Activities on a competitive basis were keenly contested, developing that sense of loyalty and team spirit that gives such a healthy and vigorous atmosphere to camp life. The Herbert Smith Trust Cup for the best all-round boy under 15 years of age was won by Jack Allen, while three books also presented by the Herbert Smith Trust were won by the following: Bruce Gunn (best all-round sport), John Taylor (best first-year camper), and Felix Lucas (most cheerful and happy camper). Camp life is a wonderful opportunity to develop in boys a definite sense of responsibility and leadership. The leaders for the various groups ( were drawn from the older High School boys, and for quality and ability in leadership the camp has never been better served. The discipline was ex cellent, the boys responding well to the few rules governing camp routine. The glorious weather brought many visitors to the camp, all of whom expressed appreciation of the general arrangements and the happy atmosphere evident.

Through the medium of a moving picture machine, the camp was provided with a series of light and interesting entertainments. Four excellent concerts were arranged by the boys themselves, when the talent of many a boy was brought into the limelight. Through the services of Mr J. Selwyn and Mr J. Renwick, two concert parties visited the camp, both being given a rousing reception by the boys. A feature of which the Y.M.C.A. may well be proud is the fact that 35 boys were taught to swim during their stny in camp. Tradition has it that the final night in camp shall be a banquet night, and the 1937-38 camp worthily upheld the custom. AVith the dining-hall beautifully decorated, and special banquet fare provided by the cook (Mr A. G. Wallace), boys and visitors voted the banquet the best yet held. The boys were delighted to welcome as visitors to the banquet Mr and Mrs A. Hopwood, Mr and Mrs A. W. Yortt, Mrs Hadfield, Mr and Mrs C. L. Mowlem, and Mr F. G. Major. Mr Hopwood, who takes a particularly keen interest in the camp, presented the prizes won by the boys in the various competitions. Mr Yortt, chairman of directors of the Y.M.C.A., in speaking to the boys, congratulated them on their healthy, happy appearance, and the many evidences of good organisation in camp.