Inspection is conducted during the absence of the boys. While the inspectors are making the round of tents, the boys should assemble either in the permanent building of the camp or under some 5.00 big tree, to listen to a practical talk by the camp physician, a demonstration in first aid work, the reading of a story, or to something equally educational in character. This is a valuable hour when occupied in this manner. chapter on inspection, awards, etc.)

(See

Rather than depend upon "sunset" as the time to lower the flag, it is much better to set an hour for "colors." Promptly at this hour the bugler blows

"colors." No matter where a camper may 5.45 be he should stand erect, uncover and remain

attentive until after the playing of the "Star Spangled Banner" and firing of the cannon. The flag is lowered very slowly during the playing of the "Star Spangled Banner" and camp should be a place of silent patriotism. Those who have witnessed this ceremony in a boys' camp will never forget its impressiveness. The flag should never be permitted to touch the ground, and should be carefully folded and in readiness for hoisting the next morning.

Supper hour cannot come too promptly for active boys. The announcement of the day's inspection should be made at the meal and the honor pennant or flag presented to the successful tent, and ac

cepted by one of the boys. This occasion is 6.00 usually a time of rejoicing, also a time of re

solve-making on the part of tent groups to

"do better to-morrow." The record of each tent is read by one of the inspectors, and at the end of the week the tent having the best record gets a special supper or "seconds" on ice cream day.

About this time, with the going down of the sun, nature seems to quiet down, and it is the psychological time for serious thought. Many camps devote twenty minutes to Bible study (for suggested lessons, see chapter on Religion and Moral 6.45 Life). Tent groups under their leader study thoughtfully the meaning of life and the great lessons taught by God through nature. Night after night the boys consciously or unconsciously acquire through this study the requisites of a good camper mentioned in the first part of this chapter. Campus games, boating, preparation for the bonfire, etc., will occupy the time until dark. Every boy should be engaged in some recreative play, working off whatever surplus energy he may have at hand so that when the time for "turning in" comes, he will be physically tired and ready for bed.

7.15

The evening program varies. Some nights there will be a minstrel show, other nights a camp fire, or mock trial, an illustrated talk, or "village school

entertainment, or a play, or a musical even8.00 ning or "vo-de-ville." Leave about two

nights a week open. The boys prefer to have occasional open evenings when they are free to loaf around, and go to bed early. Plan the evening "stunts" very carefully.

The bugler blows "tattoo" which means "all in

8.45

tents.". After the boys have undressed and are ready for bed, the leader reads a chapter from the Bible, and in many camps the boys lead in volunteer prayer, remembering especially the folks at home.

From a hill near camp, or from a boat on the lake come the notes of a familiar hymn such as "Abide With Me," "Lead, Kindly Light," "The Day is Past and Over," "Sun of My Soul," or "Nearer, My God to Thee," played by the bugler. Every boy listens and the ear records a suggestion which helps to make the night's sleep pure and restful. Try it. Taps played slowly, follows the hymn. As the last notes are being echoed upon the still night air the lights are being extinguished in the tents, so that when the final prolonged note ends the camp is in darkness and quiet, and all have entered into a nine-hour period of restoration of body and mind. Who knows, but God himself, how many of the boys, and even leaders, while wrapped warmly in their blankets have silently breathed out that old, old prayer so full of faith, which has been handed down from generation to generation:

Now I lay me down to sleep

I pray Thee Lord my soul to keep.

A prayer echoed by the camp director, for now is the only time of the day's program when he begins to breathe freely, and is partially able to lay aside his mantle of responsibility. A cough, a sigh, and even the moaning of the wind disturbs this ever vigilant leader and he thinks of his charges, until finally, weariness conquers and sleep comes.

THE WELL-ORDERED DAY

How shall the day be ordered? To the sage
The young man spoke. And this was his reply:

A morning prayer.

A moment with thy God who sends thee dawn

Up from the east; to thank heaven for the care
That kept thee through the night; to give thy soul,
With faith serene, to his complete control;
To ask his guidance still along the way.
So starts the day.

A busy day.

Do with a will the task that lies before.
So much there is for every man to do,

And soon the night when man can work no more.
And none but he to life's behest is true

Who works with zeal and pauses only when
He stretches forth his hand to help the men
Who fail or fall beside him on the way.
So runs the day.

A merry evening.

When toil is done, then banished be the care

That frets the soul. With loved ones by the hearth
The evening hour belongs to joy and mirth;

To lighter things that make life fresh and fair.
For honest work has earned its hour of play.

So ends the day.

-John Clair Minot in the "Independent''

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Association Boys' Camps-Edgar M. Robinson. Association Boys, Vol. I., No. 3, 1902.

The Day's Program-C. Hanford Henderson. "How to Help Boys," Vol. III., No. 3, 1903.

The Camp Conference-Secretary's Report, 1905-06 (out of print).

The Camp Conference-"How to Help Boys," July, 1903.