New Hampshire, in the Lakes Region, affords opportunity
for campers which is unexcelled. There are organizations
priced to suit every pocketbook; programmed to accommodate
every type of child. They are large and small. Some specialize in particular activities;
others have a general program. There are those that are
highly regimented and the ones whose curriculum calls
for an optional schedule. There are tutoring camps and
camps for the underprivileged. There are nursery groups
and counsellor training schools, so that boys and girls
from the age of four to the age of twenty may be educated
and guided to maturity.
The leaders of all of these centers are chosen wisely.
Both men and women are, first and foremost, interested
in children. They not only instruct and supervise skillfully,
they live with the children, influencing their lives hourly,
by precept and example. There are religious, Y.M.C.A. Social worker and privately
directed groups.
It has been said by an eminent psychologist, "there is
no fitting substitute for a good camp in the education
of a child." Another goes still further, as follows, "a
good camp is a greater medium of influence in the life
of an adolescent than the other three mediums of influence
combined; the home, the church, and the school." In view
of the fact that the camp has supervision over the child
for two months, the other three influences for ten months,
this is a very strong contention and worthy of serious
consideration.
Physical well being of the child is guarded by rules of
the State of New Hampshire Health Department, which are
exacting and stringent.
The child is instructed and supervised in all in-door
and out of door activities, including dancing, group singing,
crafts, horseback riding, tennis, archery, riflery, badminton,
hiking, sailing, swimming, and all correlated subjects.
The evenings are filled with story telling hours, original
entertainments, camp fires, charades and lectures on adolescent
subjects.
Then, we have another type of camping. This is for the
motorist, who drives through the countryside in search
of beauty and relaxation. On all pf the first class highways,
and on many of the secondary roads, as well as in the
trails, are to be found public camping grounds.
These are provided, maintained and equipped by the State
of New Hampshire. They are in picturesque spots, usually
include field stone fireplaces, and have benches and tables
for the accommodation of picnic parties of all sizes.
Transients have respected the privileges of these unexpected
oases through the years and visitors will find that they
are clean, that the wood supply has been replenished.
For information on either or both of these projects, the
Lakes Region Association stands ready to forward booklets
and pamphlets upon request.
