Part 4

The Local Office should notify the camp Director at least two days before sending Scouts into camp, as to the number and the names of Scouts who will report to her, and thus give the Director time, if space allows, to arrange for any girl or girls who may desire to remain in camp for an additional week.

The Director in turn must send to the Local Office a list of all Scouts leaving camp that any unexpected vacancies may be filled from the waiting list and accounts adjusted.

The Camp Budget

Every camp should be run on a budget; that is, according to a plan of expenditure made on the best information available. Even if circumstances alter the original plan, as they are apt to do, each dollar whose expenditure is planned for will be found to bring in considerably more return than the casually disbursed one.

The following items to be considered in any camp budget are given in order of their numerical importance:

1. Food. Includes carriage cost.

2. Equipment. General and Special. The General and Special Equipment will be considered permanent camp property requiring renewal and replacement at various annual rates.

3. Transportation. This will cover all railway charges and boat fares for Scouts and counsellors, and shipping charges on general merchandise other than food.

4. Rental or Purchase Price of Land. This may or may not include rent on the houses, and will vary accordingly.

CAMP BUDGET PROVIDING FOR 134 SCOUTS AND 16 ADULTS FOR 10 WEEKS --------------------------------------------------------------------- FIRST YEAR FOLLOWING YEARS

Distribution of Distribution of Total $1,000 Total $1,000

1 Food $3,000||||||||||||||||300 $3,000||||||||||||||||395

2 Equipment 2,800|||||||||||||280 400||||53

3 Transportation 1,000||||||100 1,000|||||||||||130

4 Rent 700|||||70 700|||||||92

5 Salaries[A] 700|||||70 700|||||||92

6 Canteen 400|||40 400||||53

7 Cartage 240||24 240|||32

8 Wages 240||24 240|||32

9 Labor 120||12 120||16 Opening and 10 Closing Camp 100||10 100||13

11 Stamps 100||10 100||13

12 Water Upkeep 100||10 100||13

13 Boats 50|6 50|8

14 Printing 60|6 60|8

15 Telephone 60|6 60|8

16 Storage 20|2 20|3

17 All Other 300|||30 300|||39 --------------------------------------------------------------------- Grand Total $10,000 $1,000 $7,600 $1,000

[A] Six persons only. Director not included, paid yearly 8 volunteers

5. Salaries. These will vary according to the size and character of the camp and especially according to the amount of volunteer service obtainable. In all cases they are calculated in addition to living and traveling expenses. As camps become more numerous the demand for professionally trained counsellors will ultimately exclude the possibility of depending entirely on volunteer service. This item may therefore be expected to increase.

6. Canteen. All the expenses for this, including service and accounting, should be more than covered by receipts.

7. Cartage. This will vary according to the type of road and distances involved.

8. Wages. A camp of any size demands certain permanent forms of service which cannot be given by the campers. This is not a good point at which to economize.

9. Casual Labor. This must be provided for especially at the opening and closing of camp.

10. Opening and Closing. This item covers certain forms of skilled labor; also transportation and clerical charges.

11. Stamps. Receipts should cover cost less office supply.

12. Motor Upkeep. An automobile will be found to more than pay for itself, and will undoubtedly soon become an obvious prime necessity.

13. Boats. Boats may more profitably be rented than bought as the expense of storage and repairs is easier borne by a large company.

14. Printing. It pays to have all camp forms and circulars well printed.

15. Telephone. This is a necessity and can be made to pay for itself.

16. Storage. Careful storage saves equipment. Do not forget insurance.

17. All Other. Incidentals may be expected to take up three or four per cent of available funds.

The actual cost of a large camp near New York is computed in Cut G, all figures being given in round numbers and based on three years' successful running. Absolute numbers mean little when considering conditions throughout the country, particularly in this age of rapidly shifting and climbing prices. Therefore, the figures are also expressed in terms of the distribution of one thousand dollars, during the first and also the following years.

It will be noted that food is always the most expensive item. It is also the common basis for comparison. Equipment which is second in cost the first year, drops to fifth place in the following years. With reasonable care equipment should last seven years, upkeep and renewal taking one-seventh each year. With exceptional care the life of equipment may of course be extended and one of the important things to be learned at camp is thrift and consideration for the common property.

Girl Scout camps should aim at becoming self-supporting or even sources of revenue as soon as possible. It is good policy to charge a rate of board that will cover _all_ costs, and then to raise money by Scout rallies and entertainments to provide for individuals unable to meet the full rate. Councils might well offer "scholarships" in the form of two weeks' camping expenses. Money for original equipment should be borrowed and paid back at interest in yearly sums.

In the camp whose budget is shown a board rate of $6.00 would more than cover expenses after the first year as with 134 Scouts paying for ten weeks it would yield an income of $8,040. At this rate the initial expense could only be paid off in about five years.

A board rate of $7.00 would not only cover current expenses, but would serve to pay off original cost of equipment in two years' time. Thus, 134 Scouts paying $7.00 a week for 10 weeks would make an income of $9,380 a season. This would leave a deficit the first year of $620. The second year with the current expenses $7,600 plus the deficit of $620 the total would be $8,220. The income of $9,380 would therefore give a balance of $1,160 at the end of the second year.

This does not include any of the income to be legitimately expected from the canteen, telephone charges, or special rates charged to guests, or from funds raised by entertainments. Taking these things into consideration the board rate might be considerably reduced.

The balance that should accrue at the end of the second year might be used for reducing rates or extending time to individuals, or for paying instructors for extra service, or perhaps best of all to start new camps.

VII

EQUIPMENT

GENERAL

In organizing a permanent camp the following things must be supplied: beds, bed coverings, pillows, pillow cases, wash basins, lanterns, trash boxes, tables, benches, scales, dishes for mess hall and kitchen, table flatware, kitchen utensils, stove, household implements, camp implements, game equipment, incinerator, boats, a flag, and ropes for halyards.

Beds

A bed of some description is necessary to every camper. It is foolish not to have it dry, warm and comfortable. The most durable and economical are the canvas and wood cots which can be folded and packed into a small space during the winter. One is the government standard folding army cot, the other the telescope cot. Still another is the camp made cot fashioned of posts and strips of wood, with rope interlaced between the strips, and a sack filled with clean dry hay for a mattress. Spring cots and mattresses can be used but require a great deal of storage space during the winter and for many other reasons are not practical. An old sheet, a piece of heavy cotton cloth or bed ticking made into a bag and filled with hay can be used as a mattress on top of a canvas cot and makes a very warm comfortable bed, especially for cold nights.

Blankets

Woolen blankets are the only covering to be considered for camp use, as they absorb less moisture than any other material, and even if damp are warm. They should be long enough to cover the cot and turn under at the bottom, and wide enough when doubled to fall over the edge of the cot for a few inches. Those measuring 66 x 84 inches, weighing from 4 to 5 pounds, and being 70 to 90 per cent wool, are recommended. If only one blanket for each cot is provided in the general equipment each child should bring to camp either a sleeping bag, one heavy and one lightweight blanket, or one blanket and a heavy bath robe.

Great care should be taken that the blankets are kept clean. This can be done if the rule permitting no eatables, water or ink in the tents is adhered to. When making the camp bed whatever the method, care should be taken that blankets do not touch the floor. One way is to fold the camp blanket lengthwise, lay it on top of the cot, the top nine inches from the head of the cot. Open the blanket and lay into it the camper's folded blanket, the top of which comes to the head of the cot. Draw the camp blanket over it, fold both under at the foot, and turn in the open side half of the length of the cot. If a pillow is used place it between the folds of the inner blanket. A bed made in this way will keep the camp blanket clean and it will be in proper condition either to use another summer or to use the same summer by another child.

Another way is to fold the camp blanket lengthwise and place it on the cot and fold the camper's blanket lengthwise placing the two openings in opposite directions, one blanket inside of the other.

Still another way is to fold the blanket lengthwise in thirds and lay it on the cot, turn it under at the foot and get into it as into a sleeping bag.

Quilts are not advised for camp use. All blankets should be shaken every day and thoroughly shaken and sunned at least two or three times a week. For this purpose it is recommended that long bars be erected in a sunny spot on the camp grounds where blankets can be thrown over them during a part of the day. If the camp is divided into sections a few blankets could be done at one time, and done regularly. The tent posts can be used if care is taken that the ropes are not loosened. Low brush or an available fence will also serve the purpose.

It is well to remember that it is more essential to have plenty of clothing under the body than over it if one would sleep comfortably. A wrapper worn over the night gown will keep the body warmer on a cold night than an extra blanket on top.

The camp blankets should never be used next to the body. The personal blanket should be used for that purpose. During the day the camp blanket can be folded lengthwise once, crosswise once, laid on to the foot of the cot, the fold toward the bottom, the personal blankets, night clothes, bath wrapper and pillow neatly folded, laid on the blanket and the border ends drawn over and tucked under, thus making a neat roll. The foot of the cot is toward the center of the tent.

Pillows

The best pillows for camp use are those filled with kapok which is impervious to germs, light, and possesses a cork-like quality which in case of necessity can be utilized by making a life preserver of the pillow.

Basins

Every child should be provided with a small agate or enamel hand basin in which she can keep her toilet articles when not in use. The basin can be kept under the head of the cot and is one of the things to be thoroughly inspected each day.

Dishes for Mess Hall

Each camper should have a dinner plate, a bowl, a cup and saucer of either white enamel ware, which is the best, crockery, which is not recommended, aluminum, or if these are too expensive, tin. There should be serving dishes such as one platter and three serving bowls for each table, extra plates for bread, sugar bowl, butter dishes, large and small pitchers, salt cellars; and do not forget the vase for flowers.

The table flat ware should consist of a fork, knife, a large and small spoon for each child, knives for butter, serving spoons and extra serving forks. Nickel, re-tinned, or tin-plated steel gives excellent service.

Dishes for Kitchen

In so far as is possible use no tin in the kitchen. Use agate, aluminum, porcelain or iron. When necessary to have very large boilers buy those made of re-tinned steel with copper bottoms. For a camp of fifty or more the following equipment is necessary: two large boilers, two feet high and from twelve to fourteen inches in diameter, with handles and with closely fitted covers; one large open boiler with a bail; three agate boilers with bails, holding from twelve to fifteen quarts; two smaller boilers and one sauce pan holding three quarts; four, three quart pails with covers; one large and one small tea kettle; one colander, two sieves (one with a handle and one large one without a handle); three or four iron pans, the largest size that will fit into the oven; one quart measure, one pint measure, one measuring cup; three large mixing bowls, four milk pans, four milk bowls, and dishes in which left-overs can be kept; one bread board, rolling pin, toaster, two iron pot rests, two frying pans, a tea pot, a long-handled dipper, a long-handled skimmer, six spoons with handles of different lengths, a bread knife, a meat knife, a cleaver, a dozen vegetable knives, two can openers, one large serving tray for each table, three dish pans, a bread cutter, a flour sieve, a sugar scoop, an apple corer, scales, a meat grinder, and an ice cream freezer.

Camp Implements

General camp implements are needed as follows: two flat irons, brooms for the mess hall and kitchen, and small brooms for tent use, dust pan and brush, stove brush, four galvanized pails, a garbage pail not too large, a hammer, hatchet, axe, a wheel barrow, saw, fork, spade, shovel, rakes, trowel, screw driver, a pair of pliers and nails and screws.

Kitchen Furnishings

The kitchen will have to have a good stove large enough to hold two or three large boilers at one time. If there is plumbing and a hot water boiler, either the stove can be furnished with a hot water back, which is not desirable, for the fire need not be kept all day when wood is used, but hot water is needed at all times, or a Standard Oil kerosene heater can be installed. Without plumbing, a stove with a hot water tank is desirable. If this is impossible a large boiler must be kept filled with water on the top of the stove.

An army range, set on a concrete base, gives the greatest satisfaction in a large camp. The ovens are large, an important point, and the top of the stove large enough to care for all necessary pots and kettles. When buying a stove for camp use make sure that it is made for the kind of fuel which will be used in it.

The kitchen sink should be conveniently placed and large enough to hold a large dish pan. Again if there is no plumbing a long table for dish pans, draining pans, etc., should be provided.

Other tables, benches, shelves and a wood box are necessary.

Tables and benches are necessary in every camp. The more simple they are the better. Tables made of pine boards, and tops covered with white oil cloth are very serviceable, or better, tables with planed tops can be used. Table tops and rests are feasible also. Benches can be made in various ways but should be firm and of the right height. Chairs are not really a camp necessity and on the whole could well be left out of the list of camp furniture.

Lanterns

Every camp, large or small, needs lanterns. Lamps are not advised as a general rule. There should be enough to have sufficient light in the mess hall, in the kitchen, at least one in the wash house, one at each latrine, and for stormy and very dark nights one for every two tents, or group of tents. The tent lanterns can be hung on the tent posts outside of the tents which method will prevent mosquitoes from being attracted inside. Latrine lights should burn all night and it is advisable to leave one burning by the mess hall in case of emergency. Never allow children to bring candles into camp. Flash lights are a convenience and harmless.

A lantern which is not clean and shining and ready for use is a disgrace to any camp. Every morning chimneys should be washed and wiped, lanterns filled, wiped clean, wicks wiped off with a piece of newspaper and turned down. They do not need to be trimmed every day. Have a place for the lanterns to hang or stand during the day. The lamp cloths should be washed, dried in the sun and hung where they will not be caught up and used for other purposes.

Double Boiler

A very good double boiler can be made by using a large outer boiler in the bottom of which is placed a pot rest and a small amount of water. Stand on the rest either one kettle well covered, or if necessary, two kettles, one on top of the other, both tightly covered and the outer boiler tightly covered. This arrangement forms a kind of fire-less cooker which is exceedingly satisfactory, especially for cooking cereals.

Trash Boxes

Each tent or group of tents should have a conveniently placed trash box. These can be made of wooden frames covered with screening, can be small half-barrels or kegs, painted, or small portable incinerators. These boxes should be emptied every twenty-four hours and the contents burned.

Weighing Scales

Another piece of furniture is a pair of personal scales, for the weight of each child entering and leaving camp is of interest and value. Do not use form with springs.

Games

The game equipment must not be forgotten. Basket balls, volley balls, water polo balls, baseballs and bats, quoits, bows and arrows, and tennis sets are all valuable.

Linen

If in the general equipment pillows are provided it is well to have a few pillow cases other than those which the child brings to camp. There should be sheets and pillow cases for use in the bed making test. Three sets of dish towels and a set of dish cloths, holders, stove cloths and kitchen hand towels. Cheese cloth is of great value in camp in the kitchen and out of it.

Newspapers

Do not throw away any clean whole newspapers; they are of too great value. Wet shoes stuffed with pieces of newspaper and stood not too near a fire, will dry in good shape and be soft. The newspapers help to absorb the moisture out of the leather and keep the shoes in shape.

Newspapers can be used to sit upon if benches or ground are damp.

Nothing is better for cleaning the top of a stove after each meal, than a newspaper crunched into a wad.

Folded pieces of newspaper make an excellent holder for lifting pots and kettles. Several thicknesses placed on the end of the kitchen table on which to set pots and cans, will keep the table clean. Hot water pipes or a boiler can be covered with several thicknesses of newspapers held in place by twine, thereby conserving heat. Cover the ice cream freezer with newspapers after the dasher is removed and while the cream is getting stiff. They help to keep in the cold. Newspapers laid on a cot under the blankets help very materially to keep one warm on a cold night. After sweeping a floor put the dust and dirt from a dust pan in a newspaper, roll it carefully and burn in the incinerator. The wind cannot then blow the dirt about.

Flowers

When picking flowers do not pull the plants up by the root. Do not pick a blossom with too many buds on the stem. Do not pick what you are not going to use either as a decoration or to press for nature study work. Do not pick short stems, and do not crowd too many flowers into one vase. Be sure that the vase is clean and the water fresh. All dead flowers and leaves should be burned and not thrown out to disfigure the looks of the camp grounds.

If you do not know poison ivy when you see it get someone to point it out to you and then keep away from it. It is more apt to poison when the leaves are wet.

PERSONAL EQUIPMENT

_Clothes_: Scout uniform and Scout hat Bloomers: dark wool or khaki Middy blouses, at least 3; plain, strong, white Coat Rubber coat or poncho Sweater Shoes (stout, low heels, round toes; two pairs if possible) Rubbers Underwear: Plain and strong. The one-piece athletic garment made for women and girls is preferable to separate chemise or drawers. Woven shirt or union suit of cotton or light wool is desirable. No petticoats.

Stockings: at least four pairs, heavy ribbed cotton or wool preferred. No silk.

Nightgown or pajamas, three, heavy cotton or canton flannel.

Bath wrapper and slippers

Bathing suit and cap

_Bedding_: Plain woolen blankets, light-weight, for use next body Pillow cases, (three)

_Toilet Accessories_: Bath and face towels, two each Face cloths, two Comb and brush Tooth brush in holder Soap and tooth paste Soap box Small cup Scissors Nail file or cleaner Sanitary napkins and belt

_Desirable General Accessories_: Musical Instruments Flashlight Note book or pad and pencils Sewing kit

THE CANTEEN

There have been objections made to the camp canteen or store, but there seem to be no very good reasons against it. By buying large quantities and at wholesale and selling at the market price in small quantities there can be a perfectly legitimate profit on a camp canteen. This helps to pay camp expenses. It is also possible to make an arrangement with local stores to supply merchandise, fruit and candy to be sold at the store price, and receive from the store a ten per cent discount which is clear profit to the camp. A greater profit, however, can be obtained if the camp purchases these things for itself from wholesale dealers.

The price of board in the average Scout camp is so low that it is impossible to supply campers with many of the things which they want and which they may have. Fresh fruit in some localities is very expensive and quite beyond the possibility of serving. But most parents make no objection to their children purchasing the fruit, one or two pieces at a time, at the canteen counter. The same is true of simple candy such as sweet chocolate, Hershey Bars, Neccos, etc. One piece a day is not only perfectly harmless; it is, in fact, beneficial.