We're coming! We're coming! to the lakes, the hills, the sea.Old Mother Nature calls her children—you and me!
II.
Come where we learn the wisdom of the wood,Come where we prove that simple things are good,Come where we pledge allegiance to our land,America! you've called your daughters—here we stand.
Chorus:
We're coming! We're coming, till we spread from sea to sea,Our country needs us—wants us—calls us—you and me!
RALLY SONG(Tune:"Smiles")
There are girls that make you gloomy,There are girls that make you gay,There are girls forever hanging backward,There are girls who like to lead the way,But that girl that's always at "attention!"That her Country cannot do without,That we know the world can always count on—She is my girl—the good Girl Scout.
THE LONG, LONG LINE(Tune:"The Long, Long Trail")Recruiting Song
Do you feel a little lonely?Are your friends too few?Would you like to join some jolly girlsIn the things you think and do?Don't you know your Country's waiting?Have you heard her call?See, the Scouts are crowding, crowding in,Where there's room for one and all!
Chorus:
There's a long, long line a-growing,From north to south, east to west,There's a place a-waiting in it, too, that you'll fill best!We are sure you'd like to join usIf you knew what we can do,And we'd like, O how we'd like, to make a good Girl Scout of you!
CLIMB ALONG!(Tune:"Joan of Arc")Golden Eaglet Song
Some girls are working, some girls are shirking,Some girls are too scared to try,Pluck up your grit, girls, use all your wit, girls,See where the Gold Eaglets fly!Watch them up above there, circling in the blue,Earn them—and they'll fly to you!
Chorus:
Climb along! Climb along! with a cheer and a smile and a song!Though it seems an awful lot to do,Other Scouts made good—and so can you!Climb along! Climb along! and you'll surely put it through.Then lead your troop to Victory—for the Eaglets are calling you!
TENDERFOOT SONG(Tune:"When You Come Back")
When I'm a Scout—and Iama Scout,I'll make the other girls jump and look out!And as I get on, I surely will passLike a bright lass to the Scout's Second Class.And when I've a First Class up on my sleeve,Oh, it's the proud girl I shall be! (Hurrah!)When I'm a Scout—and Iama Scout,There's a big job waiting for me!
ORGANIZING SONG(Tune:"A Hot Time in the Old Town")
Come along, girls, get ready, let us form our patrol,Let us choose a dandy Captain who will make the Scouts enroll,All around us they are joining, and we can't be left behind,Get your friends all together—see how many you can find!
The Builders. House built entirely by Girl ScoutsThe Builders.House built entirely by Girl Scouts
Chorus:
See, oh, see, the Scouts are coming in!Once they join, they stick through thick and thin,And when they play the game, they're pretty sure to win—There'll be a Scout troop in our town this year!
WINTER SONG(Tune:"Keep the Home Fires Burning")
Keep the Scout work going,While the year is growing,Winter's cold and dready, but 'twill soon pass by!We can all rememberThrough the long DecemberCamps and hikes and swims and sports in the warm July!
HIKING SONG(Tune:"Pack Up Your Troubles in Your Old Kit Bag")
Pack up your dinner in your brown knapsack,And hike, hike, hike!Take all you need upon your own strong back,Wander where you like.Leave the roads to motor cars,The side walks to the bike—butPack up your dinner in your brown knapsack,And hike, hike, hike!
SCOUT MARCHING SONG(Tune:"Marching Through Georgia")I.
Everywhere you go to-day, you'll find a little Scout,Work or play, they lead the way, there can't be any doubt,When their Country calls on them, they answer with a shout,Rah, rah, rah, for the Girl Scouts!
Chorus:
Hurrah, Hurrah, the Scouts are on their way!Hurrah, Hurrah, we're surely here to stay!Comrades all around the world, we're growing every day,Rah, rah, rah, for the Girl Scouts!
II.
Nothing is too big or small for any Scout to do,Call them if you need their help, and they will see you through,Here's their motto—Be Prepared!—they mean it, yes, they do!Rah, rah, rah, for the Girl Scouts!
GIRL SCOUT LULLABYE
When evening comes and darkness softly falls,Girl Scouts their rest around the camp fire seekAnd each to herself her laws recalls.Her truth, her honor, purity, obedience and loyaltyWhile softly, the moonbeams and stars twinkle brightly,God's witnesses on high,While the bugle sounds its soft good-night.
(Tune:"Carry'n On," from "The Better 'Ole")
The Girl Scouts are coming, their drums and their fifesSound echoes of gladness from joyous young lives.See each is prepared to do her good deed,To God and her country and all those in need.Her knots and her signalling, first aid and drill,Show regular practice—say, ain't that some skill?
Chorus:
My word, ain't they carry'n onIt's just great to think uponNow Scouting's just the thing,So let your joy bells ringBecause the Girl Scouts all are carrying on,It's simply great, how they're carrying on.
ON THE TRAILThe Girl Scouts' Marching SongI.
Oh! this is the song we sing, as the gay Girl Scouts go marching,Away on the trail we swing, with heaven over-arching,As up, up, up the hill we climb, and down, down, down again,Our hearts are happy all the time, and we step to the gay refrain,Marching on! Marching on! Marching on through rain or sunshine!
Chorus:
Sing ho! for the way, and hurrah! for the day,As we march along together,Then naught are the hills, or the miles or the ills,When the Girl Scouts take the trail.Sing ho! for the way, and hurrah! for the day,As we march along together!Then naught are the hills, or the miles or the illsWhen the Girl Scouts take the trail.
II.
The sun is a comrade old, with a warm and hearty blessing,The wind, with his fingers cold, will tease in rough caressing,The friendly trees make shadow sweet, on roads that wind and wind,The grass is tender to our feet, and even the rain is kind.
Words by Abbie Farwell BrownMusic by Mabel W. DanielsCopies to be had from National Headquarters
Nearly FinishedNearly Finished
SONGS FROM IV ENCAMPMENT OF 1ST G. S. T. S.(Tune:"Mr. Zip Zip")COMPANY A
Good morning, Caterpillar dear,Hanging down to kiss us every day;Good morning, Caterpillar dear,You're never far away.You're with us at breakfast and dinner, too;At rest your numbers are not a few.Good morning, Caterpillar dear,For the beetles soon will get you,The beetles soon will get you,The beetles soon will get youHere!!!
COMPANY B
Good morning! Keep your posture straight,With your spine just as long as mine;Good morning! Take your exercise,With all your bones in a line;Skull and thorax and pelvis, too,Keep a plumb line, that's what you do.Good morning! Keep your posture straight,With your spine just as long as—Your spine just as long as—Your spine just as long as—Mine.
COMPANY C
Good morning! When inspection comes,Have your tent look just as neat as mine;Good morning! When inspection comes,Have your handles in a line;Hide your tooth brush and paper, too,Or they'll mark you down—That's what they'll do.Good morning! When inspection comes,Have your pockets buttoned tight as—Your tent flaps just as right as—Your face and hands as white as—Mine.
INSTRUCTORS
Good morning! G. S. T. S. girls,With your brains all in a whirl;Good morning! When the bugle soundsEach to her chase and twirl!To drill and dancing and fire galore,Swimming and posture and semaphore—Good morning at the G. S. Camp,Where you work upon your lean-toLonger than you mean to,Where they keep you on the tramp, tramp, tramp.
OFFICERS
Good morning! Did you sleep last night,When the officers had passed your tents?Good morning! Don't you think they mightShow a little more common sense?They say good-night when we're fast asleep,As into our cots they coyly peep;Good morning! Did you sleep last night,When the officers had passed your—The officers had passed your—The officers had passed your—tents?
(Tune:"How You Goin' to Keep Them Down on the Farm?")
How're you going to keep us happy at home,After we've been at Camp?How're you going to keep us inside the house,After we've slept in the dew and the damp?How will we remember, when we eat,Not to wipe out plates?Imagine having everything so neat.Keepingshoes,soap,brush,bags,pins,towels,Under blanket and sheet.How're we going to live in acivilizedtown,After we've been to Camp?
"Be Prepared." The Signalling Class"Be Prepared." The Signalling Class
5.Achievements
Whether you receive prizes or honors, points or merit badges for the attainment of a definite achievement in your camp work, it is more systematic to keep some sort of record of each individual's progress and accomplishment.
A very simple way is a book record, but a far more interesting and successful method is to make a chart placing it on a conspicuous wall space where all may study it. On the chart will be found the names of all the campers together, with the names of all the activities. In a space under these activity headings and opposite the girl's name, a space will be reserved for recording her points.
Take for example a proposed section of a chart such as the accompanying one.
For every girl who has received a point on such achart it means that she has satisfactorily complied with the standards imposed. For example, in Nature Study we may say that Scout Jane identified perfectly 20 flowers and 15 birds.
I. Section of a Chart for recording achievements of Scouts. In a large camp, a permanent backer with headings can be made, and strips for each Scout pinned on and removed when she leaves camp.I. Section of a Chart for recording achievements of Scouts. In a large camp, a permanent backer with headings can be made, and strips for each Scout pinned on and removed when she leaves camp.
Girl Scouts would work out such a chart in relation to and on the basis of the winning of merit badges in the fifty-seven-odd Scout subjects.
Recording is not the only means of recognition given to a girl who has made a definite achievement along some given line. But awards and honors are often given at the end of the season in many camps. However, only the merit badges will be discussed here, as this is primarily a Manual for Girl Scout camps.
It is to be remembered that the chart does not record everything about a girl. When reviewing the chart or record book before deciding who deserves the final honors, or merit badges, there are other things to be taken into account, for instance, the effort and the progress or improvement and the kind of spirit that went with the material achievement.
HIKES
Now away we go toward the topmost mountains. Many still, small voices, as well as the noon thunder, are calling, "Come higher!"—John Muir
Now away we go toward the topmost mountains. Many still, small voices, as well as the noon thunder, are calling, "Come higher!"
—John Muir
Daytime
The daytime hike gives the camper an opportunity to see something of the surrounding country, and to have the experience of following paths and trails, of climbing and coming into touch with the deep woods, and all of their beauties. Also the necessary routine and rules of an organized camp would prove unbearable to the all-summer hiker if she did not get away from them once in a while. The very purpose of the camp would be thwarted. All children are not so constituted or trained that they can go off and sleep in the woods even for one night, but they should be encouraged to take hikes varying in length from five to twenty miles according to the child's ability to endure.
The daytime hikers should leave camp by ten o'clock, each one properly shod and clothed and for convenience carrying her own luncheon either in a knapsack or in a little, well-wrapped parcel. She should have her individual drinking cup, and if the hike is to include a swim in some far-off lake, a bathing suit and bath towel should be taken. There should be an objective for these daytime hikes and the paths and roads should be well known by some member of the party. Two hours is none too long a time for the noon rest and luncheon and the return trip should be planned to bring the campers into camp before supper. It is never wise to start out with a group of girls who cannot keep about the same pace. Nothing is more fatiguing than exerting oneself to keep up to a pace or on the other hand toslacken one's pace for the accommodation of the lagger. There should always be one person in charge of the entire group and she should have as many assistants as the size of the group requires. One counsellor to every ten girls is none too many for a daytime hike. Under no circumstances, even though there were but six girls, should onecounsellorassume the entire responsibility for a week-end or overnight hike. There should always be at least two older people. The great opportunity for studying Nature should be taken advantage of and if possible a nature study teacher should accompany the girls. All hikers on return to camp should be examined, and any blisters, bruises, cuts or strains should be reported and properly attended to. There have been cases where from neglect, a blister on the foot has become infected, causing serious trouble.
Girl Scouts when hiking along highways should walk in single file on the left hand side of the way, thus giving them an opportunity to see approaching vehicles.
There are many interesting signs that can be made by Scouts when hiking, to mark the trail or note conditions observed. These signs and their uses are given in the Girl Scout Handbook and should be learned and put into practice. The use of them develops the powers of observation and makes for alertness.
Week-End Hike
No child should be permitted to start out on a week-end hike unless her physical condition is such as to withstand any unexpected weather conditions which might arise or prolonged exposure in the open. Also she should be properly clothed; preferably in thin woolen clothes, wearing as little as possible, yet being comfortable. Her shoes should be stout, low-heeled andround-toed. She should take with her a sweater, extra underwear, stockings, nightclothes, toilet articles, and blankets.
Only sufficient food should be taken to last during the time planned for. This food should be packed in small bags, preferably waterproof. Two and a quarter pounds for one day's rations is sufficient. Cereal in some form, many prefer flour in order to make bread, a fat—such as bacon or butter—rice, for bulk, something to drink, cocoa or tea, a sweet, preferably chocolate, a small amount of sugar and raisins are suggested. Eggs can be added to the above; also salt, baking powder, evaporated milk and dried egg.
Never start for a week-end hike late in the afternoon. Plan to make camp not later in the day than five o'clock. At once build the campfire and start to prepare the supper. Select suitable places on the ground for sleeping. Make sure that the ground is dry, and if possible spread a poncho under the blankets. A hole dug so that the body will fit into it and touch the ground at every point makes sleeping more comfortable. Keep the campfire burning all night, different members of the party, two at a time, being on guard. Do not have the fire too large. One of the signs of a tenderfoot woodsman is a big fire for cooking or the night watch. Not only are they dangerous, but when using them for cooking the cook as well as the food is apt to be burned. Before building the fire, scrape all leaves and dried grass from the ground, leaving a foundation of bare earth. Make sure that every vestige of fire is out upon breaking camp. Also that no evidences of a camp save the matted grass are left behind.
In carrying a pack, place the load high on the back and move the body forward to keep the center of gravity.
Overnight Hike
. . . And when the airs is warming, it's then yourself and me should be pacing . . . in the dews of night, the times sweet smells do be rising, and you'd see a little shiny new moon, may be, sinking on the hills.—J. M. Synge
. . . And when the airs is warming, it's then yourself and me should be pacing . . . in the dews of night, the times sweet smells do be rising, and you'd see a little shiny new moon, may be, sinking on the hills.
—J. M. Synge
The overnight hike is more of a lark than the week-end hike. Its principal features are sleeping in the open and cooking one's food in the most primitive manner. The same requirements as for week-end hikes should obtain as to the number of counsellors and the child's physical condition. Also she should be properly clothed for the trip as to shoes, stockings, underclothes, and so forth. The necessary equipment for an overnight hike such as nightclothes, toilet articles, etc., can be neatly laid in a blanket and the blanket rolled from end to end. It should be tied in the center, about four inches from either end and between the ends and the center with a stout string. Bring the ends together side by side and tie tightly. Throw the blanket over the head, the ends under one arm, the center of the blanket on the opposite shoulder.
The hiker can take more food than is strictly necessary, for as a general thing she walks only a short distance and can thus carry a quite heavy pack. The trip should be so planned that the hikers reach their destination by five o'clock in the afternoon. The following day can be spent in exploring the surrounding country, finding as many points of interest as possible, studying the trees, the flowers, the birds, and following up any trails, paths or streams which look interesting. The day should be so planned that the return to the main camp will be accomplished in the late afternoon or early evening.
First Aides. Several Kinds of BandagesFirst Aides.Several Kinds of Bandages
Camp Fires
There are various kinds of camp fires that can be made and experimented with while off on a hike. The log cabin fire, in which two sticks are laid parallel to each other about nine inches apart, two more laid in the opposite direction on top of the ends of the first two sticks, the square made about three sticks high. In the center of this is laid a small fire of dried leaves and small dried twigs. When the fire is well started larger twigs should be slowly added until there is a bed of coals on which can be put short sticks of wood. The cooking utensils can be stood on the log cabin foundation if it has been made of wood sufficiently large to withstand the heat of the fire, or they can stand on a grating placed over the fire. Never cook over a blaze. Wait until there is a bed of coals.
Another way of building a campfire is to select two large green logs; place them near together at one end, the other ends 18 inches or more apart and facing the wind. Build the fire in between the logs. Smooth off the top of the logs with an axe to form a support for the cooking utensils.
Where large stones are available make a fireplace by putting two stones about ten or twelve inches apart at right angles to a large back stone, or place three stones to form a hollow square, building the fire in the center. Cooking utensils can be stood on a stone placed over the top of the fireplace or on a grating placed across the top, or rested on two iron bars laid on top of the fireplace.
Another fire can be built by placing three medium sized sticks in the shape of an Indian tepee or wigwam. The sticks must be of about the same size and placed so carefully that they will not fall into the fire which is built underneath them. When the dried leaves and twigs have started to burn well, add a little wood of a larger size, thus gradually building up the fire. Over the fire three larger sticks can be placed—those which are three or four feet in length—brought to a point, fastened with rope and a kettle hung over the fire from the center.
One of the best woods to use is scrub oak which is distributed quite widely over the United States. It burns slowly and gives out an even heat.
Another fire, especially useful in the case of high wind, is built in a trench, one end of which is deeper than the other, also wider. Start the fire with dried leaves, twigs, etc., gradually adding larger wood, finally using logs placed lengthwise in the trench. This type can be used very effectively for burning garbage, particularly if the garbage is placed in the trench and the fire built on top of it.
To "Keep the Home Fires Burning," Keep the Wood Pile HighTo "Keep the Home Fires Burning," Keep the Wood Pile High
Another type of fire which can be used for warmth even better than for cooking is built in front of three large logs placed one on top of another in slightly slanting formation. The logs serve to reflect the heat.
A few suggestions may be helpful to the young camper. Before lighting your fire have at hand all of the necessary material, dried leaves, tiny dry twigs, twigs of a larger size, small sticks, and finally your heavy fuel. Do not smother the fire by starting with too much material and do not put it out by putting on too much wood at one time. The object is to have a bed of hot coals over which you can do the necessary cooking without either smoking the cooking utensils, burning the food, or burning oneself, or being choked with smoke.
There are various cooking utensils and appliances made especially for campers which are both interesting to use and most serviceable. One is the grate with foldinglegs which can be stuck into the ground, the grate placed over the fire. Another is the reflector oven made of tin with a shelf holding a pan, the whole to be set in front of the fire, and can be used for baking bread, apple cake, etc.
The greatest test for the camper is the building of a fire in rainy weather when leaves and twigs and wood are far from dry. It can be done and the greatest joy derived in the doing. Choose an old log which is not water-soaked. Split it with an axe; split one-half of it again. With a sharp knife make a little pile of shavings whittled from the heart of the log. Put them in the center of the log cabin formation. Light them from underneath (which is the way all fires should be lighted), and coax the blaze by adding dry shavings as required until there is sufficient blaze to light the small wood which has been collected. This fire takes patience and perseverance.
It is sometimes possible in very wet weather to pick up small wood that has been protected from the rain; also to break off the dead wood of trees or the small twigs on the ends of the limbs to start a fire.
Under no circumstances should a camper use artificial tinder of any kind. No paper, excelsior or oil should be used in building a campfire, and a Scout should need only one match.
Always build a fire where the wind will blow the smoke away from the camp, and never fail to build it on the bare ground where there will be no possibility of its creeping through the grass or underbrush into the woods.
After a meal when necessary to burn garbage, do not throw a quantity right on top of the fire to smoulder and cause a disagreeable odor. Rather sprinkle itaround the edges that it may dry before being shoveled onto the coals. When necessary to burn papers, be careful that a burning paper does not blow into nearby brush or woods.
The questions of fires and provisions for hiking are treated at length in the Girl Scout Handbook.
A Deschutes River Fishing Trip in the Deep Forests of the Cascade Range North Western Washington
We are now in the mountains and they are in us, kindling enthusiasm, making every nerve quiver, filling every pore and cell of us. Our flesh-and-bone tabernacle teems transparent as glass to the beauty about us, as if truly an inseparable part of it, thrilling with the air and trees, streams and rocks, in the waves of the sun—a part of all nature, neither old nor young, sick nor well, but immortal.—John Muir
We are now in the mountains and they are in us, kindling enthusiasm, making every nerve quiver, filling every pore and cell of us. Our flesh-and-bone tabernacle teems transparent as glass to the beauty about us, as if truly an inseparable part of it, thrilling with the air and trees, streams and rocks, in the waves of the sun—a part of all nature, neither old nor young, sick nor well, but immortal.
—John Muir
There were ten of us—our chaperones, a man and his wife; a good all-round camp man, capable of instructing in camp life, fishing and wood knowledge of all kinds; our Captain and four Girl Scouts.We left Tacoma at seven A. M. by automobile, driving three hours to the foot of Huckleberry Mountain from which point we were to hike to camp. Here we were met by a native of the parts who was to carry a pack, as we had not enough men to manage supplies. Pack ponies are out of the question, for the trail leads for six miles over fallen trees and through dense growth. After half an hour, our packs and bed rolls adjusted, we started off at a good even pace for the river.For one mile hiking was comparatively easy. Then we had to cross the river over a fallen tree. The girls could not do this and carry their packs, so the men made several trips after which we all crossed. The time taken incrossing the river was equivalent to, a good rest, so as soon as the last member of our party was over, we readjusted our packs and started on our way.The trail now led through a dense fir forest with its scattering spruce and hemlock. For a mile it led along the high bank of the Deschutes River where we could look far down into myriads of jade-colored pools; then for a mile into the very heart of the woods among masses of glassy, dark-green ferns, and clumps of feathery, tossing maiden-hair; through Oregon grape, bright arsenic green and brilliant red. Here and there we came to a fairy-like dell, carpeted with red and green moss, starred with hundreds of flat five-petalled white blossoms. At the far corner of this nook, more unprotected where the sun shone, was a clump of the blue and white butterfly blossoms of the Mountain Lupine. In one of these dells we stopped for our luncheon. It was just past that silent hour of the woods and we could hear twigs snapping under the feet of moving animals. Birds were singing and it was the one time of day when there is a perfume in the dense woods such as we were in; a drugged perfume of sweet clover, the flowered mosses and scattered Lupine. Before leaving we each ate an orange we had been told to bring, as mountain water taken on a hike winds one too quickly. During the hike we could chew dried prunes at any time, but absolutely no water could we have until we reached camp.The trail then led back to the river bank and along it over fallen logs and among trees deeply laden with hanging silver grey moss. This lasted for two miles, until the river split, forming a small island easily reached by stepping stones, where camp was made.The very first thing done was to teach the girls how to make beds, which we did, while the men cut hemlockboughs; our extra man remaining long enough for that. The second thing was to pick out places for our beds and as soon as there were enough boughs we placed our bags, already made, upon them. The men then gathered enough wood for that night and the following morning. Pitch torches were made and stacked where we could get them. While they were busy with this heavy work that had to be accomplished before night the girls gathered rocks for the oven, and dug a hole for the cache. This hole was lined with one of the small tarpaulins, all food placed in it, tarpaulin drawn over, and slabs of bark then placed over the hole. This protected food, both from weather and animals. A shelf was made on the side of one of the trees on which the baking powder tins were placed with salt, sugar, part of flour, such things as coffee, jam, milk, etc., that were already in tins were also kept on this shelf.Around the CampfireAround the CampfireThis work was completed by five-thirty, the cook ovenconstructed and second fire made around which the beds were placed. Dinner over, we turned in early, being exhausted, in spite of the good condition we were all supposed to be in for the trip. We slept in our clothes with cap and bed socks for extra warmth and comfort. The two men did not sit up all night, but took turns keeping up the fire as it needed attention. The only animals are deer and cougar, the former harmless, while the latter seldom come near camp except when it is deserted. They cause little trouble in the woods, as we never go alone, but always in couples. They will track a single person, butnevertwo.Morning routine commenced with a dip in the river and change of clothes. As we wear our breeches when out fishing and our skirts in camp, no extra heavy wearing apparel need be carried. Immediately after breakfast the beds are always taken apart, blankets folded and placed on second small tarpaulin in lean-to which had been constructed from large slabs of bark against a tree. This lean-to kept bedding protected from the atmosphere and animals, as well as serving a second purpose of camp orderliness and neatness. A second lean-to was made for wood, bark and pitch torches. The first morning it was necessary to complete camp construction before the fun commenced. Shelves were made on the river bank for toilet articles, nails placed for towels, etc., and saplings formed as a screen for fear of a chance fisherman or game protector passing by. On the other side of the island a place was made for washing dishes.Camp made, we were free to go fishing. So taking a can of unsalted salmon eggs in our pockets, our rods, and a v-shaped twig to carry our fish on, we were off until lunch.We all assist in making and cleaning up after this meal. Then an hour of rest is followed by fishing, learning woodcraft methods of various kinds, or anything that we may choose to do. Dinner was prepared while there was still daylight, and then the best part of camp life began—telling stories around the fire, studying the stars and singing to the accompaniment of mandolin and ukulele, always carried on a trip of this kind.The large tarpaulins brought are for emergency only, in case of a thunderstorm. Such occurring we gather all our beds together into one row and the tarpaulin is placed over them, under which we lie until the storm is over. By crawling out carefully we can gather up tarpaulin and shake it out away from our bedding and thus we can keep dry without the shelter of cabin, tent or lean-to.This is a general routine of a short roughing trip in the deep mountain forests of North Western Washington.The only addition necessary for the ordinary Girl Scout equipment for a week-end hike is fishing rods and tackle.
There were ten of us—our chaperones, a man and his wife; a good all-round camp man, capable of instructing in camp life, fishing and wood knowledge of all kinds; our Captain and four Girl Scouts.
We left Tacoma at seven A. M. by automobile, driving three hours to the foot of Huckleberry Mountain from which point we were to hike to camp. Here we were met by a native of the parts who was to carry a pack, as we had not enough men to manage supplies. Pack ponies are out of the question, for the trail leads for six miles over fallen trees and through dense growth. After half an hour, our packs and bed rolls adjusted, we started off at a good even pace for the river.
For one mile hiking was comparatively easy. Then we had to cross the river over a fallen tree. The girls could not do this and carry their packs, so the men made several trips after which we all crossed. The time taken incrossing the river was equivalent to, a good rest, so as soon as the last member of our party was over, we readjusted our packs and started on our way.
The trail now led through a dense fir forest with its scattering spruce and hemlock. For a mile it led along the high bank of the Deschutes River where we could look far down into myriads of jade-colored pools; then for a mile into the very heart of the woods among masses of glassy, dark-green ferns, and clumps of feathery, tossing maiden-hair; through Oregon grape, bright arsenic green and brilliant red. Here and there we came to a fairy-like dell, carpeted with red and green moss, starred with hundreds of flat five-petalled white blossoms. At the far corner of this nook, more unprotected where the sun shone, was a clump of the blue and white butterfly blossoms of the Mountain Lupine. In one of these dells we stopped for our luncheon. It was just past that silent hour of the woods and we could hear twigs snapping under the feet of moving animals. Birds were singing and it was the one time of day when there is a perfume in the dense woods such as we were in; a drugged perfume of sweet clover, the flowered mosses and scattered Lupine. Before leaving we each ate an orange we had been told to bring, as mountain water taken on a hike winds one too quickly. During the hike we could chew dried prunes at any time, but absolutely no water could we have until we reached camp.
The trail then led back to the river bank and along it over fallen logs and among trees deeply laden with hanging silver grey moss. This lasted for two miles, until the river split, forming a small island easily reached by stepping stones, where camp was made.
The very first thing done was to teach the girls how to make beds, which we did, while the men cut hemlockboughs; our extra man remaining long enough for that. The second thing was to pick out places for our beds and as soon as there were enough boughs we placed our bags, already made, upon them. The men then gathered enough wood for that night and the following morning. Pitch torches were made and stacked where we could get them. While they were busy with this heavy work that had to be accomplished before night the girls gathered rocks for the oven, and dug a hole for the cache. This hole was lined with one of the small tarpaulins, all food placed in it, tarpaulin drawn over, and slabs of bark then placed over the hole. This protected food, both from weather and animals. A shelf was made on the side of one of the trees on which the baking powder tins were placed with salt, sugar, part of flour, such things as coffee, jam, milk, etc., that were already in tins were also kept on this shelf.
Around the CampfireAround the Campfire
This work was completed by five-thirty, the cook ovenconstructed and second fire made around which the beds were placed. Dinner over, we turned in early, being exhausted, in spite of the good condition we were all supposed to be in for the trip. We slept in our clothes with cap and bed socks for extra warmth and comfort. The two men did not sit up all night, but took turns keeping up the fire as it needed attention. The only animals are deer and cougar, the former harmless, while the latter seldom come near camp except when it is deserted. They cause little trouble in the woods, as we never go alone, but always in couples. They will track a single person, butnevertwo.
Morning routine commenced with a dip in the river and change of clothes. As we wear our breeches when out fishing and our skirts in camp, no extra heavy wearing apparel need be carried. Immediately after breakfast the beds are always taken apart, blankets folded and placed on second small tarpaulin in lean-to which had been constructed from large slabs of bark against a tree. This lean-to kept bedding protected from the atmosphere and animals, as well as serving a second purpose of camp orderliness and neatness. A second lean-to was made for wood, bark and pitch torches. The first morning it was necessary to complete camp construction before the fun commenced. Shelves were made on the river bank for toilet articles, nails placed for towels, etc., and saplings formed as a screen for fear of a chance fisherman or game protector passing by. On the other side of the island a place was made for washing dishes.
Camp made, we were free to go fishing. So taking a can of unsalted salmon eggs in our pockets, our rods, and a v-shaped twig to carry our fish on, we were off until lunch.
We all assist in making and cleaning up after this meal. Then an hour of rest is followed by fishing, learning woodcraft methods of various kinds, or anything that we may choose to do. Dinner was prepared while there was still daylight, and then the best part of camp life began—telling stories around the fire, studying the stars and singing to the accompaniment of mandolin and ukulele, always carried on a trip of this kind.
The large tarpaulins brought are for emergency only, in case of a thunderstorm. Such occurring we gather all our beds together into one row and the tarpaulin is placed over them, under which we lie until the storm is over. By crawling out carefully we can gather up tarpaulin and shake it out away from our bedding and thus we can keep dry without the shelter of cabin, tent or lean-to.
This is a general routine of a short roughing trip in the deep mountain forests of North Western Washington.
The only addition necessary for the ordinary Girl Scout equipment for a week-end hike is fishing rods and tackle.
Girl Scout "Hayseeds" and the Stack They MadeGirl Scout "Hayseeds" and the Stack They Made
CAMP HEALTH AND CAMP SAFETY
Ye, use . . . this medicineEvery day this May or thou dine,Go looke upon the fresh daisieAnd though thou be for wo in point to die,That shall full greatly lessen thee of thy pine.—Chaucer
1.Camp Sanitation
Too great stress cannot be laid upon the question of sanitation. Make the camp safe if you would have a healthful, happy camp, and keep it orderly if you would keep it safe. The time to make the camp safe is before and during the process of building and prior to each camp season if an old camp is used. Certain known things are fore-runners of trouble and should be avoided or safeguarded against from the start. Among these are low, damp ground, impure water, an insufficient supply of water, unsafe bathing conditions, such as deep water only, a very swift current, undertow, shallow water and a quick drop, holes, and so forth; proximity to pest breeding places such as pools of stagnant water, marshes where mosquitoes breed, uncared-for out houses, barns, and dumps; inadequate latrine facilities, and so forth.
The keeping of the camp safe is a daily matter which includes the disposal of all waste, the cleaning of the camp grounds and all buildings, the inspection of the water supply, provisions, equipment, the latter in a general way, the guarding against pests of any kind and the personal health of the campers.
Disposition of Trash
Every morning all trash should be collected and properly disposed of. Burning is the only method unlessarrangements have been made to have all dry waste carted away. For burning light trash use a small incinerator two feet high and eighteen inches in diameter, made of iron, and with a cover circular in shape and perforated closely with holes half an inch in diameter. When in use the incinerator should stand in an open place away from all tents and buildings. The heavier trash, such as old shoes, paste-board boxes, discarded clothing, should be burned in a heap away from all buildings, care being taken that no bits of hot paper cause grass fires, or blow into the woods.
"Over the Top""Over the Top"
Wooden boxes in which provisions are shipped can be split up for kindling wood, or if the boxes are large and well made, kept for packing equipment for storage. Some of the well-made boxes are very serviceable to use as seats, and one could be placed in the kitchen to hold wood. Butter tubs, if washed and dried, can be used to hold vegetables or other provisions. Barrels should never be thrown away if in good condition. They are invaluable when packing dishes or kitchen ware and during thesummer will hold sacks of provisions such as cereal, rice, hominy, beans, and so forth.
All tin cans should be rinsed out as soon as emptied, burned on the trash heap and when cold thrown into a covered pit, or into covered barrels to be carted away at the end of the season.
Garbage
There are three ways of disposing of garbage when in camp. Burn it, bury it, give it away. Sometimes all three ways are necessary in one camp. If the group is small and there is little garbage it can be thrown around the edge of a hot fire and when dried out, raked onto the hot coals.
In larger camps a portable incinerator can be used. One form has a basin over the fire pot, into which garbage is placed to be dried out and then turned into the fire.
In camps of 100 or more people where burning is difficult, pits for burying garbage have been found satisfactory if properly cared for and dug not near the camp buildings or source of water supply. They should be deep, oblong in shape, and the earth should be thrown up at one side to be used in covering the garbage as soon as it is thrown into the pit.
In a camp where there is no plumbing, liquid waste as well as garbage, can be disposed of in the following way. Dig a trench four feet long, two feet deep and thirty inches wide at one end; eight inches wide and level with the ground at the other end; line with stone, or if this is impossible, use tin, sheet iron, or brick. Put the garbage into the trench, build a fire on top of it, when the fire is very hot pour the liquid waste into the trench at the small end. If there is a great deal of garbage some of it will have to be put on top of the firewhich should be made of heavy logs of hard wood. Tin cans can be burnt in this fire and then treated as stated before.
The disposing of camp garbage is not a difficult matter if some system and care are used. It is necessary to have a covered pail near the kitchen door for use during the day. The contents of this pail should be burned or buried every night after supper and if necessary once during the day, preferably after dinner. If this pail is lined with two or three thicknesses of newspaper each time after emptying, it will be kept in good condition.
If garbage is to be carted out of camp, have proper receptacles for transporting it and do not let too much accumulate at any one time.
Under no circumstances allow waste food to be strewn on the ground anywhere within camp limits, or the ground around the garbage pail, pit or incinerator to be untidy.
One of the best disinfectants for latrines and garbage pits is smouldering tar paper. Break the paper into small pieces, throw into the latrine or pit, light and let smoulder.
Pests
At least twice a week camp grounds should be thoroughly inspected to make sure that there are no pest breeding places such as pools of stagnant water, old tin cans in which water will collect, trash heaps, and so forth. It is much easier to keep flies and mosquitoes away by doing away with such places, than it is to exterminate them after they have come in large numbers. If camp grounds and buildings are cleaned every day and all waste properly disposed of, there is little danger of trouble from pests.
In localities where mosquitoes and flies are very troublesome other precautions should be taken. It might be necessary to have mosquito netting over the cots at night and fly paper in the kitchen and store closet. A piece of absorbent cotton saturated in citronella and hung on the tent poles at either end of the tent will sometimes keep mosquitoes away as they dislike intensely any strong odor.
If ants get into the kitchen or store closets borax sprinkled on the shelves will often send them away, or if they are very troublesome dishes of food can be stood in pans of water.