Figure 1.- The caption of this news service photograph read, "Camping time is the best time of the year, and even the weekly washing job is something to enjoy." We are not sure when this photograph was taken, but was probably the 1920s. We are not sure about the boy's pants. They look to be knickers that the boy has rolled up.

The early summer camps in America were primarily focused on outdoor activities like camping and hiking. An outgrowth of camoing became fireside proograms. There were also skits which became a part of evening programs. Wide games were another popular activity. Sports were not a major focus, although they were no entirely absent. This varied from camp to camp. What was present at most camps were water activities, especially swimming and boating. Many camps were located on lakes or other bodies of water. Boating activities varied, but canoeing and sailing were usually very important. Another popular activity at early camps was handicrafts. I am not sure, but I think a factor here may have Dan Beard and his influence on Scouting. Gradually the programs at cazmp expanded, especially after World War II. This has lead to the modern situation in which there are a wide variety of summer camp programs with many specialized camps.

Created: 2:46 AM 1/2/2005
Last updated: 2:46 AM 1/2/2005