This is an excerpt from an article in the June 1956 edition of Canadian Camping Magazine.
We Believe… – Editorial
We Believe
- that campers should quickly and throughly acquire skills in caring for themselves and others. Thus we will provide trained and skilled counsellors and staff insofar as it possible.
- that counsellors should be mature and skilled persons in dealing with and understanding boys. Thus we will raise the minimum age and the qualifications for counsellors as high as possible.
- that campers and counsellors should share in the planning of the camp programme. Thus provision will be made for the campers and counsellors to participate in the programme planning.
- that the recreational and educational aspects of camp should be the means to an end,…not the end in themselves. Thus all programme will be planned with the idea of what it will do for the individual.
- that parents are important to camp and should therefore be welcomed in the camp setting. Thus Parent’s Days will be encouraged in keeping with good administrative procedures.
- that campcraft and naturelore, developed through out-tripping, are the cornerstones of the camp programme. Thus skilled personnel will be made available, out-trip sites procure, and out-trip equipment included and maintained in the camp inventories.
- that crafts as they are related to outdoor living and the camp programme in general, are important. Thus we will provide an adequate shop where materials and tools will be available to campers under trained leadership.
- that games and sports should be part of the camp programme. Thus we will provide an improved campus on which activities can be carried on in a satisfying way, as well as improved recreational equipment and facilities.
- that high standards of neatness and tidiness should be encouraged at all times in cabins and throughout the camp generally. Thus we will at all times emphasize this as part of the responsibilities of camper and staff alike as well as administration.
- that the use of awards and competitions to motivate campers to high standards of personal accomplishment as well as tidiness and neatness, cannot be justified. Thus we will eliminate awards and competitions as a means of motivation and make every effort to have the camper experience the satisfaction that comes from cooperation and accepting responsibilities for the good of the whole group.
- that health in its newest and broadest concept is all important. Thus we will provide a high standard of meals, a healthful environment, safety without coddling, and every opportunity to have improved health, mentally and socially.
- that there is a fundamental need for worship, irrespective of creed or color. Thus we will provide well planned and suitable chapel services, campfires, evening music and “drifts” and other types of programme which will meet this need.