Árdís - 01.01.1949, Page 19

Ársrit Bandalags lúterskra kvenna
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discovered or developed in himself. At Nawakwa, in numerous
classes specializing in the science and technique of leadership, many
interesting discoveries are made, discoveries of what leaders are
and can become. Then after all too short a camp period, these
people, young and old, go to put into practise in church activities,
the many ideas learned at camp.
In addition to group study and group discussions, a personal
element weaves through the student’s life in camp, which leads to
the realization of leadership qualifications. Here is where a group
leader can do much for his camper. Through personal acquaintance
and friendships established, the students are led to reveal their
thoughts re the more serious side of life, and the leader is able to
find access for advice and suggestion, for in all cases the adolescent
is confused and needs kindly guidance. This may lead to individual
•or group discussions of life’s ambitions and characteristics needed
to achieve these ambitions. Desirable or undesirable traits of
character are revealed and thus the leader is given the road to
follow for wise and true guidance of those placed in his or her care.
It is impossible to measure the results of good group leadership
in camp but I was told that many have declared in later years, that
through wise camp leaders and kindly advice, they found a fuller
way of living and learned the joy of service to their church and
community.
This camp was established for a very serious purpose. Permit
me to quote a statement of Dr. Hadwin Fischer, the founder of
this camp: “Since its founding, Nawakwa is a camp of the church.
It aims to discover leadership, to train leadership and to link
leadership to the church. It asks the church to select its campers
and students carefully and aims to give them that training which
will lead to intelligent co-operation when these people return home
to their communities and to their churches”.
The camp’s program, while differing from the average camps,
because of the spiritual emphasis, is brimful of variety, combining
spiritual training and recreation, to the greatest advantage.
To show how this combination of human needs is carried
throughout their program, may I give you a brief synopsis of one
day in this camp.
At the stroke of seven our friend the bugler sounds the reveille
and ends his call with some popular air. This being a clear sunshiny
morning he plays the well known popular song: “Oh, what a
beautiful morning, Oh, what a beautiful day”. We rise from a
restful night with that thought in mind, and the sun smiles in á