Árdís - 01.01.1949, Page 20

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ÁRDÍ S
blue sky with a light breeze passing gently through the grand old
trees, that have seen many a such morning.
Boys of all sizes, from fifteen to their early twenties can be
seen rushing in their bathing suits, down to the pool for an early
dip. Others are running to where the flag pole is, to raise the flag
for the day, with a salute and a recital of the pledge to their
beloved country.
Then come the setting up exercises for all, conducted by their
recreation director.
Back to their cabins they hurry to dress and tidy up. Some
get sweeping done before the bell rings for Morning Watch. This
is a ten-minute period of devotions; first in the cabin, led by their
leader—a prayer and a scripture reading—and then followed by
individual lesson study set for that day. For this individual study
the boys go to their favorite spot near the cabin—a mossy stone,
or under a tree, or lying prone on the green grass. Silence reigns
over the camp for this period.
The breakfast bell rings and what a scramble from all directions
to the dining hall, filling the air with shouts and talk from these
two hundred and eighty-seven boys. Each boy knows his tribe’s
allotted tables, Director Berkheimer blows his whistle and instantly
there is silence. He calls on some one (a young minister or an
instructor or a young boy) to say a prayer. Breakfast is served and
then the fun begins. At first the boys are too busy consuming
porridge, cereal, toast, apple-butter, cocoa and milk, to do much
talking but soon the first pangs of hunger have been satisfied and
the noise gradually increases. At a table in the corner a song begins
and soon the whole crowd has joined in. Then two groups may try
to out-drown each other in two different songs. When the noise
seems to be out of hand, the whistle is sounded and all quietens
for a while.
Entrance into and departure from the dining hall is at all times
done in an orderly manner, each tribe leaving when called by the
camp director.
Duty period now begins and a great deal of sweeping and
tidying is done in cabins, on the grounds and in the larger buildings.
All these duties are allotted to tribes and cabin groups. All must
be in order when the inspectors arrive, while classes are in session.
Three inspectors are chosen each day from instructors not occupied
at that time.
The bell for classes rings all too soon and once more all is quiet.
Classes continue for two half-hour periods and then a twenty-