Árdís - 01.01.1954, Blaðsíða 50

48
ÁRDÍS
to swim under the ‘Buddy System’. This means that each swimmer
has a partner; they stay close together all the time they are in the
lake. Whenever the instructor blows his whistle the buddies put
their hands up in the air. This eliminates many hazards since the
children stay together and anyone falling or going under, would be
noticed or missed by his buddy immediately. Children are under
the constant care of a competent instructor who is trained by the
Red Cross and is an expert in his field. The leaders assist the swim-
ming instructor in seeting that no child goes beyond a given point
desigated before they go into the water. Safety is stressed at all
times, in the water and on the grounds.
While our camping period is actually very short, the routine has
proved a benefit for health. It isn’t possible to exaggerate the pos-
sibilities of camp life in this regard. After a long sleep in the lovely
fresh air it is no wonder we awake each morning with such hearty
appetites. Playing out in the sun all day gives us an extra supply
of Vitamin D. Swimming daily also increases our appetite, as well
as teaching us to practice and improve our muscular co-ordination,
an essential factor in successful work and play. Each day is planned.
At first the rest periods are not appreciated but we soon learn to
value them. During these days of hustle and bustle in our daily
lives, I often look back to the rest periods at camp where we were
taught to relax.
As a leader, I learned even more things at camp. Even though
I was a little older, I found that there were still traits of character
and habits that had to be improved. A leader must set an example
for the campers. The campers get pleasure in trying to do some of
the things their leaders do, even to trying to speak in the same
manner or laugh in the same way. A leader must be tolerant and
avoid favoritism at all times; all campers must be treated the same
way. She must gain respect and instil the will to do things as forced
campers are poor morale boosters, and she must instil the desire to
return again next year. Above all, a leader must know, love and be
able to understand children. She must realize that they are young,
mischievous and sensitive, and be careful how she reprimands them
if that is necessary as their feelings are so easily hurt. She must
practice patience, as there are always unavoidable difficult periods
to endure with every child. Many things have to be explained, and
to some children several times. A leader must practice and teach