Campercraft or the Summer Camp 265 



No fellow should leave camp without permission. If he 

 does so, he may cause his Band to lose points. 



THE DOG SOLDIERS 



In every large camp it is found well to follow the Indian 

 custom in forming a Lodge of Dog Soldiers. These are a 

 band of eight or ten of the strongest and sturdiest fellows. 

 They act as police when needed, but wear no badge. They 

 must at once run to any place where the signal (a loud bay- 

 ing) is heard, and act promptly and vigorously. 



When the Chief has selected the huskies he wishes to have 

 in the Dog Lodge, he invites all to meet secretly in some 

 quiet teepee at night, explains the purpose and adds "I 

 have called on you who are here. If any do not wish to 

 serve, now is the time to retire." 



The sacred fire is Ughted in the middle, all stand in a ring 

 about it, each with his right hand on a war club above the 

 fire, his left holding a handful of ashes. Then all repeat 

 this vow: 



"As a Dog Soldier I pledge the might of my manhood to 

 the cause of law and justice in this Camp for the term of the 

 Camp or until released by the Chief, and if at any time I 

 fail in my duty through fear entering into my heart, may I 

 be dropped, scorned and forgotten like these ashes. " 



Then he scatters the ashes. 



It is customary for each Tribe to adopt further a secret 

 sign and password, which is taught to the Dog Soldiers as a 

 finish. 



INSPECTION 



Every day there is "an inspection. It is best in the 

 middle of the morning. The Chief and his second go from 



