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ATURE should fill one of the most important parts of the camp program 

 because it is there that the child finds everything growing in its natural 

 setting. Other parts of the camp program such as dramatics, handcraft and 

 dancing have been adapted to camp use, but nature has a natural right to 

 be there. Because there is so much source material written on them already, 

 such as nature trails, games without equipment, museums, etc., many impor- 

 tant nature activities are not mentioned in this book. So this space is given 

 to more unusual and perhaps less used projects. The nature activities men- 

 tioned here should stimulate the leader to look for additional material to 

 incorporate with the following suggestions. 



MAKE YOUR CAMP NATURE CONSCIOUS 



The nature counselor can use many subtle ways to interest children who 

 come to nature camp. One of the favorite methods always has been to build 

 a nature means where, it is hoped, all campers will come to see displays and 

 be inspired with a desire to find out more about nature. Very often the 

 building which usually has been devoted to this purpose is unattractive 

 and not very stimulating, a long way from the center of the camp ground. 

 Why not have your nature displays in a cabin where the campers congregate 

 or in the dining hall where everyone meets three times a day? Attractive 

 displays can be placed over the fireplace, on window sills or porches; or 

 flowers and ferns might be transplanted to add beauty to the landscape 

 gardening. It is important that you keep your specimens fresh and change 

 the water often in the aquariums. 



In trying to make the whole camp nature-conscious one should plan 

 the program to include all the campers, not just nature students. 



The following suggestions should start thoughts of other ways to stimu- 

 late interest. 



A Bulletin Board hung in the spot where campers congregate is one way. 

 It is important to have the displays changed often and always is more interest- 

 ing when living plants are included with the exhibit rather than mere printed 

 matter. The background should be made of soft wood or covered with a 

 material into which thumb tacks easily can be forced. The diagram suggests 

 a board with small shelves on which can be placed rock specimens, seed 

 pods, pine cones or anything you wish to display. The small test tubes on 



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