THE RURAL COMMUNITY 325 



pecially for children and young people, has been very gener- 

 ally recognized in cities. Playgrounds and recreation centers 

 for both children and adults are organized in most cities and 

 are rendering a splendid service. 



* One of the lessons of the Great War is that of emphasiz- 

 ing the importance of recreation. An outstanding feature of 

 the cantonments where many thousands of soldiers were 

 trained was the provision for recreation. Perhaps no other 

 one thing, aside from actual military training itself, con- 

 tributed so largely to the efficiency of our soldiers as par- 

 ticipation in the various forms of recreation afforded at the 

 camps. 



It is hardly necessary to point out the value of recreation 

 for people who live on farms. Play and relaxation are just 

 as much needed by them as by other people. 



Fortunately, it is now possible in most rural communities 

 to develop organized recreation. There are several agencies 

 through which it may be developed, such as the school, the 

 church and Sunday school, the rural Y. M. C. A., the Boy 

 Scouts and the Campnre Girls, clubs, and social organizations. 



Recreational activities that have been successful in rural 

 communities may be included in four groups: first, those 

 that are suggested by the open country itself, such as fishing, 

 camping, tramping, winter sports, cooperative farm work, such 

 as husking bees, etc.; second, those furnished by the school, 

 church, and such organizations as the Boy Scouts, Campfire 

 Girls, and rural Y. M. C. A.; third, playground activities 

 with supervised play, games and athletics; fourth, community 

 activities such as festivals, pageants, athletic field-days, play- 

 picnics, and the like. 



Leadership and full participation are necessary for success 

 in any of these activities. Arrangements must be made for 



