Early in the work it was found that there was a tendency to get something 

 for nothing. To overcome this trouble is one of the greatest problems of a charit- 

 able work of this kind. There are many exceptions to this rule, but the difficulty 

 is to distinguish them. There is nothing more harmful to a child than to let it 

 grow up with the thought that he or she can get something for nothing, or without 

 having earned it in some way. Charity is at its best when it stimulates and assists 

 those who are objects of it to help themselves. 



These Outing Farm Boys pay their railroad fares, buy their own uniforms, 

 which are serviceable for camp life, and provide their own blankets ; this gives them 

 the feeling of doing something for themselves. We insist on the uniforms for the 

 reason that it is desirable to have them wear something serviceable, and their city 

 clothes would not stand the wear and tear. It also gives the camp a greater air of 

 democracy which the mixture of fine, medium and poor garments would not give. 



The boys all come with the knowledge that they come on their merits, as good 

 boys with a fair record, and that they could not come otherwise. 



They come in the summer only, and remain from six to eight weeks. Some 

 cannot stay more than two, as they must return to work. A few are sent by par- 

 ents who cannot afford to take them and who are trying to get a little beyond a 

 bare making of both ends meet. The boys must all be under the age of fourteen. 



At the commencement of school vacation the camp opens. The number ranges 

 from thirty to sixty during the summer. Semi-military discipline is employed for 

 the purpose of systematically conducting the camp. It is not harsh. The boys rise 

 promptly at six-thirty and fall into line. After a short series of setting-up exer- 

 cises they wash and fall in for first mess. When the meal is over a general camp- 

 cleaning ensues, then an inspection of quarters. The rest of the day is free with 

 the exception of the ceremony of retreat at sundown and taps at nine-thirty. 



But what do we do with them ? Do we merely take these boys down to a 

 place on the mountain where the scenery is beautiful and the air invigorating and 

 expect them to amuse themselves in whatever way they chose? 



The work is educational and it is inspirational. But that remains for the 

 worker who directs their energies and gives them their inspiration. This is where 

 knowledge of the boy comes in and the subtle methods of the psychologist find 

 play. This is where body-building and morals have their brief opportunity. This 

 stage of a boy's life is the time to do him the most good. Therefore, in directing 

 their sports (for that is all it is to them, and all it should be) we endeavor to make 

 the most of the opportunity. 



To make the work educational we have adopted two different phases — the 

 Field Study Club and the theatre. In the Field Study Club an effort is made to 

 interest them in the things around them — to give them an elementary knowledge of 

 wild life. In the spring various kinds of animals — birds, snakes, lizards, etc., are 

 caught, for here are opportunities to impress the boy's mind while it is in its most 

 receptive state. And this is when knowledge of the natural laws of life may be 

 conveyed in such a way as to have a permanently good effect upon his mind. The 

 things taught are those which may be of use some time and which start his mind 

 toward reasoning. 



In their studies the boys are arranged in different classes, but the spirit of 

 study is left out. It is easy to get them to discuss the ways of the snake, and 

 when they see it eat they are sure to become interested. All are encouraged to 

 hunt for specimens of bugs and butterflys, and strange flowers and plants. When 

 they find any they are always curious to learn something about it. 



The chief aim is to give the good city boy something to look forward to as a 

 reward for his virtues. Everything is done to make his vacation a wholesome one. 

 Athletics, swimming, fishing and hiking trips are encouraged and carried on. In 

 fact, hiking trips to the Big Basin and through the San Lorenzo River Valley are 

 made every summer. On these trips the Field Study Club has unlimited oppor- 

 tunities. The giant redwoods, the azalea-blossomed banks of the upper San Lor- 

 enzo, with its trout, and the wild animal life of the hills, all hold the interest of the 

 boy. 



