AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS 
June, 1912 
The open air life throughout the Summer time is what every American boy should be given an opportunity to enjoy 
Boys Camps 
By Mary H. Northend 
Photographs by the author 
UMMER camps for boys represent a fea- 
ture of the culture and refinement of mod- 
ern youth that is equally important, in 
proportion, with their educational instruc- 
tion. A decade or so ago these camps were 
looked upon with disfavor by the majority 
of people, who viewed them in the light of a fad that would 
in a few years at the most outlive its popularity. But there 
was a side to this so-called fad that these same people failed 
to consider seriously, but which almost immediately mani- 
fested itself, and year by year grew in importance, until 
there was no denying its advantages. This was the oppor- 
tunity for physical betterment that the open air life and 
regular exercise afforded, and which, more than anything 
else, has helped to make the Summer camp a permanent 
institution. 
The idea of its formation, in some instances at least, 
was the outgrowth of the Summer homes of large families 
of boys, whose parents were quick to see and understand the 
elevating tendency of outdoor life. In not a few cases the 
home became a paying camp, open to other boys, and when 
once the success of this home camp project became assured, 
it was adopted as a business venture by any number of men 
and women, some of whom maintained Winter boarding- 
schools and were, in consequence, especially fitted to take 
charge of children. Under the supervision of such instruc- 
tors, the benefits to be derived became more and more pro- 
nounced, and the project, begun in such a simple way, rap- 
idly developed, with far-reaching results. 
Considered thoughtfully, one cannot wonder that this is 
so. The camp offers to the boy the advantage of being 
under the daily supervision of competent physical instruc- 
tors, whose duty it is to promote his health, and it affords 
to him the opportunity of enjoying a care-free open-air life 
for two months with boys of his own age. In addition, he 
is provided with numerous opportunities for healthful sports 
and useful occupations, he is rested and stimulated, as well 
as nourished with wholesome food at regular hours. Also, 
through the lessons learned here, he acquires a self-reliance 
that serves him in good stead in later life. 
No parents for the sum of the tuition fee—varying from 
$150.00 to $200.00—could begin to provide at home for 
their boys the facilities, together with the appurtenances, 
for sports and instruction such as are provided at camp, 
