THE BOYS' BRIGADE SEASIDE CAMPS FOR LONDON BOYS.
[To THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR."] Sts,—Now that the Boys' Brigade is arranging for its Summer Camps we venture to ask that you should permit us to remind the public of the value to the nation of the work that is being done by the Brigade and of the benefits to health and general efficiency, which thousands of boys derive each year from a short period of training under canvas. Of the 70,000 boys in the Brigade in this country the London Council is responsible for the welfare of 10,000. But for the efforts of the Brigade these boys, most of them recruited from the poorer classes, would be left without a wholesome and regular form of recreation after working hours, and, indeed, without any of that discipline which makes for physical strength and independence of character. In winter they are given a systematic course of military drill, and are provided with exercise in gymnasia and on the football field ; on Sundays they receive religious instruction under the direction of the Church with which their company is associated. In summer it is recognized that the proper complement to this system of training is a period under can. visa, when the boys may take part in outdoor exercises such as scouting, cricket, and swimming, and have the opportunity—so prized by boys who have had to spend a long twelve months at work in a cheerless atmosphere of London streets—of living, if only for a week or ten days, a life that offers free scope for the natural energies of boyhood.
At a moment when there is much discussion on the means of improving the national physique we desire to draw attention to the results which have been accomplished and to the methods which are being used by the Boys' Brigade. Founded twenty-eight years ago by Sir William A. Smith with a company of only thirty boys, the Brigade has grown to a world membership of 120,000. It was the first organization of its kind to be formed for the training of the youth of the nation, and throughout its existence it has had the gratitude of employers and officers of the Terri- torial Force because of the efficiency of the boys—to the number of over half a million—who have passed through its ranks. This, we submit, represents a debt due from the country to the Brigade, and gives us justification in making an appeal for funds to cover the cost of the summer camps. At present the funds do not allow more than one-third of the boys to attend camp. It is the ambi- tion of the Brigade to be able to announce that its efforts have received such recognition that every boy in its ranks is able to have a week under canvas.
The cost for each boy is about 15s., and the boys pay about half themselves. Thus each member of the public who contributes a guinea will have the satisfaction of knowing that by giving three boys a week's experience of camp life in pure air and under proper supervision he is doing something towards the support of an organization which is working strenuously for the improvement of the manhood of the Empire.
Contributions will be gratefully received by the Honorary Treasurer or the London Secretary, the Boys' Brigade, 34 Pater- noster Row, E.C. ; and cheques should be crossed "Union of London & Smith's Bank."—We are, Sir, &c.,
ARGYLL. jOHN M. M")0DT,
CHARLES BERESFORD. Major-General (Retired), TULLIBARDINR, President of the London Connell. A. F. Buxmow, Treasurer.
Roams S. Pxscoex, London Secretary.
London Office of the Boys' Brigade, 34 Paternoster Row, E.C.
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