keenest anticipation, mingled, however, with fear and trepida- tion. Never
was it more difficult to secure accommodation, never have prices soared so high as in this victory year, when tens of thousands of our young wage-earners are anxiously hoping for a real victory holiday.
We are planning camps for no fewer than ten thousand women and girls. Some of the camips are under canvas; others are rented houses, chiefly schools. Throughout July and August twenty-eight centres will be filled :and filled again with relays of happy girls, many of-whom would otherwise secure no holiday at all this victory year, the year for which they have worked so strenuously and for so long, in factories and in workshops.
Who has seen a well-worked girls' camp and not rejoiced at the sight ? I recall one now. Tents pitched on the aummit of a hill that slopes directly down to the sea. The first joy the day brings to the " campers " is in the early morning, when they feel the sea breeze and from their mattresses watch the little patrol-boats going up and down the Manuel. Later comes breakfast, a little fatigue work, and then the morning bathe, when the " campers " run joyously down from their tents on to the rocks and into the sea. When so- many girls have only a week's holiday in the whole year it matters tre- mendously to them how that week is spent, and there are many varying needs and tastes. The days pass quickly with rambles, bathing, picnics on the rocks and in- the fields, games, debates, and discussions. Girls, even the youngest-of them, are thinking furiously these days. How good it is to give, them the oppor- tunity of mutual help, of self-expression, of becoming articu- late! The evening will bring a concert or fancy-drees party, great fun (when wonderful dresses are marvellously impro- vised), or just a talk of things the girls care about; at last to bed, eventually back to their work in the cities, and haring enjoyed life healthily and enormously they return with a stronger faith in mankind and happier thoughts -of God.
As I write my mind turns to a long and mournful list in our office—a list of those who want to come and cannot afford it. That long list haunts me; behind every name is the heart of an eager youngster beating with anticipation and excitement, wondering these hot days as she works in factory or shop if victory year is going to be a holiday year for her or not. Will your readers help to make it so ? We want £2,500. A large sum—but ten thousand happy campers; think—I must not continue, but, oh! for some cheques !—I am, Sir, &c., EDITH PICTON-TURBERVILL
(Vice-President, National Y.W.C.A.). 26 George Street, Hanover Square.
P.S.—We need volunteers for house-mothers and officers. Application should be made to Mrs. Foulkes, Camp Office, 26 George Street.
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