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Camp Kawanhee
A Memory Book
The Wigwam
For Parents: A Reprint about Packages
For Parents -a Reprint about Packages
At the request of the Directors the following article is being quoted from the Wigwam of July 29, 1954. The problem is not now so acute as it was then, but it is waxing again. It is hoped that this reprint may be instrumental in preventing any further build-up.
"The Directors wish to ask the co-operation of Kawanhee parents in a matter effecting both the health and the morale of the camp. The 'package' problem has reached a new high this year. The receipt of Parcel Post mail is keeping the camp post office hopping, and the dispersal of these packages through the lodges is creating several regrettable situations.
"The majority of these packages, of course, contain candy and other sweets. It need not be pointed out how quickly an excess of such packages will scuttle the camp's plans for a balanced diet. Provisions are made for the supervised distribution of such extra sweets in reasonable quantities but, when every boy in a lodge has a box to be passed around, the arrangements inevitably break down. The supplies of candy from home already on hand, plus the candy available in limited quantities at the camp store, are more than ample to last out the remainder of the season. The Directors therefore believe it to be in the best interests of all concerned that an embargo at the source be placed on all further shipments of edibles except for birthday treats.
"The excess candy problem is merely one aspect of a larger problem which seems peculiarly out of place in a boys' camp; It is simply a manifestation of the old Keeping-up- with-the-Joneses attitude. If one boy in a group receives a certain kind of package from home, all the other boys are inclined to believe that they do not' rate' unless they have similar items, and promptly write home for them. This object of sudden demand may be candy; it may be some fancy article of clothing or equipment, or just a plain gadget; or it may be cash for extra buying on trips. The whole point seems to be to 'get something' in the mails. The desire for the' something' is stimulated too often, not by any need or taste, but by the mere fact that' the boy in the next bunk has one '. In this day and age, boys are subjected to too many social pressures of this type in the cities. The wholesome simplicity of camp life should bring com- parative freedom from such attitudes.
"In suggesting a reduction of these shipments from home, the Directors have no intention of interfering with packages celebrating birthdays and other special occasions. They would merely like to request that, in the future, packages be sent to Kawanhee only after the following question has been answered in the affirmative - Will the contents serve any real need in camp? Knowing that Kawanhee parents have the most immediate interest of all in the successful operation of the camp program, the Directors are confident of receiving the co-operation they ask in this matter."
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