Camp Mooswa
A Summer Camp For Boys
Lake Annis Yarmouth Co. Nova Scotia
Partial reproduction of 1940 pamphlet
Submitted by Dot Vallillee




In a general way the pictures herewith and the honor roll indicate the camp activities. In addition to these there are canoe runs to fine unspoiled trout streams, overnight camping trips of tent life, trips to the Bay of Fundy for an occasional salt bath, to Lobster Bay to watch, and perhaps assist, in catching tuna fish on rod and reel, or to Burrill's cattle ranch, or a long canoe run over the Maxwelton Lakes and up the Moose River and trout streams. The side trips vary from year to year. Just which ones shall be taken cannot be very surely determined in advance, for much depends upon the ages and inclinations of the campers.

A DAY'S PROGRAM

Every day in Mooswa "starts right" with "waking up" exercises at 7 a. in., then a quick dip and towel, the finest possible preparation for a hearty breakfast. 

Cabin duties occupy the time between breakfast and morning assembly, at which announcements for the day are made and squads are assigned to the various departments in rotation for instruction in all the activities in which boys are interested, or should be interested. There is exceptional interest in all water- front activities at Mooswa Ä swimming, canoeing, boating, and sailing, for all of which the camp offers fairly good facilities. There are boats and canoes to accommodate the entire camp on the lake at one time should such an occasion arise. In the afternoon there are optional sports; tennis, sailing, fishing trips, woodcraft, sometimes sailing races, or tennis tournaments, interesting games for the youngest boys and open periods for individual enjoyment of hobbies or freedom for approved initiative, all activities under supervision for safety, harmony, help and encouragement. On three evenings a week, right after dinner, the soft ball teams of the camp league strive for the bronze medals awarded to each member of the team winning the greatest number of games during the season. Various games of equal interest occupy other evenings until "retreat" calls all boys to their cabins for a half hour of story telling and relaxation around the open camp fires before turning in for ten hours of sleep so essential for every active growing boy. Councilors are with their boys in their own cabins until the boys are asleep, and they are the first to awaken their boys in the morning. While some councilors are "off duty" some evenings, there are always some who remain on guard in the cabin groups throughout the night.

(Visiting parent and Vic)
Following the noon lunch at 12 :30 there is an hour of rest and relaxation when campers are either sleeping, reading, or writing letters.

LAKE ANNIS Ä A HEALTHFUL LOCATION

Patrons subject to hay fever have, without exception, found a greater measure of relief than they had found anywhere else. A visiting physician once ventured  a possible explanation for this immunity. Off the west coast of Nova Scotia in July and August fog banks lie over the Bay of Fundy. The prevailing breeze is from the west and comes to this fog bank surcharged with pollen of the western plains and New England. The fog bank acts as a screen and the pollen is precipitated off the coast.

Mosquitoes and insect pests are so rare in Camp Mooswa that no screens are necessary for either doors or windows. Visiting parents are at first disturbed when they find no screens on their chamber windows, but they have discovered by morning that screens had not been needed except to keep out a few moths attracted by the light bulb. The permanent members of the staff understand all first aid remedies, and

1940 Thirty-second Season Eight weeks, Beginning July 1

Camp Mooswa continues under the general direction of George H. Cain (Cambridge Latin School) and the active leadership of his sons, Victor R. Cain (Calvert School, Baltimore, Md.) and Carrol M. Cain (Belmont Junior High School) each of whom has had several years of experience as school masters and playground directors. Mrs. George Cain, Mrs. Victor Cain and Mrs. Carroll (lain will contribute their very friendly and matronly interest in the daily social welfare of the campers. Mooswa is a very real "Family Camp" both in the nature of its personnel and the limitation of its enrollment to forty boys from eight to fourteen years of age, with a few older boys whose interests are largely fishing, golf, and summer study under tutors. Mothers of younger boys away from home for the summer will appreciate the time and place of a mother's cheerful influence during the long vacation.

No menial tasks are required of the boys. There are servants and helpers for all that sort of thing. The camp is for play and instruction in play. But campers are required to share in certain light duties in and about their own cabins, self-respecting and mutually helpful, as an elementary habit of good citizenship. In addition to the permanent staff, other college men are engaged as the occasion requires.

 

Note: Reproduction by OCR please excuse text errors.
Several of the many pictures included.

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