and superintend the service; and in every town there will be found men of high standing who will count it an honor to address the club on such an occasion, while entertainers and musicians will also gladly contribute their talent.  Probably the average minister does not duly appreciate how much high-grade assistance may be had for the mere asking and how much benefit comes to those who give of their ability as well as to those who are the fortunate recipients of such service.

The clubroom rapidly grows rich in associations as it becomes decorated with the symbols of the club and the trophies won from time to time.  Things that have happened but a year ago become entrancing lore to a group of boys, and the striking features of meetings, outings, or contests lose nothing in sentiment and cohesive worth as the months pass.  The sophisticated adult may not fully appreciate these little by-products of club activity, but the boy who is growing into his social and larger self makes every real incident a jewel rich in association and suggestive of the continuity and oneness of his group life.  The use of an appropriate pin or button, of club colors, yells, whistles, and secret signals will bear fruit a hundred fold in club consciousness and solidarity.

Summer is especially hard on the city boy.  If there is no vacation school, wholesome outdoor job, or satisfactory play, then mischief is certain.  Indoor life is particularly distasteful during the hot weather and the flat is intolerable.  Long hours and late are spent upon the street or in places of public amusement where immoral suggestions abound.  High temperature always weakens moral resistance and there is no telling into what trouble the boy may drift.  Hence to relinquish boys’ work in the summer is to fail the boy at the very time of his greatest need.  The competent leader does not abandon, he simply modifies his endeavor.  As early in the spring as the boys prefer outdoor play he is with them for baseball, track work, tennis, swimming, tramping, fishing, hunting, camping; closing the season with football and remaining out until the boys are eager to take up indoor work.  The lack of formal meetings in the summer need not concern the leader.  It is sufficient that he give the boys his fellowship and supervision and keep them well occupied.

In all of this outdoor work the program and activities of the Boy Scouts of America are unsurpassed.  In cultivating the pioneer virtues and in promoting health, efficiency, good citizenship, nature-study, and humane ideals no movement for boys has ever held such promise, and the promise will be realized if only Scout Masters in proper number and quality can be secured.  Here again the gauntlet is thrown at the door of the church and the challenge is to her manhood from the manhood of tomorrow.

[Illustration:  CITY BOYS “HIKING”]

[Illustration:  A WEEK-END CAMP]