Freedom to Play: We Made Our Own Fun

(Untitled)

There was never a dull moment—perhaps that is why I can’t understand it when my grandchildren complain, “I’m bored.” DAUPHIN FAIR Pathfinders, Free Press Prairie Farmer August 29, 1943 Olga Kudurudz Shortdale, Man. Dear Pathfinders: Dauphin Fair was held July 10. The girls from our club were given tickets from Miss McConnell, and we also got a ride in a truck to the fair. Miss Herman, our teacher and leader, took us to the tent where we were registered. There was a fashion parade for the girls—three girls from our club were in it. Then after the fashion parade there followed a parade of all the club boys and girls. In that parade there were 650 children. There were sewing clubs, swine clubs, grub [grain] clubs, garden clubs, and calf clubs. Following the parade Miss McConnell gave prizes for the best costumes worn. My birthday is Nov. 15 and I am 13 years old. Have I a twin? I would like pen pals from Alberta and Saskatchewan. Letters with snaps will be answered first. Pathfinders, Free Press Prairie Farmer June 3, 1943 Mary Kett (14) Marshall, Sask. Dear Pathfinders: I thought I should like to tell about the Girl Guides. I have belonged to the sisterhood of Guides for over a year now. I am patrol leader. 98 Freedom to Play I think any girl that is interested should talk it over with other girls, and get in touch with those in authority and arrange to form a company. If a girl is by herself she may become a Lone Guide. The Guides also heed the national outcry for assistance. The companies in our town have sent one shipment of clothes for the homeless victims in bomb-shattered Great Britain, and they are busily making more. The training of a Girl Guide is an education in itself. She may learn many useful things. Proficiency badges are awarded any girl that excels in any occupation or hobby. Remember the future queen, Princess Elizabeth, is a Girl Guide. CAMPING WITH THE GUIDES Pathfinders, Free Press Prairie Farmer, n.d. Nellie Mailie Moose Jaw, Sask. Dear Pathfinder. Holidays are here again—holidays that mean swimming, camping, canoeing, and many other pleasant things. I had the good fortune to attend Guide camp this year for a glorious week. One hundred and three girls attended the camp which was divided into four divisions called pink, purple, white and blue. Each tent was named so we called ours “Well-Come-In.” Every morning at 7:15 the captain blew the whistle for rising and we all prepared for a dip in the cold water. We then prepared breakfast on stoves made by the camp girls. Later, after tidying up our tents, we had the color party gather where all in full Guide uniform gathered around the flag pole which centered the camp and sang “God Save the King.” Then came inspection. The neatest tent in each division received a flag. For the rest of the day we engaged in treasure hunts, regatta and rest hour. In the evening we gathered and sang jolly songs and then “taps” to end our perfect day. The last night of camp we had a masquerade where all types of costumes rigged up from uniforms, sheets, blankets and guide Playing Is Playing When Shared 99 ...