Camping For Boys by Henry William Gibson is a timeless guide for any young adventurer looking to explore the wonders of the great outdoors. This book serves as a handy companion, providing an extensive array of practical tips and knowledge about camping, survival skills, and various outdoor activities that will captivate young readers.
One of the most delightful aspects of this book is its simple yet engaging writing style. Gibson effortlessly imparts his wisdom and experience, speaking directly to the reader in a friendly manner. This approach allows for easy comprehension, making the book accessible to boys of different ages and backgrounds.
The book covers a wide range of topics, starting with the basics of camping gear and equipment selection. Gibson describes in detail the necessary tools, tents, and cooking utensils, as well as offering helpful advice on their usage and maintenance. He also delves into important aspects of campsite selection, fire building, and safety precautions, ensuring that readers are well-prepared for any outdoor adventure.
What sets Camping For Boys apart from other similar guides is the emphasis placed on self-sufficiency and acquiring wilderness skills. Gibson includes chapters on fishing, hunting, and foraging, teaching readers how to catch their own food and identify edible plants in the wild. These sections not only encourage a sense of independence but also instill respect and appreciation for nature.
Moreover, the book includes chapters on various outdoor activities, such as hiking, canoeing, and wildlife observation. Gibson goes into great detail, providing useful tips on navigation, water safety, and animal behavior. This comprehensive approach ensures that young readers are equipped with the knowledge required to confidently embark on their outdoor adventures.
In addition to the practical information, Gibson also adds anecdotes and stories from his own experiences, bringing an element of excitement and adventure to the book. These personal stories allow readers to connect with the author and further inspire their own sense of wonder and exploration.
While the book's title may suggest it is exclusively for boys, it should be noted that the content is valuable for anyone interested in camping and outdoor activities. The gender-neutral advice and inclusive language throughout the book make it equally appealing and relevant to girls who wish to embark on their own outdoor adventures.
Overall, Camping For Boys by Henry William Gibson is a captivating and informative guide that excites the imagination and fuels the spirit of adventure in young readers. It offers a comprehensive overview of camping and outdoor skills, empowering readers to connect with nature and foster a lifelong love for the great outdoors. Whether you are just starting your camping journey or seeking to enhance your existing knowledge, this book is a must-read resource for adventurers of all ages.
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Transcriber's Notes.This book shows a world where character and morality are prized. The goal of camp is not just to get the boys out the parents' hair, but to encourage good character and citizenship. Camp leaders are enticed by the contribution they can make to the boys' futures and are selected (or rejected) based on their own moral virtues.
There are many practical suggestions for safety and comfort aside from the absence of modern materials and conveniences, like nylon and gas stoves.
Medical advice given in the book is from 1913 and may be unhelpful, often contradicts current practice and involves unsafe or now illegal substances.
The approximate conversion for prices is 20 to 1, $1 in 1913 is about $20 in 2004.
[Illustration: Photograph by Joseph Legg]
The Heart of the Camp
Have you smelled wood smoke at twilight? Have you heard the birch log burning? Are you quick to read the noises of the night? You must follow with the others for the young men's feet are turning To the camps of proved desire and known delight.
From Kipling's "Feet of the Young Men."
CAMPING FOR BOYS H. W. GIBSON
ASSOCIATION PRESS NEW YORK 1913
Copyright, 1911, by the INTERNATIONAL COMMITTEE OF YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATIONS
TO THE THOUSAND AND MORE BOYS WHO HAVE BEEN MY CAMP MATES IN CAMPS SHAND, DURRELL AND BECKET
CONTENTS
Foreword General Bibliography I... Continue reading book >>
