James Laird - "Camping at Lark Ellen Home for Boys" - Page 2

Things calmed down once we were in the shelter of Catalina Island, and most of the sick ones revived enough to enjoy the rest of the trip up the island. From what I learned about boats later in life the "Betty 0" had no business going out in weather like we had on the trip to the Island.

Emerald Bay is a nice little cove with good protection from bad weather for boats and there were a couple anchored there when we arrived. One was a real beauty, a two master with a shiny black hull and bright (varnished) top sides. The scout camp had a small dock and the water is very shallow at low tide which is probably why they used the Betty O to transport us. Once ashore we were lined up military style in the parade ground. After roll call we were assigned our tents for the stay, given the rules we were to live by for the duration.

There was never a dull moment from that time on until the Betty O returned to take us home thirteen days later. The day started with a bugle call getting us to wake up, wash up, make your bed to military standards. You had to police up your tent and your outside area. The tent had a wooden floor. You then lined up for to march to the mess hall. After breakfast you had time to double check your tent and the area surrounding it before lining up in front of it for inspection. A gum wrapper, a twig, leaf or a wrinkle in your blanket got your tent demerits. After each inspection each tent went to perform a special activity designed to further your scouting ability. In swimming we were each tested for our ability to perform what we said we could do. If you could not swim you were a sinker and got lessons in swimming. A beginner was supposed to swim to a nearby float and back.