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DYMCHURCH HOLIDAY CAMP.
Extracts from Report by Miss L. P. Wise.
1 have much pleasure in presenting the Fifth Annual Report
of the Girls' Camp, held at Dymchureh from 27th July to 10th
August, 1980.
The party numbered 218 girls, and a staff of 11. Of these,
147 were assisted cases, and the rest paid the full cost of the holiday.
The travelling arrangements made by the Committee were
excellent. We travelled, as usual, by the District Railway to Cannon
Street, and there found awaiting us a corridor train long
enough for every girl to enjoy a corner seat for the two and a half
hours' journey to New Romney.
The delightfully pleasant journey over, we settled down to a
meal to which we all did justice, and then preparations for the
fortnight began in earnest. As usual, we first arranged ourselves
into sections with colours; one member of the staff attaching
herself to each group, an arrangement which we find soon makes
the girls feel at home, as friends can be accommodated in the same
group.
From the dining hall we trooped along to the dormitories.
This year we had three, all situated in the Berkshire Block. As the
dining hall is under the same roof, we avoided the risk of getting
wet going to and from meals.
Naturally, much of the fortnight is spent on the sea shore
Bathing was organised three times every day, so that at least one
dip per day was possible for everyone. Bathing was always
most carefully supervised, although the bathing on that beach is
absolutely safe. It is surprising how many good swimmers were
in the party.
Games, as usual, were an important item in the programme,
the girls entering with zest into hockey on the beach, net-ball,
cricket, rounders, etc., in the grounds, and last, but by no means
least, ludo and halma in the dormitories during the showers. Not
only did we play matches amongst ourselves, but we challenged
other parties there, and put out teams in response to their invitations.
Outings were arranged to suit everyone, from those with very
Me pocket money to the most affluent. A charabanc trip to
Canterbury was enjoyed by about 80 of the girls. The usual outings
to Folkstone, Hvthe, New Romney, and the Marshes were
undertaken, and one of the most enjoyable excursions was the
visit to Dungeness Lighthouse.
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