View report page

(c) School Journeys and Camps.
During; the year several Departments undertook School
Journeys to different places for varying periods. The children
were accommodated in Boarding-houses or hostels, while some
went under canvas.
All children before going on a School Journey are examined
by an Assistant School Medical Officer, as to their fitness to
undertake the journey.
Holiday Camps were held during the Summer Vacation for
boys and girls, at Shoeburyness and Dymchurch respectively.
Here again all selected children were previously medically inspected
and dentally examined, special regard being paid to cleanliness
and freedom from contagion.
This branch of the Education Committee's activities is not
only greatly appreciated by the children who are fortunate enough
to go, but show results, from the medical point of view, which
make one regret that this scheme could not be still further
extended.
The following extracts from the reports of the respective
Camp Superintendents are of interest:—
Mr. Taylorson reports—
"The ninth annual report on the West Ham Schoolboys'
Hospital Camp presents some difficulties, inasmuch as in the main
it will be but a repetition of those of previous years.
Once again the seaward meadow of South Shoebury Hall
Farm was our temporary home. Through the courtesy in placing
a barn at our disposal throughout the year many of our transport
difficulties have been solved. Indeed, were it not for these facilities
many of the amenities which so distinguish our camp would
have to lapse, as the cost of transporting heavy and bulky fittings
of the bath house, washing sheds, latrines and kitchen would be
prohibitive.
This year 862 boys enjoyed your hospitality, being divided
into two nearly equal parties. On Thursday, July 26th, the boys
from the Northern half of the Borough entrained, giving way to
their Southern friends on August 10th.
Throughout, the weather was glorious, and all revelled in the
sunshine which was our practically constant companion. The
general health was the best we have as yet experienced, although
our first serious case of illness developed towards the end of our
stay, a boy having to be operated upon for appendicitis. He
received every care and attention at the Southend General Hospital,
and made a good recovery.
The equipment is in general good order. Only minor
replacements will be necessary, except that a new mess marquee is
fast becoming essential.
159