Afternoons at Linton

Camp Boxwell at Linton and the Narrows of the Harpeth operated a little differently than summer camp does today. These differences included the Scout-directed Camp Council, the staff composed of adult volunteers, and even meals that required Scouts to bring their own mess kits.

These differences were true in program too. Camp Boxwell–and most other youth summer camp programs in the 1920s and 1930s–focused on instruction in the morning and activity in the afternoon. In other words, merit badges and Scout skillwere all done from about 9 a.m. until noon. The afternoon was primarily recreational activities, such as baseball, volleyball, and more. The afternoon activities were focused on team-building and group interaction. Teaching group cooperation and working together was believed to build better citizens.

Seen here is one such summer activity at Linton’s Boxwell. Tug-of-war was a popular activity in these years and a great example of the team-building spirit camp was supposed to instill.

“Scouts to revive Tug-of-War at Camp Boxwell,” Nashville Banner, June 20, 1926, pg. 22.