by Asa Gallagher, Camp Burgess Director

Two years ago I walked inside the basement of our year-round camp office, looking for an old box of paperwork, and to my surprise I uncovered a treasure trove of historical artifacts that date back to the start of this camp in 1928.  The following excerpts are taken from a 1948 Camp Burgess brochure. 

Purpose

Camp Burgess believes a wholesome experience in outdoor living is a constructive influence in boy’s lives, and one which endures.  It plans its activities so that constant contact with the natural beauty of Cape Cod’s lakes and woodlands, joined with devoted and intelligent guidance, will encourage campers to respect and conserve nature’s handiwork.

Camper’s Equipment (Packing List)

Spare Underclothing, trousers, shirt or waists, stockings, shoes, sneakers, suit of white for Sunday, tennis racquet, toilet articles, poncho, fishing tackle, baseball outfit, bible, knife, needle and thread, laundry soap…

Program

The Camp program is planned to produce a wholesome outlet for the energy of normal boys, and will include athletics, baseball, tennis, swimming, life-saving, boating, fishing, nature study, woodcraft, hikes, model making, dramatics…

Health

Miss Etta Bond, trained nurse, is in camp for the entire season…The drinking water supply is secured from driven wells…A well-equipped sanitary house safeguards the health of the boys…The best of food is served…Pasteurized milk is delivered daily…As far as possible , fresh vegetables are used…

Reservations

After completely filling out and signing application, attach one dollar and mail to Camp Burgess.  A notice of receipt of application will be sent within a few days.  A camp number will be assigned, which should be marked in non-fading ink on each article. 

As you can see, things were much different back then.  Most glaringly, camp was for boys only.  The idea of a girl’s camp called Hayward hadn’t even been conceived of yet.  It is also clear that some things haven’t changed at all.  The blending of old and new traditions is what helps to make our camp so special today.