Page:The history and achievements of the Fort Sheridan officers' training camps.djvu/380

 378 THE FORT SHERIDAN ASSOCIATION

"My dear Mr. Trude: During my tour of duty with the First Train- ing Camp at Fort Sheridan and since I have been in command of the Second Fort Sheridan Training Camp I have had occasion to observe the work of the Young Men's Christian Association here. Their work has been of great assistance in instructing and guiding the w^elfare of the young men here, making provision for w^holesome lectures, reading mate- rial, writing material and entertainments of various kinds. They have assisted in athletics and in every w^ay have co-operated with the officers in command to create ideal moral atmosphere around these young men. Their tact, diplomacy and good will has won for them the admiration of every member of this Camp, Their work is democratic and universal in its effect upon these men and most beneficial.

"Yours very truly,

"(Signed) J. A. RYAN, "Colonel of Cavalry, Commanding."

This Procedure and Program of the Y. M. C. A. was presented by Mr. Martin to the Commanding Officer:

1. By authority of the Commandant, a presentation of Army Y. M. C. A. work to all companies by Y. M. C. A. officers.

2. Special bulletin boards at all companies. Some events an- nounced at mess.

3. Camp registration. A census which helped men to find their church, fraternity, lodge or college brother. Registration for educational classes, of talent, volunteers, etc.

4. Directory of Camp at Y. M. C. A. office.

5. Educational classes, French and English.

6. Mass singing, specially — "Pack Up Your Troubles in Your Old Kit Bag and Smile, Smile, Smile," "Brighten the Corner Where You Are," "Keep the Home Fires Burning."

7. Song books furnished for barracks.

8. Glee Club.

9. Company Inner Circles anti-profanity and obscenity; daily

reading or "Soldier Spirit."

1 0. Bible classes. Vespers and Sunday church services.

1 I. Use of War Roll card with G. Sherwood Eddy with 442 signa- tures. Presentation of Pocket Testament League with 304 members signed up

1 2. Distribution of khaki Testaments and other religious literature.

I 3. Personal interviews.

14. Band concerts, other professional and amateur entertainment; movies.

15. Lectures: Handling Men; Why We Are in the War; Morale of the Soldier.

1 6. Dr. Winfield Scott Hall. Sex Hygiene.

I 7. Physical director as "Camp Recreational Director", conducting games, leagues and meets.

1 8. Home visitation groups.

19. Reception and farew^ells to arriving and departing groups.

20. Swimming for non-swimmers (First Camp).

2 1 . Hospital and jail visitation, supplies and meetings.

22. Average number of letters written daily, 2,000.

23. Average daily attendance at building, 1,500.

24. Library books in circulation, 1,000.

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