THE HOMELETTER is our mode of informing you of our week’s events. The boys write home each week, but many items of interest are omitted, we are sure. This edition begins the thirty—sixth season of this pleasant tradition.

EXTRA COPIES: We will be glad to send the Homeletter to any grandparents or other interested members of the camper’s family when requested. We will also continue our practice of sending this publication to former campers and old councilors who have indicated their desire to receive it.

BILLS: The bills for the camp fee will be sent out within the next week. The tuition figure will read $280.00 with the pertinent deductions so noted. Those boys who are remaining for the second month will then have the remaining $200.00 billed on the August billing. We allow the boys to charge very small items at the camp store, and the bills for those incidentals will be sent out soon after the close of camp.

REPORTS: Councilors will begin their weekly camper reports with each subsequent Homeletter. Reports for tutoring boys will also be included with the following issues.

ENROLLMENT: Our enrollment stands at ninety-nine for the first half. We have been able to fill all requests for spaces. At this writing, we still have a few vacancies for the second half. Several first month boys have already indicated that they wish to remain at camp for the last four weeks.

TENT LISTS: We are including the tent lists for July with the hope, that it will assist in introducing you to the boys in your son’s tent as well as to his councilor. It will also aid in identifying the tents that will be performing on the stage in the tent plays for the current Saturdays. The curtain rises at 8:30 p.m., and we heartily welcome all guests. The tents producing plays this week will be Tents # 1, 2, 3, and 4.

SWIMMING TESTS: Frequently throughout the summer we will be referring to various swimming tests. To interpret our terminology, we are describing the tests as follows——the progression in distance being from “E” to “A” :
    “E”--around the float and back--about 50 yards.
    “D”--around the tower and back—-about 150 yards or a little better.
    “C”--swimming along the shoreline towards Cooperstown--about 400 yards. This test also includes mastering a few fundamental strokes as well as diving fundamentals.
    “B”--a yet longer swim with more emphasis placed on the mastery of some advanced strokes and advanced diving.
    “A”--from Clark1s Point to camp——a distance of about three-fourths of a mile.
All our swimming tests are done with a councilor rowing a boat along with the boy in the water.

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OPENING DAY: The first camper arrived shortly after breakfast and the rest at varying intervals during the remainder of the day. The bus group, which numbered thirty-three, drove in in time for us all to enjoy supper together. We were fortunate to have one of the most beautiful days we could possibly have asked for.

APOLOGIES: go out to those few parents whom we did not get an opportunity to visit with personally. Either your visit was very speedy or we were involved with others. It is always most pleasant to talk with you all, and we do not like to omit anyone.

SATURDAY: Another perfect camp day weatherwise. The morning was spent settling in and getting to know one another. Many swimming tests were passed -- mostly the “D” test. Every swimmer, old or new, is required to pass his “D” test each year. The Comets and Sailfish were busy a good part of the day. It was, of course, get—acquainted-day with the seven horses up at the stables. The tennis courts saw lots of action, and a pick—up game in baseball was organized in the afternoon. In the evening, we were entertained by a somewhat fanciful H.G. Wells thriller, “The Time Machine.”

SUNDAY: After all beds had been made, we assembled in the theater for our brief church service. These services consist of two hymns, a passage from the Bible, a short talk by a member of the staff, and the Lord’s Prayer. The first and last Sundays are led by the Director. Again, we were greeted by a fine day for sailing and swimming--in fact, all camp activities. Another baseball game was organized in the afternoon, and we started on the water skiing for those who felt qualified at this early date. Following our practice of the past few years, we had our Sunday night supper out of doors in buffet style. This seems to be a pleasant change for all. The main course alternates between hot dogs on one Sunday and barbequed hamburg the next week. Our big meal is always in the middle of each day. Three entertaining short educational films wore enjoyed by all in the evening.

SONS OF ALUMNI: We have three boys whose fathers were former campers at Hyde Bay; namely, Bucky Turner’s son, Harry--Prescott Huidekoper’s son, Francis--and Chan Hering’s son, Bruce. We will also have another member of this elite group in august, young Billy Lynn.

TUTORING STAFF: Jim Dresser, head of the Math department at Gilman School in Baltimore, is again returning to handle our Math requests. He resides with his family in his very lovely summer home across the lake, “Sevens Heaven.” Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Downs with Jennifer, Mike, and John live here at camp, and, Mr. Downs will be concentrating on English and Latin tutoring. He also migrates from Gilman School and will be giving a big
assist to the theater department. French is being taken care of by Mrs. Carlton and remedial work by Mrs. Feather.

KITCHEN: Our food will once more be prepared by the able hands of Henry, our chef. He is entering his tenth year with us and feeds all of us much too well. He is assisted by John and Allen in the dining room and kitchen.

We again are most pleased to have you all with us and hope you will enjoy the ensuing Homeletters.