Honorary Secretary, Q Camps Committee
- Author:
Marjorie E. Franklin M.B., B.S., D.P.M.
This experiment in the training for citizenship of young men between the ages of 17?25 exhibiting behaviour difficulties is already known to readers of ” Me?ital Waif are ” as a project.
It made a start last May when the staff, joined 10 days later by a few members, pitched tents 45 miles from London in a 26^/ acre clover held by a stream, well supplied with fresh, spring water. Arrangement of Site.
There is now a nucleus of 9 members (there are several more in correspondence, some of whom will probably have joined by the time this is in print) and 6 staff, viz., 3 men who are appointed as a permanent staff, the wife of the Camp Chief, who gives her secretarial and other services in an honorary capacity, and 2 student helpers, who are receiving practical experience as a training for social work. Included in the community are also 3 dogs, 2 kittens and a goat.
The campers have lived under canvas during the summer and are building wooden huts for their winter sleeping quarters. When the plans are completed there will be five huts, arranged in a semi-circle, each containing ten bunks. A building to be used as a craft house and day room is already completed as is one of the bunk houses and the foundation of another. Quarters 9b mental welfare
for the senior staff are planned but cannot be completed this year, and a temporary building for use for this purpose and as a schoolroom, will be erected, which will have other uses afterwards. The two junior staff (student helpers) share the members’ quarters.
The wooden buildings are of simple, pleasing design and have been approved by the local authority. Flower gardens will abut the huts and there is a pleasant view of undulating country, trees and fields. The quiet beauty of the country-side adds to the therapeutic value. The acquisition of the land, discovered by our Hon. Solicitor after months of searching, was one of the more exciting episodes in the history of the time of preparation.
Part of the land is already under cultivation for vegetables, and this will be increased, part will be used for livestock, including goats, chickens (some of the best kinds have been promised) and possibly pigs. About five acres are set aside to be prepared in the near future as cricket and football fields and it is hoped to dig a small bathing pool. A part will be let off this year to a neighbour for cultivation.
Admission.
The group have already achieved something of a community spirit and we are ready to admit more members, the numbers gradually rising to about 50, though it may be well to mention that we have our full complement of staff for some time to come, with the possible exception of one student helper. The age for admission of members is from 17?25 and the camp is intended for young men who have shown by their behaviour that they are socially inadequate and yet are of an intelligence not below normal. The men apply on their own initiative or through their parents or friends, or are recommended by magistrates and probation officers or by social organisations. ? They remain voluntarily, and indeed the power of dismissal which is vested in the camp chief (as well as the committee) is considered so great a penalty that he has undertaken to consult representatives of the members before exercising it.
The formalities are simple. Enquiries are sent in the first place to the honorary secretary of Q Camps Committee addressed either to the office (31, Alfred Place, Tottenham Court Road, W.C.i, where a room is generously given rent free) or, preferably to her private address, 81, Wimpole Street, W.i. She sends a stencilled letter asking for as full an account of the case as possible; a list of the kit that it is advised to bring (renewal of working clothing is a responsibility of the camp); and an application form to be filled up by the man himself which gives some personal details, although a personal interview is necessary as well. Alternative forms for payment are also sent, to be filled in either by the member, if he is paying for himself, or by the person responsible for payment?e.g., parents, friend or some social organisation. The Public Assistance Authorities have helped in several instances.
The full charge is ?2 a week and when parents can possibly manage it they are expected to pay this amount. The minimum that must be paid in rcspcct of a member is 15/- a week. All live under the same conditions regardless of what is paid in on their behalf, and receive 2/- a week’ pocket money. The selection of members requires considerable care and discrimination.
Some are recommended by the courts, others have not been before a court but are lads about whom their parents feel some anxiety as to whether they have not gone wrong, or who do not seem to fit in or hold jobs. The applicant is judged according to the likelihood of improvement in the camp, with due regard to the welfare of the group as a whole and the members already there. Every man before coming is interviewed by a medical psychologist and is recommended either by Dr Denis Carroll or by Dr Norman Glaister, members of Q Camps Committee, who keep in touch with the progress of the members and advise the staff on difficulties that arise. Applicants also have a general medical examination and, in the majority of cases, psychological tests. Men physically unable to participate in heavy manual work can be admitted provided their limitations are known and they are suitable for general open air life and are free from infection. Mental defectives are not suitable. For the medical and psychological examination of applicants, for their diagnosis and, when required, treatment, the excellent facilities afforded by the Institute for the Scientific Treatment of Delinquency have been generously placed at our disposal. Without this close co-operation the work would lose much of its effectiveness.
Principles of Treatment.
The methods employed are educational in the widest sense, and the camp aims to fulfil a function which might be described as that of an adult school for social adjustment and community living.
The intention is to combine the advantages of group life with those of close consideration of individual needs.
It is too soon to draw conclusions, but in considering the internal history of the camp during the first 4 months certain factors seem sufficiently prominent to be used as headings in trying to classify impressions. (a) The beneficial effect of close contact with nature under primitive conditions. Hard, plain living in the open air has a strong appeal for many young lads when it takes the form of a pioneering adventure, shared by staff and members together and is not imposed as a discipline. (b) The development of a corporate, community life on simple lines, centralised at the camp about which the men feel a shared possession and a sense of growth .
(c) The encouragement of personal responsibility and the minimising of external compulsion and punishment. (d) The cultural and recreational side. (e) The tolerance by members as well as staff of individual variation within the group and the efforts made to develop specific talents and assets in individuals. (/) Psychiatric Co-operation. Achievements. Some of these headings need no further comment but an outline of some of the things so far accomplished under each may be of interest.
(a) Camp Routine.
The routine of camp life, which takes up a good deal of time when members are few, is shared by all the campers. Everyone takes his turn at cooking and orderly duty and thus has a share of responsibility.
In considering what has been achieved beyond this, it must be remembered that the numbers at first were few and that the first tents were pitched in an uncultivated field, that many of the members were new to the particular activity, besides being unused to concentrated strenuous work, performed for its intrinsic interest and usefulness and without the stimulus of financial gain or fear of penalties. It must be mentioned also that the shortage of funds has hindered the purchase of material for building and other purposes. The plans for developing the site in the near future (later developments “when we are opulent ” are more elaborate) have been described. A large permanent day room has already been erected and a temporary office (most of the secretarial work of the organisation is done from the camp) and a temporary store room. The first sleeping hut is near completion and a second is being built, and a goat shed for 8 goats is well advanced. An excellent goat, which supplies much of the milk of the community, was a very welcome gift and we have been promised another. A shallow well, lined with cement, has been constructed and a considerable area has been dug and planted with vegetables, which are now being harvested; one member has made a flower garden. The simple furniture of the camp, such as chairs, tables, book shelves, and a carpenter’s bench are home made. The members repair their own shoes. In their spare time they have added to their amenities by making personal furniture, including bunks, bedside tables, etc.
The value of this needs no emphasis. It involves coming to grips with reality and learning by experience the value of everyday things.
(b) Community Life.
I have described the community life as simple. This is correct in the sense that it is not elaborate or complicated and is easily grasped. It is not, however, of a primitive character and herein lies, I believe, much of its value for the stabilising of mature citizens in a democratic country.
The most primitive form of government is a dictatorship, consisting of an absolute leader with followers whose chief civic virtue is obedience. This is exemplified in some of the regressive manifestations of the post-war period in certain countries, and the gangster societies which have developed so powerfully in North America.
(c) Internal Organisation.
The internal organisation of the first Q Camp is on the basis of comradeship in which all have some responsibility and can contribute. The general control of the organisation, its finances, appointment of staff, the principles on which it is run and so on are vested in the Q Camps Committee who have the controlling voice. For the first weeks after starting, the order of the day and internal arrangements were laid down by the staff, though from the first matters were discussed at informal camp councils. Staff meetings were held from the beginning. Soon the members arranged to meet together with their own chairman and secretary to discuss problems concerning the daily life and conduct of the community and to bring suggestions to the general camp council. A constitution on these lines has now been drawn up. The staff and members meetings are held separately once a week, usually at the same time. The Camp Council comprises all the campers (members and staff). It is obliged to meet at least once a month and at present is meeting once a week as a committee, the numbers not being large enough to delegate its functions to a subcommittee. Its officers are elected every 3 months, at first by a simple majority. For re-election a 75 per cent, majority is required at first and subsequently a unanimous vote. It is interesting to note that the officers elected at the first ballot to fill the posts of President and Secretary are members, and the elected Vice-President and Treasurer are staff. The president has an ordinary and also a casting vote. Various sub-committees may be formed and will be needed as membership increases. It is part of the constitution that elected representatives of the council will be consulted by the Camp Chief (Mr. David Wills) on important matters concerning which he has the final decision, including the much discussed question of dismissal.
The Camp Chief has the power to veto any decision of the council, but his veto may be appealed against to the Q Camps Committee.
There is, therefore, a definite measure of self-government and of discussions tending to direct consideration on to questions of social behaviour as well as to give an appreciation of responsibility. This is already having an effect. Discussions on behaviour and discipline show a desire to understand and help each other rather than to penalise. There is a growing sense of comradeship and a feeling that the camp belongs to the campers and is not just a place to which they have been sent.
Something should be said of the neighbourhood. To avoid misconceptions, visits from the merely curious, and for other reasons, the locality is not named. ” Q ” is not used in the postal address and I would ask those who know where it is not to reveal this. One clue, however, I will give. I think it must be the most friendly spot in England ! No small measure of any success we achieve will be due to the good will and large-heartedness of the people living near the camp. The kindness shown to the probably rather perplexing first settlers expanded into real helpfulness and sympathy as they gradually discovered how many had been up against difficulties and were seeking to rebuild their lives. A group of senior school boys came several times to help in the work. The campers have made valuable friends whom they can visit and also have the satisfaction of acting as hosts in their turn.
(d) The Cultural and Recreational Side.
It is intended to prepare part of the land as a playing field for cricket and football in the near future, and possibly to make a swimming pool. Some games are played already and a hike is organised every three weeks. Wireless and gramophone are popular as are camp-fire songs and there is quite a good and growing library. ‘ Arrangements are being made for folk dancing and for the production of a play.
(e) Individualism.
The development of individual talents and aptitudes and success in understanding each man, is as important as group life if the most is to be made of the very varied human material that comes to the camp. All need friendship and help, and this the staff try to give by personal contact. Difficulties are discussed, records kept and every case is talked over with members of the selection and treatment committee. Efforts are made to meet special needs. Two men are having music lessons in the village, one is studying for matriculation, and another is working under expert supervision to overcome a special educational retardation. The psychological treatment will be referred to below.
(f) Psychological Aspects.
It is unnecessary to revive the outworn controversy as to whether ” crime ” is a ” disease.” A true understanding of the mechanisms of character formation depends on knowledge of the unconscious instinctual life and early development. This is true whether the character be harmonious and effective or inharmonious and mal-adapted to circumstances. Behaviour depends on the interaction between environment and character. This is more complicated than it sounds. The simplest item in an environment is perceived differently, stirs different emotions and thought processes, phantasies and memories, according to the life experiences of each individual as well as according to the moods and states of tension of the moment. No standard environment, suitable to everyone, can be prescribed, though one can try to provide an environment adaptable to a wide number of needs. Fear, hostility and aggression play a large part in anti-social acts. One can do something to diminish these (even without affecting their unconscious roots) by establishing an atmosphere of friendliness and security.
It is becoming increasingly evident that many law-breakers require intensive psychotherapeutic treatment. In the author’s opinion there are cases for which psycho-analysis offers the only remedy. Neither psycho-analysis nor other formal psycho-therapy is given at the camp. A small minority pay visits?not more often than once a week?to a medical psychologist. One has left the camp with the advice to transfer to the Institute for the Scientific Treatment of Delinquency for more frequent treatment over a period before returning.
Whether psychotherapy is desirable for every case of mal-adjustment or only in the more pronounced is a matter of opinion. In practice only the latter course can be adopted. Hence there is room for a carefully considered educational environment with sympathetic psychological understanding. The most suitable men for the Camp are those of substantially normal make-up who have gone wrong through unsuitable environment or lack of adequate outlet.
Reactions within the group illustrate many psychological phenomena some acquaintance with which helps an appreciation of what is going on. For example: displacement, projection, transference, the adjustment of the claims of reality and phantasy, the anomalous behaviour of feelings of guilt and the desire for punishment, self-display, intolerance of frustration, anxiety and the efforts to allay it, attempts to compensate for feelings of inferiority, the impulse to reconstruct in the present experiences of the past. These are some of the motives which may be observed to actuate behaviour.
Effects.
The therapeutic instruments are difficult to assess. They may depend partly on a side-tracking of anti-social impulses and their utilisation for the good of the community, for example the satisfaction in useful directions of the impulse for self aggrandisement before an audience. Beneficial results are also obtained by strengthening positive ties to the group and the substitution of constructive, creative and restitutive activity for destruction. On the educative side efforts are made to compensate for feelings of inferiority by discovering and developing useful assets and talents. One member remarked that as he was not subject to repressive control from without he had to control himself, and a measure of increased self-reliance may be anticipated.
If improvement is to be more than superficial and transient, the stay must not be too short. It is found that while some improvement often occurs during the first weeks this may be followed by a period of reaction when irregularities and instability are apt to become manifest. The improvement which follows this phase appears more fundamental and likely to last.
Borstal training lasts three years. We have stated that a stay in Q Camps will be from a few months to about two years and that we expected the latter to be the optimum in most cases. Experience will show if this is’, correct, but we would regret a hopeful case leaving before the improvement is firm enough to withstand the trials of ordinary life.
Future Prospects.
When we consider the alternatives before most of the lads that come to the camp?the probable renewed acquaintance with penal methods, or at best frequent change of job and dependency?and when we see their energy and keenness we are encouraged to feel that this is pioneer work of value. It continuance depends on public support. The expenses are kept as low as is consistent with efficiency and health. They are in fact considerably less than was estimated. We have had, however, to purchase land and material, the men must be properly fed and there are other heavy expenses entailed incidental to starting and maintaining the work. Moreover, though a good deal of the work is voluntary, some salaries must be paid.
After four months we must state frankly that we are faced with the fact that unless we are substantially helped over the first year, and very quickly helped, there is a possibility of having to abandon a scheme which has so much of promise. There is an overdraft at the bank which must be paid off. Large sums seldom come in the early stages. But if every reader of this paper who feels some small stirring of interest or even of curiosity to see what will come out of the scheme, will send one guinea just as a gesture of defiance to pessimism the corner will be turned !
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