Camp
Life | Living Conditions
| Friendships | Music
| Services | Staying
in Touch
Life
in the alternative service work camps was difficult at times, but,
as one CO said, “Camp life was what you
made of it. It could be drudgery and weariness, or it could be exciting.”
The
living conditions varied from
camp to camp. There was no telling whether the camp cook would be
good or bad, whether the cabins would be warm or drafty, or whether
the barber would only give you half a haircut if you didn't have
enough money.
The
men at camp had one thing in common: they were all opposed to the
war. Other than that, they came from all sorts of different backgrounds.
Nevertheless, many made life-long friends.
Out
in the wilderness, the COs had to make music
the best they could. Occasionally they had a guitar, a violin, or
an accordion, but at other times they sang without any accompaniment
except the birds.
The
COs' opposition to war was based on religious faith. Many outsiders
mocked them for this faith, but the COs held regular worship
services to remain spiritually strong. Ministers visited the
camps to lead the men in these services.
The
Beacon was the main way for COs to stay
in touch. This inter-camp newsletter had stories and news from
all the various camps. It encouraged the men to know that there
were other men at other camps that were experiencing the same things
they were.
Camp
Life | Living Conditions
| Friendships | Music
| Services | Staying
in Touch
|
