Children in Progressive-Era America

Childhood in Postwar America

Photograph of African American Boy Scout with a trumpet, Atlanta, Georgia

<h2>4-H</h2>
<p>For many rural children in the late nineteenth century and early twentieth century, life could be lonely. A neighboring farm might be hours away, and play time was limited anyway because of work and chores. Many youths answered the call of newly industrialized cities, where they moved to work once they came of age. Recognizing a need among rural children for social organizations that also instilled an appreciation for rural life, agricultural clubs were born. Established as a national organization known as 4-H in 1914, these clubs operated in several states, and sought to create a youth movement in agriculture. In particular, 4-H hoped to harness young people's willingness to experiment with new technology, which adult farmers had been hesitant to do. Camping was a major feature of the organization—a social benefit to farm children who may have otherwise been isolated from other children, especially in the summertime.</p>
<p>The organization satisfied the concerns of Progressives because it fostered a relationship with nature within an organized and instructional setting—a feature of play advocated by the playground reformers. Furthermore, a child who joined 4-H was signing up to participate in activities that were strictly for fun: a luxury that many farm children, busy with chores, lacked. By the mid-twentieth century, 4-H clubs had sprung up in high schools around the country.</p>

Photograph of Habersham County 4-H clubs event

Children's Organizations

Work Life

Reform

Public Health

Play

Girls swimming, Camp Ojiketa on Green Lake, Near Chisago City

<p>With the formation of many organizations for children in the 1910s, outdoor activities and camping was becoming a regular feature of childhood. Many camps opened in the 1920s for girls as well as boys. However, the children of farmers and the urban working-class were not the only ones who were thought to benefit from these camps. It was felt that the children of an emerging middle class were spending too much time indoors and losing the relationship to nature that their parents had. Summer camp offered children structured time in which to learn new skills, outdoor activities to foster a love of nature, and a chance to socialize with other children.</p>
<p>Camps opened across the country, often near lakes. At camps such as Camp Kiwadinipi and Camp Ojiketa in Minnesota, girl campers would canoe, swim, fish, and hike. Girls were also encouraged to complete “gypsy trips,” on which they would trek through the wilderness without a route or destination, often for days.</p>

Children in Progressive-Era America

Summer Camp

Summer Camp