CCC Education and Recreation

While the initial goal of the Civilian Conservation Corps was to offer work relief for unemployed young men in America, there was also a significant interest in improving the lives of enrollees through education. The CCC camp at Parvin afforded many opportunities for enrollees to engage in personal development. Recreational activities were offered and these included sports like baseball/softball and basketball.

An image of the Parvin softball team, men stand and sit wearing matching uniforms.

The Parvin softball team in a group photo (left) and in action on the diamond (above).

A group of men stand in front of a building, some are wearing uniforms or chef outfits and another man squats while holding a dog.

A photo of the weightlifting team at Parvin, men stand and sit in a row and a large barbell sits in front of them.

Camp Norma's weightlifting team posing in 1936 (above and right).

Weightlifters pose shirtless around a barbell.

The photography room at the Civilian Conservation Corps camp at Parvin, equipment and materials are staged for use.

A photo of the photography room at Camp Norma. Photography classes were among the most popular offered at "Parvin University".

The barracks feature beds which are all neatly set up and uniform with one another.

Many of the enrollees in the Civilian Conservation Corps did not finish schooling. As such, classess were offered on a variety of subjects. Enrollees could earn a high school diploma and many other certificates or endorsements by completing classes or on the job training while enlisted in the CCC.

These images show the barracks at Camp Norma, neatly organized with the enrollees clothing and footwear tucked away.

A close up of the bed in the barracks, clothing and shoes are hung or placed underneath a neatly made bed.

The empty mess hall shows many tables set with plates and cups, white tablecloths cover the tables.

These images highlight the mess hall at Camp Norma. On the left is the hall set up neatly for a meal, and the right shows the mess hall at full capacity. Meals were offered 3 times a day, and at a time of food insecurity across America this was a welcome benefit of the CCC program. It was not uncommon for CCC enrollees to gain 12-15 pounds during their 6 month enrollment.

These images show men in various spots around the park, some are canoeing on the lake or walking around trails.

Men in suits pose in front of the barracks at Camp Norma.

Enrollees pictured in candid photos around Camp Norma. These photos give insight into a typical day around the camp with men enjoying some leisure time.

More candid photos show some men working on automobiles or walking around Camp Norma.

One man sits while another man stands around a fireplace in the recreation hall.

Enrollees enjoy their time around the fire in the recreation hall in the winter of 1934. The recreation hall also frequently served as a library as seen here. Books were offered for enrollees to read either for leisure or to complete classes while at Parvin.

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