The Big Forest Nation The M. E. Lyons YMCA May-June 1998 - Smoke Signal   The meeting of the mighty tribes of the Big Forest nation at the Camp-out this past moon was a mighty good time for all Princesses, Guides, and Braves apparently. As each tribe arrived they chose the land they wanted to call their own for the weekend celebration. Teepees (tents) were setup, tribal property was displayed, and by midmorning of the first full sun the war games began. The war games started with a contest to see which tribe could out do the others in a test of lung power. As it turned out the Cherokee were the mightiest of all in number and in strength of voices. More games continued with no respect whatsoever given to tribal chiefs as each chief attacked the other with flying water sacks although each tribe member did their best to protect their fearless leader. This organized chaos continued until finally things got seriously fun and ended with snow-like powder all over many tribe members as a result of flour bombs. By this time the sun was high in the sky and it was time to eat and gain our strength for the scavenger hunt. All Guides and Princesses proved themselves to be skillful at hunting and tracking with the Mohican tribe winning the contest by a frog's hair (almost literally) just ahead of the Seminoles. From then on all through the day dads, sons, and daughters explored their interests and shared time together one-on-one canoeing, swimming, fishing, horseback riding, wall climbing, or playing baseball as well as other doing other things like mud pie making if they wanted. Then it was nearly time for all tribes of the Big Forest Nation to come to the council fire. Many tribes displayed tribal property and ceremonial clothing with much pride. The High Council was tasked with deciding which display was best of all and found the Apache tribe as most favorable with the Sioux having a strong showing as well. It was not easy to decide with so many talented tribes. After dinner the coloring of faces representing sun, earth, purity and special individual meaning by our Nation Chief, Sachem and Medicine Man prepared each Princess and Guide for the ceremonies. As the sun went down in the sky all tribes walked softly and carried a lighted torch to the council fire. At the council fire the spirit of the Big Forest Nation called upon Chief Soaring Eagle to come join them and through a line of fire he came to lead his Nation. With the help of our Chief leading the Peace Pipe Ceremony and the good thoughts of all tribes united Watunga was called upon and magically the council fire lit. We were ready! It was now time to say goodbye to all graduating Princesses and Guides in a special way with the Broken Arrow Ceremony. We wish them all well in the path they now choose to follow continuing to be Pals Forever and Friends Always with their Braves. From that point until well into the darkness of night brother and sister tribes of the Big Forest Nation celebrated by entertaining the Chief with skits and songs. The eyes of Chief Soaring Eagle looked on intently as each tribe gained his approval for a performance well done. In the end the Arapahoes were chosen best with the Chippewah second. As the stars became brighter and our council fire (and flashlights) became lower it was then time for bed. By the rising of the sun the next morning a thunderous blast echoed through the teepees (reveille) and we were up and ready again for another day. With a final ceremony awards, congratulations, and many thanks were given to one another especially to Chief Soaring Eagle (Rich Delcore), Medicine Man Brave Wolf (Jeff Lefkovitz) and all those who made the Y-Princess and Guide program a success this past year. Thanks also go to Tim Renard for coordinating the camp-out and each tribe that played a part (please see attachment). Congratulations to everyone in making this a year of good times to be remembered by all. May the Great Spirit be with you all until we meet again.   Jim Farmer Talleykeeper     Special Recognition Awards Gold Feather Awards (for running a Nation Event) Iroquois Bowling Nez Perce Zoo Shawnee Skating Arapahoe Museum trip Apache and Sioux Pinewood derby Mohicans and Mingoes Egg hunt and pool party Thunderbirds Rafting trip   Longhouse Awards (for attending the most Longhouse meetings) Chuck Orkiszewski Jim Farmer Bill Rehl Lou DiBerardino