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The Big Forest NationThe M. E. Lyons YMCA November 2000 - Smoke Signal Greetings again to all members of the Big Forest Nation. The Y-Guide program is in full swing as two of our Nation events have occurred since sending my last Smoke Signal to you all. Of course the traditional camp-in was the kick off event. Many Princesses, Guides and Braves attended the gathering of all the mighty tribes. With the help of our Mighty Chief Cloud Dancing, Medicine Man Digging Dog, Firestarter Running Bear and Watunga, spirit of fire, the council fire flames were lit. The ceremony of the seeds then invoked the spirit of the program as well as we all made a promise of unselfish dedication; Brave to Princess/Guide and vice versa. But the event would not be complete without celebration as teepee building, swimming, et cetera took place throughout the evening. Later in the evening the Princesses and Guides settled down for the night in two camps and watched movies. One band of Y-Guides watched The Apple Dumpling Gang. It seemed to be well received, even if late into the movie an explosion of a bank occurred stirring some nodders. The other camp, perhaps the less senior of the Guides and Princesses, watched The Tigger Movie. In the morning those who survived the night of "sleeping on the rock" (gym floor) earned their patches, feathers, and bear claws. Congratulations especially to our new members as well as they also now can wear proudly the headband, patch, bear claws and feather reserved exclusively for Y-Guides. As you know the most recent event was the Sunrock Farm tour. Although some had attended a number of years ago in the Y-Guide program or went with other groups it was the first time for many and certainly was a worthwhile trip. Highlights included a tour of the farm, interacting with live animals including milking a goat and feeding other animals, seeing a miniature replica of a Native American village, and learning from our tour guides including Farmer Frank who created this fun and educational place. Of course being Y-Guides we had to add a couple campfires for more fun (and to warm up!). Looking forward on the horizon we approach our next Nation event - the Cincinnati Mighty Ducks Hockey Game (see flyer). Come see our hometown warriors of the frozen pond battle against the Kentucky Thoroughblades as well as have the opportunity to receive autographs and skate, if desired. As you know most events are meant for Guides, Princesses and Braves, but in this case please note that this event is open to the whole family. Hope to see you all there! Anyone looked at the www.bigforest.org website lately? Our new keeper of the website Webmaster Chris Brueckner has done a wonderful job of updating the information within it. Next time you see him give him a big WHOOMP!! from all of us (just an FYI for new members a WHOOMP is a verbal congratulatory word used by the Big Forest Nation - not to be confused with the comic strip bubbles used during a fight with Batman). Take a look at it and refer to it if you need to find Y-Guide contact names, phone numbers, e-mail addresses, or event info. There is a special section as well for your tribe information so if you have digital or just standard pictures of tribe or nation activities they could be scanned and added. Information could be added as well. We'd like to hear from you! Speaking of contacts if you need any assistance or have questions please feel free to contact your tribal chief, the YMCA at 474-1400 or any member of the High Council below: As the fire dies down on this Smoke Signal I wish everyone a healthy and Happy Thanksgiving! May the Great Spirit be with you till we meet again. Jim Farmer - Nation Talleykeeper |