The Big Forest Nation The M. E. Lyons YMCA April 2001 - Smoke Signal Ahhh, Spring. The time of year when young Guides and Princesses fancies turn to...outdoor Nation events, of course! Coming up are the Spring Cookout, Campout, and Raft Trip. I can already hear the Mighty Thunderbirds at the Campout reminding us (Raft Trip! June 9th! Raft Trip! June 9th!). More on that later. But first let us not forget the previous months events. There was Bowling in February with 137 strong in attendance. Always a good time when everyone has bumpers including the Braves. Throw in donations of door prizes by Dairy Queen, Jersey Mikes, Dick's Sporting Goods, and United Dairy Farmers and it's even better. Many thanks to the Miami tribe for putting on this event and others for obtaining the door prizes from our local supportive business establishments! The month of great wind brought us the Pinewood Derby. Headed up by the High Council (particularly the Chief and Medicine Man) and run by various other tribes and individuals it was bigger than your average event. But then again the fun and excitement seemed pretty big as well. Fast cars, creatively designed cars, and all a monument to the time spent and combined effort of father and daughter/son. Thanks again to all that helped, especially those of you who filled the gaps at the last minute. And thanks to the former Nation Chiefs, Jeff Lefkovitz and Oscar Shelley, in attendance to help with judging. It's not an easy job with so many unique and great looking cars. For a recap of the results see the attached table. Congratulations to everyone! Are you ready for the newest event of the Big Forest Nation? The Spring Cookout will kickoff the series of outdoor events to wind up the Y-Guide program year. Bring your appetite and favorite dish, frisbees, balls, bats, Guides and Princesses and anything else you can think of. See the attached flyer for more details. Come on out and enjoy yourself! It doesn't seem possible that the Campout is coming up in May, but it is almost time. All tribes will be represented and as always everyone will have more than enough fun and activities to do. More details will be forthcoming next month, but I'm sure as always our Mighty Chief, Cloud Dancing, will expect great skits as always for his (and everyone's) entertainment at the traditional Saturday evening ceremony so put on your thinking headdresses. Mark your calendars for May 18th to the 20th. The final event, the Raft Trip will be June 9th. All you really need in addition to the admission cost are food and drink packed and wear a swimsuit. You'll be ready to ride the not-so-rapids down the Little Miami. Stay tuned. As a reminder for you web browsers the home of the Big Forest Nation resides at www.bigforest.org which in addition to this Smoke Signal can provide you a lot of information. For other information feel free to contact your tribal chief, the YMCA at 474-1400 or any member of the High Council below: Who to Contact - High Council May the Great Spirit be with you till we meet again!  Jim Farmer - Nation Talleykeeper