Fun for everyone
Monday, August 1, 2011 was the starting day of the National Order of the Arrow Indian Summer program at the Ridgecrest Center near Asheville, North Carolina.
Tsoiotsi Tsogalii was represented by 10 youth and 3 adults. The focus of the week long program was Native American Culture and Traditions. The Order of the Arrow makes use Native American traditions in our ceremonies and competitions. This was an opportunity to better understand these traditions. Sessions were offered in many areas such as ceremonies, clothing for ceremonies, different dance styles, how to make the clothing, beadwork, silverwork and feathers for bonnets and bustles. The instruction sessions on ceremonies, lodge leadership and lodge activities were similar to offering at NOAC. The entire contingent is committed to share the experience and skills learned from Indian Summer with the lodge.
Each member of the group had the opportunity to do his/her own “thing.” Representing our ceremonies program were Jeremy Barber, Greg Barber, Adam Bigelow, Chris Concannon and Matt Kleisner. They spent the mornings working with a professional actor on how to best present the OA ceremonies. The afternoons were spent in craft classes or getting ready for the “BIG Show” on Friday night. They let the National Chief share the same stage. You need to go to the National OA web site and check out the highlight photos. They are in the yellow shirts.
Our dancers, Dustin Cocklereece, Justin Erickson and John Scott had the opportunity to dance in three Powwows during the week. If you look close at the photos on the National Web site, you should see two familiar members in fancy dance outfits.
Seth Allred and Isaac Smith used the week to explore a number of different areas of interest. They could be found in the classes on singing and drumming, beading, silver works, lodge leadership and lodge activities. They will be sharing these skills with other members over the coming months.
The adults in the group, Ann Jones, Linda and Ken Shahbaz had the opportunity to participate in classes they normally cannot during NOAC. Ann spent several days in sessions learning more about the meaning and purpose of the ceremonies. Linda spent four days in classes about the proper clothing for ceremonies. I did a little bit of everything: dance, clothing and learning to dance in morning, making crafts items or attending lodge leadership in the afternoon.
The facilities were great for this event with air conditioned rooms and great food. We had the opportunity to meet folks from other lodges and get to know members in our Section better. Gathering for smoothies each night was a great way to end the day.
We have enclosed some pictures, but please check out the National OA web site from the attached link for more information. In the coming months more detailed articles will be coming.
