So much has happened since our last Smoke Signal that it is hard to decide what to talk about first. One item that will affect all of our members is our new Web Site. Information Chief, Jeff Mihalich, has been busy building our new website. Currently, both our old and new websites are active. Our new website is at www.cvnsnd.com and our old website is at the .org extension.
We started 2011 with a great turnout at our Late Nighter. The Dakota and Arapaho tribes did a nice job putting together a fun evening at the Independence Civic Center. I enjoyed the Minute To Win It challenges and racing my son through the blow-up obstacle course. Our magician, Rick Smith and his card throwing act was a big hit. There were many great prizes for the Chinese raffle. Thanks to everyone that contributed prizes for the raffle and the Dakota and Arapaho tribes.
We had great weather for the winter campout. Our medicine man, Mike Urbanowicz and assistant, Gary Pitzer worked hard to make the weekend go smoothly for everyone. Despite the cold weather the kids still did a lot of sled riding and outdoor activities. Eleven fathers entered Friday night’s Chili Cook-off. I was a Chili Cook-off judge. I survived some pretty hot chilies, but they did not prepare me for the toasted cheese with jalapeños sandwich that Jeff Brubaker served after the contest. WOW!! Thanks to all the dad’s that brought chili. Campouts are always fun and one of the things that add to the fun are our traditions. Skits at the campouts are tradition that seems strong. Shannon Ritchie our story teller spent some time teaching kids some of the other traditions which are not as strong. I put together a few dining hall traditions in a separate article. The 3rd and 4th grade tribes need to be leaders on keeping these traditions alive.
The Pathfinders have been busy these past few months. In December, the Pathfinders went to Kendal Cliffs for indoor rock climbing. They followed that up with a sellout of Whirlyball in January. Remember that Pathfinders is open to all fourth grade tribes. Have your tribe plan a monthly meeting around a Pathfinder event. It is a good way for dads and kids to see what Pathfinders is like.
Hope to see everyone at our February and March events.
Carl “Howling Coyote” Wisniewski
