Registration was in full swing yesterday as Arrowmen from all across the country descended upon the Ridgecrest Conference Center. As scouts arrived, National Chief Jonathan Hillis and National Vice Chief Dan Dick entertained the crowd by throwing FrisbeesTM and small footballs from the balcony above the registration building. “It was great seeing the excitement and enthusiasm from the arriving Arrowmen,” said Dan.
Along with the excitement outside, Arrowmen inside were busy checking in. Zach Kirk, a member of Kiondaga Lodge, Buffalo Trace Council, was patiently waiting in line after an eight hour drive. “We stopped at my grandparents’ house along the way for some homemade food. Her noodles were amazing,” said Kirk cheerfully.
Kirk recently received his Brotherhood Membership and serves as a backup Meteu for the Pre-Ordeal and Ordeal ceremonies. He is looking forward to making regalia, especially a Cherokee headdress. Accompanying Kirk are Mike Denton and his wife Carolyn Denton, also from Kiondaga Lodge. “We brought ten scouts to the last Indian Summer, but this time we just brought one,” said the Denton’s.
Tristan Lewis of Ta Tsu Hwa Lodge, Indian Nations Council and David Castoe of Washita Lodge, Cherokee Area Council, both from Oklahoma, had a sixteen hour journey. “We stopped at a hotel in Tennessee where we swam and slept for the night,” said Lewis. David is looking forward to seeing the different types of American Indian crafts, and Tristan is excited about learning grass dancing techniques. “We’re really excited to be here. It’s a lot cooler here than back at home, which is really nice,” said Castoe.Today is the first day for training, Arrowmen will take advantage of the resources and knowledge that will be available this week, and enjoy themselves!
Revised 8/02/2011