Creek of Canaveral: 2007

Sunday, December 9, 2007

Merry Christmas to the whole tribe

Aho Creeksters, Best wishes to all for a happy, healthy holiday season from Chief Mighty Lizard. View the flickr link for the parade photos!!

The Braves prepare for the Christmas parade

A definite highlight of the Indian Guides year is the annual Christmas parade in Cocoa Beach. Here, the little braves "at the ready" to march on!!

Sunday, November 25, 2007

Creek captures Coup

In an uncontested sweep, the Creek tribe walks away with the greatest coup score in many moons. Awards include: Golden Skillet, Best War Game, and Nation Peace Pipe for best displays. We had a wonderful weekend of maximum participation from the Big and Little Braves. The Little Braves did an outstanding job of the Nation Displays with the skit being a show stopper. The Big Braves pulled together under the guidance of the Tom Tom Club an George to provide a spectacular Friday night Golden Skillet entry. Our tribe's Mapquest Challenge was the highlighted war game of the weekend. As Chief, I wish to thank all of the Big Braves for all of the assistance it takes to make a tribe shine. I am also very proud of the efforts of all of the Little Braves!! Next campout is in Wickham Park in January!! Please view all the photos for the month on the flickr link on the right. Just double click, then select view as slide show. Enjoy!!

Welcome New Members!

Rourke and Pearce (Lightning Dragon and Fire Dragon) shown with Ice Lizard are happily experiencing the Creek fire ring on Friday night's festivities. Welcome guys!!

We welcome new members

Bob and Alex (Orange Monkey) have joined the proudest tribe of the Nation. Welcome guys!!

Do you Dare to take the Challenge?

A skit was presented to the Canaveral chiefs as part of our displays. The "firewalk challenge" dared all little braves from the nation to "walk the walk" The challenge proved the other braves were actually squaws. However, all the Little Braves of the Creek Tribe gladly took the challenge, proving once again that the Creek little braves are the bravest of the Nation!

Golden Skillet Boys!!

The Tom Tom Club and George team up to provide a Golden Skillet on Friday night of the campout. The meal included roast pork, black beans and rice, and mohitos. Sachem Jimmy Gecko was caught on record stating, "This is the biggest slam dunk in the history of the Canaveral Nation!" Noone was disappointed with the outcome of the award!! Well done lads!!

Monday, November 12, 2007

Tom Cat YO-YO on the Tom Tom

The title says it all

Smoke Signals Mid term edition

Smoke Signals: (Mid-term report, Campout edition)

Aho Creeksters,

What a great meeting at the Cloud teepee this weekend. Thanks to the Kontos family for their awesome hospitality. We had some very creative craft projects completed by the Little and Big Braves.

This weekend, Nov 16-18 is the Mad Moon Campout at KARS park. We have some great activities lined up, and with a great weather weekend, there will be too much fun to be had by all.

Some items for camp consideration: Check for your name and duties required

We will be performing a skit on Saturday afternoon “displays”:

Coordinators: Kontos/Gay
Bring 2 pallets: Brophy
Bring vizqueen: Artz
Bring Dry ice: Yardley/Brophy
Bring Mulch chips: Gay

The Creek tribe is responsible for bringing the Nation trailer:

Bring to camp: Yardley
Haul away from camp: Pletcher

We need a volunteer to help Tom Brophy with pre-camp set-up on Friday.

We will be decorating the canoe as part of our craft display

Bring craft supplies: Pletcher

Friday night we will have an entry for the Golden skillet award:

Prep and serve: Yardley/Brophy
Mojito mix and serve: Artz

All members: Bring the old (coup stand) and new (leather necklace) Craft for display and coup sticks

George Artz, do you need a tent this weekend?

See attached Plan of the Weekend

Put December 8 on your calendar for the Cocoa Beach Christmas Parade
Check the blog http://www.creekofcanaveral.blogspot.com/ for photos from last week’s meeting

This week, one of our alumni, Ken Lynch will be bringing out T-shirts for us. Let’s work towards having 100% participation in wearing these shirts for Indian Guides functions. They will be required for the Christmas parade, as well as headbands.

Sunday, November 11, 2007

Cool Little Braves display craft

All the Little Braves of the Creek tribe who attended the November meeting proudly display their new craft at the Cloud tee pee.

Finished November Craft

A display of the "new craft" from the November tribal meeting held at the Cloud TeePee. Thanks Black Cloud and Yellow Cloud for a great meeting.

Father and Son Project

The central theme of the Indian Guides is "father and son, pals forever" Here, the Creek tribe is doing its November craft, fully epitomizing the central theme

Wolf Fang on the new Tom Tom

Wolf Fang gives the tribe's new tom tom drum a whirl at the November tribal meeting

Wild Cougar recieves feather from Chief

Wild Cougar earns Blue Feather from Chief Mighty Lizard, whilst proudly displaying his new medallion and craft.

Thursday, November 1, 2007

Black Feather

The Black Feather is earned by the Little Brave when he and his Dad arrange a night off for Mother. Father and Son will plan, purchase, cook, and serve dinner. Mother will not be allowed to come into the kitchen. After serving dinner, father and son will do the dishes. Mother will furnish a statement, in writing testifying to accomplishment of this great feat to the Chief.

A part of the success of the progam depends on father-son companionship. This feather is an example of the father-son team rendering a service to mother, much as the Indian Braves provided services for their women.

Smoke Signals

Smoke Signals November 2007

Aho members of the Creek tribe,

I can hardly believe October is past, hope you all had a Happy Halloween. The Creek tribe had a busy, fun month, and a lot of good times were shared with Fathers and Sons!

Our tribal meeting was held last month at the Tiger Tooth teepee (Artz). The boys had a lot of fun playing in the pool and riverside activities. We had our campout the following weekend, for a somewhat damp weekend. However, we accomplished a lot as a tribe. Although we were not victorious, we submitted our first Golden Skillet entry in a long while. For those of you unfamiliar with this competition, on Friday nights at the campout, all the tribes can submit a meal entry for judging by the Nation Chief and council. We were narrowly beat out by the Osage tribe who submitted a “ringer” entry with their Oktoberfest meal including brats, sauerkraut etc. It would be nice to have a monthly Golden Skillet entry, and Tom Yardley, Medicine Man has some great ideas!!

The highlight of this month’s campout was the Little Braves feather awards. All Saturday afternoon, much effort was put forth to earn feathers. Feather earners were: Wild Cougar, Wolf Fang, Ice Lizard, Tiger Teeth, Wild Cat, and Bob Cat, and Fire Lizard.

A notable mention goes out to Bob Cat and Fire Lizard. They both earned all the feathers in the Feather Handbook, and were eligible to earn their coveted Eagle Feather. Good job to all the Little Braves. Photos are available on the blog!

Additionally, the tribe earned the arrowhead coup award for “Most Improved” tribe. We have definitely made an impact on the Nation Council, and they stand ready to see a lot of marks in the “win” category for the Creek tribe.

Next week (Nov. 11th) there will be a meeting at the Cloud teepee (Kontos). We have a couple of great crafts, skit practice, and a traditional tribal meeting, orchestrated by Fire Lizard, as he works on his Bear Claw awards. We should also have a T-shirt distriubution. Look for invitations addressed to the Little Braves in your mailboxes!! Please attend this meeting.

Our next campout will be at KARS November 16-18, we are gaining momentum as a tribe, so lets keep it rolling with a great turnout. As usual, we will have war games, great meals, great camaraderie, and some great fall camping weather (fingers crossed).

This month, the Feather award emphasized will be the “Black Feather”. It is earned by the Little Brave for giving Mom a night off, and planning, shopping for, and preparing a meal for that favorite lady in all our lives. After the meal, the mom should write a note stating her Little Brave has accomplished the requirements. This is a fun, easy feather to receive, so if any braves need it, now is the month.

We are registered for the Cocoa Beach Holiday Parade on December 8th. This is a super event for the Little Braves. Please mark your calendar for this date, and stand by for some upcoming dates for trailer (float) prep.

To all the braves of the Creek tribe, have a great week, and I will see you all at the Cloud teepee on November 11th.

Aho,

Pletch

Sunday, October 28, 2007

Caption Contest

Please post comment on what the Medicine Man is saying.............

October Campout RECAP

The October campout was another event blessed with the uncertainties of Florida weather. As was September, it was mostly dry, but we received some drizzles during the day, and some showers all night. It made for some soggy camping, however, we accomplished alot as a tribe. Most notably, the Little Braves worked very hard at recieving their feather awards. Many were awarded, and most notably, Bob Cat and Fire Lizard recieved their Eagle Feathers. Also, the Creek displays were very impressive, and the Little Braves in attendance gave EXCELLENT descriptions of their stations for the Council Chiefs. We were a bit disappointed at coming in just behind the Osage for the Golden skillet award, although, our pasta shrimp dish was vastly enjoyed by all who dined at the 2200 midnight snack. A highlight for the efforts of all the Little Braves was the award of the "most improved" tribe, signifying the tribe is on track to score some more coup at future campouts. Many more photos from the October campout can be viewed on the blog, as well as on the Flickr link to the right. Please enjoy these photos as a slideshow. Thanks for the support of the Cat and Wolf family for being ever reliable to make the Creek tribe GREAT! If you are part of the tribe and have not been in attendance at one of these events, please mark your calendars for November, we need your attendance, and your son will be very happy!!!

Little Braves display coup award

The Creek tribe was awarded the Arrowhead coup for "most improved" tribe. We have gained a foothold and will be unstoppable for more desirable coup on future campouts!!

Wild Cougar recieves feather from Chief

Tiger Teeth is awarded feathers by Chief

Bob Cat recieves feather from Chief

Fire Lizard recieves feathers from Chief

Ice Lizard recieves feather from Chief

Coveted, First Eagle Feather awarded

Bob Cat and Fire Lizard earned their final feather in the Feather Handbook, the Green Feather. It is the hardest feather to earn, and made them eligible to earn the next feather--the Eagle Feather. They both sat before the Great nation chief and passed the quiz to become Eagle Feather award winners. Congrats Guys!!

Hardworking Creek Little Braves!!

These Little Braves pictured l to r: Wolf Fang, Tiger Teeth, Ice Lizard, Bob Cat, Fire Lizard, and Wild Cougar worked hard all Saturday afternoon to work on some feather awards.

Pletch SR and JRs--Pals Forever

Yardley SR and JRs--Pals Forever

Tom and Paul--Pals Forever

George and Georgie--Pals Forever

Trip and Bill--Pals Forever

The Back Bone of the Creek Tribe

The Tom Tom Club provides excellent cuisine to the tribe, as well as their unwavering support.
This dynamic duo is seen here testing their latest dish!!

Friday, October 26, 2007

Christmas Parade date announced, Creek to register

Mark your calendars for a definite "don't miss date."

One of the most enjoyable events of the Indian Guides calendar each year is the Cocoa Beach Christmas parade. This year's parade will be December 8th. Last year, we won the "best walker" category, and we can do it again!! Lets devise some creative ideas for our trailer/float.

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

Tribe Gets New Tom Tom

Delivered from an indian tribe in remote Central America, the Creek tribe is proud to add to its tribal coup, a very unique tom tom

Tuesday, September 25, 2007

Smoke Signals

Smoke Signals from the Creek Tribe

Aho Creek,

We have had a full month of activities!! In August the tribe participated in the Recruitment Day at KARS Park, and has gained some new tribal members as a result. Additionally, the tribe held a fundraiser at the Cocoa Beach Publix where we netted in excess of $500. The last two weekends have been filled with a tribal meeting at the Lizard Lair, and this last weekend was the first campout of the year at KARS. I wish to thank all of the tribe’s members for their support.

The funds received at the fundraiser have been earmarked for tribal and camping purchases. We have had requests for some camping equipment for cooking, and the tribe has desperately needed a tom tom drum for conducting the meetings properly. If you have any suggestions for equipment or other ideas for the tribe, let me know. We will be collecting an upfront assessment for camp meals for the year. In the past, we have had a haphazard manner of meal payment collection, and as a result, a few have footed the bill for many. I would like to keep it equitable for our tribal meal cooks, and give them some funds to work with, and not get stuck paying the bill!!

Last month, the tribal meeting was held at the Lizard lair. We conducted it in the traditional meeting format. That format is listed in the tribal guidebook. If you are having a meeting coming up, I will email you a rough itinerary, and you can fill it in and distribute in accordance with your plan. Each meeting should include a craft. At the last meeting, the tribe built 16 Coup Stands. Please bring these as well as your coup sticks to the next campout for display to the Chiefs of the Nation. If you do not have a craft idea for your meeting, call me and we can come up with something together.

We have our T-shirts on order. They should be here in the next couple of weeks. I will let you know when they arrive. If you need an adult large, we have them now, just let me know. We are also working on having some vests made. Our eventual goal is to have the whole tribe wearing their Creek shirts for all nation and tribal activities, then for the firewalks, wearing full vest, shirt, and headband. We will definitely look sharp as the Creek tribe!!

Feather books are also coming. Although it is still loosely structured, these are the advancement awards used by the YMCA Indian Guides. The tribe will be working on a “feather a month” at each meeting. At next month’s meeting, we will be emphasizing the Red Feather. Details can be found on the blog. At the last campout, the Red Feather was awarded to Wild Cougar, Wolf Fang, and Lizard Princess. Aho to those Little Braves. Bob Cat has expressed his interest in earning his Eagle Feather. Way to go Bob
Cat!!

A roster will be coming via email. I have tried to be as accurate as I can, but since at times, I was writing on bark with a piece of charcoal, I may have missed some info. Let me know if your info. is correct.

Lastly, I wanted to also remind the Big Braves to discuss our responsibilities as a tribe and as individuals with the Little Braves. We are a group who are working toward strong relationships between the fathers and sons. Therefore, there is an appropriate code of conduct which is allowed at the campouts. We are proud of being Creek members, however, we are also part of the great Canaveral nation. As such, we participate with the Nation and its activities, do not steal coup from the other tribes, or harass the members of the other tribes. We do however, encourage healthy competition through war games, or other challenges which we can arrange: such as tug-o-war. As a group who seeks to preserve nature and the Earth’s natural beauty, we need to keep our camp clean, free from litter, and respect nature, and not destroy wildlife in any way. Campfire safety is also very important, and Big Braves, please monitor your Little Brave to ensure their campfire etiquette is appropriate. Big Braves also have a responsibility to create a safe, nurturing environment for our Little Braves. Let’s do this by setting a great example for these impressionable youth through our behavior and especially appropriate language at the campouts. Through these actions, this group is a wonderful and unique opportunity to grow our relationships with our sons and each other while teaching our sons the great wonder of the outdoors.

Have a great month! See you all at the next meeting!!

Pletch

The Red Feather is earned by reciting from memory the Indian names of the tribe by memory, and the motto, "Pals forever with my Dad." The following pictures are great practice for the next meeting where the Creek tribe will be working on getting the Red Feather for all the Little Braves.