We came together at the home of Whispering Frog and Screaming Toad for our monthly meeting after being guided there by creative invitations - in the form of a real arrow. Our traditional meeting agenda was mixed around to take advantage of daylight hours and get the dads and braves outside for a scavenger hunt. However, before that could happen, some braves were guide eager to earn additional first year feathers!Little Falcon led things off by being the first of the Leaning Teepees to recite the 6 Aims of YGuides. It was quite obvious a lot of practice was put into preparing for this moment, as he quickly rattled them off - in order. Big Falcon had to follow suit - and after slight hesitation (surely something that is a function of age, rather than ability) - delivered the aims as well. Next up was Rumbling Thunder, who earned a feather by reciting all of tribe members Indian and real names. Not to be outdone, Little Panther was equally up to the task...and red feathers were rewarded! In the sake time, respective dads Lightning Streak and Big Panther were given a break in reciting the names as well (but all were confident they knew them...we think...).
Next up, the scavenger hunt. Tribe members were split into four teams, each of which needed to create a puzzle before they could read a clue that would direct them to their next destination. And the hunt was on! Braves scrambled to put the puzzle pieces together, then raced around the yard in search of the next clue. Awaiting them at each stop - a bag of goodies, and a note to decipher. The activity provided a good outlet for excess energy, and a chance to put on our detective hats.
In the end, everyone gathered around an open fire pit, where we were able to roast marshmellows and enjoy the great taste of smores! Additional tribe business was conducted at this time, which include the earning of 
another feather - this time a teal one. Rumbling Thunder had worked on 3 tribe crafts over the holiday break with his dad, and presented them to the group. They include a wooden box - painted with the Leaning Teepee name - which is meant to hold the beads and bearclaws which are presented each meeting. This was given to Surfing Tiger and Running Tiger (our Tally Keeper), a Talking Stick to be used at future meetings, and leather luggage tag which was stitched together (which Rumbling Thunder is keeping for himself).
another feather - this time a teal one. Rumbling Thunder had worked on 3 tribe crafts over the holiday break with his dad, and presented them to the group. They include a wooden box - painted with the Leaning Teepee name - which is meant to hold the beads and bearclaws which are presented each meeting. This was given to Surfing Tiger and Running Tiger (our Tally Keeper), a Talking Stick to be used at future meetings, and leather luggage tag which was stitched together (which Rumbling Thunder is keeping for himself).
Last, but not least - our meeting provided an opportunity to wish a Happy 6th Birthday to Curious Moon, as well as a Happy "???" Birthday to Big Falcon -whose birthday was the following day.Next up, a Federation Event on Friday, January 16th. The tribe will be heading to a minor league hockey game to watch the Charlotte Checkers play - an earn another patch!
