And so it begins...

 This morning, walking around, making sure the slushie machine is on, and slushing. Trash is out, carboard is hidden away, it's finally here. The ninetieth season of Scouts gathering on the hills above the river. Camp Geiger and her memories...

Today is not really a camp day, though for me it is just the first of many, as it is the day for the Tribal Feast. An annual event, Feast marks the time that members of Camp Geiger's Honor Camping Society come together to celebrate the beginning of the camping season, to prepare youth for responsibilities at camp regarding their paint stations in the various retreats. 

These retreats, overseen by members of the Tribal Council, and facilitated by the Keepers of the Sacred Bundle are opportunities for learning, how to build fires, how to chant and maintain a rhythm on the drum, but most importantly, to instruct on safety for youth that will be tapped this year, as well as those advancing. Safety is paramount, and is infused in every step of that process. Those who bear blue paint, as Runners in the tribe, and those who may be elevated to Runner this season, are specifically charged and trained in the care of youth that are tapped (selected) for membership. Youth selected are often nervous or anxious, as pretty much anyone is about an unknown situation. We, especially your author, like how things are, are uncomfortable with being in situations that we are not familiar. Early teens, those primarily tapped, are even more so. Thus the training.

Change is the constant of the universe. Camp Geiger, for all its memories, and traditions, is certainly not immune to that force. While we celebrate the tradition of ninety years of Scouting at Camp Geiger, we do so under the banner of, not BSA or Boy Scouts of America, but Scouting America, a name change of this storied organization. At Camp Geiger, it is not just the national name change, but in the process of rebranding the camp, newer leadership is being infused into the organizational structure, with new ideas, including logos, brands, and more. I suspect (not being in any of the hierarchies of power) that we are only seeing the tip of the iceberg when it comes to that change. 

Old time scouters will remember that one of the go to Merit Badges for first year campers was Basketry. It was a good way to ease into the schedule of camp, along with the other Handicraft merit badges, along with traditional fare such as Swimming, First Aid, and more. Likely that most of those will not go away, but Basketry has. In keeping with the times, new emphasis is placed on skills beneficial to youth in the 21st Century. Classes introducing the technological world to youth in a positive environment are increasing in number as well as popularity. It may seem odd, perhaps to some, to have a tech-centric focus in the rustic setting of canvas tents and campfires, but it works. There is no amount of technology that can replace the quiet, relaxing atmosphere of nature. Though relaxing is relevant, seeing a raccoon in the dumpster this morning while emptying trash, was a surprise!

Also, this year, is the Centennial for the Tribe of Mic-O-Say, the aforementioned honor camping society at Camp Geiger. The Feast is the second big event for this centennial year long celebration, and consists of a wonderful meal, and then retiring to Mic-O-Say grounds for a remembrance of those members that have passed on in the previous year, as well as the elevation of a new Chieftain. The Feast, in and of itself, is an example of that cycle, as we pause to reflect on the past, honoring those that have died, as well as the words of the outgoing Chieftain, and then pivot to the future with the elevation of the new one.

To commemorate the celebration, a book has been compiled to document much of the history of the Tribe, from its founding by H. Roe Bartle (the Chief), to the current day. If you are interested in the book, you can order it, here https://micosay.org/mic-o-say-the-first-century-pre-sale/

I invite you to come and celebrate these two anniversaries! Come home to Geiger, drop in and say hello at the store, share a memory with friends, acquaintances, scouts and scouters alike. This is the bond that keeps us, that makes us stronger together. We are all part of this tradition. Come make a memory this summer! 

On the hills, above the river...