First Hike is a Practice
Flower Children March 5 miles
The Juniors went on the first major hike of the season last Wednesday
afternoon - a 5 mile jaunt around the camp property past East Lake, Old
Barn #2, Granny's House, the old burnt out forest.
This practice hike (which was more fun than practice) was designed to
show campers how to hike in file on roads, space rest stops, conserve
energy, and have fun.
Chris Schmutz began picking flowers along the road and started a "flower
children" movement which soon found everyone with flowers in their
belts, singing folk songs. David Hunt decorated himself with ferns while
Jeff Marcus laced his shoes with daisy stems. The roads were strewn
with flowers to show "that the good people of the Lower Camp were here."
Indian Tribe Prepares for 1969 Tests
It was a peaceful campfire last week with songs and Indian dances by old
tribe members, marshmallows, a perfect fire with crackling, scented
wood/ Hands were clapping, heads bobbing with the rhythm of dancing
Indian feet. Suddenly a camper, Chip-Off Bloche, screamed: "Look at
that! Look! What is it?" All heads turned and deep from in the woods a
tall man walked toward the campfire. As he got closer it could be seen
that he was wearing a blanket. A feather. Paint on the face. He
approached without expression, looking forward, emotionless. The campers
rose to their feet then fell to their knees as Head Counselor John
Kocsis explained that Rhama, the Indian God of the Wood, was visiting
the campfire. The honor was tremendous!
Rhama came to the fire and spoke. "I am Rhama. I have come from the wood
to visit my favorite tribe, the Ichigumi Indians of Camp Susquehanna."
Rhama explained to the campers that they could all join the Ichigumi
Tribe if they passed the Indian Test. He asked who would like to take
the test. Everyone stepped forward. Rhama looked at Mark Dixon. "Are you
brave"" Rhama asked. Mark thought for a moment then sighed, "Oh Rhama!"
Mark was overpowered with awe. Rhama then looked at Timmy Joyce (an old
tribe member from last year) and said, "You. Are you brave?"
"Oh
yeas, Rhama", said Timmy. "I'm an Indian already!" Rhama was very
pleased. "All of you," he said, "are good people and shall succeed."
Rhama walked off into the forest, putting the old tribe members (David
Adleson, Jim Hellman, Tim Joyce, David Hunt, Jeffrey Marcus, Todd
Pardun) in complete charge again. Rhama was hailed and fare welled as he
walked silently back into his secret campground.
The Tests
Indian tests will begin on July 5. The Indian Test is very symbolic and
important to the young campers. On the evening of the test the camper
being tested sets up a campground on the edge of the woods. He lays out
his sleeping bag, canteen, flashlight, and calls an old tribe member to
inspect the campground. Upon approval of the area the boy being tested
is sent into the woods to look for a sign which tells him what the
spirits wish his Indian name to be. A running rabbit, a soaring eagle, a
falling twig might be a clue.
When the name is decided upon the tested returns silently to his
campground to spend the night alone. If he is at the site in the
morning, and has not returned to his unit, the camper has passed the
test and will become a tribe member on July 17th. Allowance will be made
for bad weather.
News in Brief
Jeff Marcus was found sitting on a red bar of soap and when quizzed as
to what he was doing he said, "I found this magic egg and I'm trying to
hatch it"...
Chris Schmutz won two candy bars for finding the most papers in a recent clean-up...
Unit 2 (Brent Myers - Counselor, Chip Harris, Mark Dixon, James Schmutz) is leading in points for unit inspection...
Much is owed to Tom Wexler's abilities in working with artists gimp. He
assisted the crafts counselor, Gary Eikenberry, in a gimp session...
Mark Tabor has become an expert tree climber...
Kurt Sink and Jim Neilson are champions on the new game called "Sitting Duck".
Order of Indian Tests
Picked by Rhama
Chris Schmutz
Tom Wexler
Charles Harris
Kurt Zink
Jim Neilson
Chip Bloche
Jim Schmutz
Mark Dixon
Steve Schepps
Mark Tabor
Waterfall Trip Coming Up
Oh Beautiful Beauchene Falls!
Wednesday July 9, will be the day the Lower Camp hikes three miles to
Beauchene Falls near New Milford. Watch for the next issue of the
EAGLE-HAWK for details.
The Junior Campers made a huge get-well card for Michael Cernusca,
brother of counselor John Cernsuca, after Michael suffered a broken leg
in an auto accident. Michael thanks everyone.
