Overview of Y Adventure Guide Program

YMCA of the USA Statements

February 6, 2003

9-9-02 Letter

YMCA parent-child program volunteers
YMCA parent-child program participants

From: Barbara Taylor
Sr. Consultant, Program Development

Re: Update on YMCA Parent-Child Programs

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

How did my name get to be on this list? a) Throughout the winter, spring and early summer, we received a number of e-mails requesting information, asking to be heard, or voicing an opinion regarding the changes in the parent-child program. If you e-mailed us, your name was added to a distribution list. If you would like to be removed from this list, please send an e-mail to susan.jarocki@ymca.net and ask to have your name removed. b) In the YMCA Parent-Child Programs Transition Plan paper and the latest editions of YMCA Membership and Program Notes and YMCA News, we asked you to send in your e-mail address to receive frequent updates. At some point, you either sent in your e-mail address or gave it to Y-USA staff over the phone.

What is this I hear about an electronic newsletter and Web site? Volunteers from the YMCA of Fort Worth, Texas, are working with our National Advisory Committee for parent child programs to create a Web site that includes all of the latest information on this program transition. It will be ready for your review later this fall. The newsletter will include regular updates from Y-USA and the chair of the National Advisory Committee, testimonials, advice and best practices from the pilot programs, and other information submitted by parent-child program participants from around the country. To register to receive the newsletter, go to www.airportymca.org/new_nac/index.htm. Y-USA is reviewing its Web presence and will eventually add a Y Parent-Child Programs page to its main Web site, www.ymca.net.

What am I suppose to do with my program this fall? The most popular questions Y-USA received throughout the summer and into the early fall have been, "What am I suppose to do with my program this fall?" "Are there new materials?" It takes Y-USA a minimum of eighteen months to plan, write, edit, publish, and produce new materials. In the meantime, Y-USA encouraged local YMCAs to offer Y Guides/Princesses for one more year.

Where are we at in terms of new program development? As a result of a task force and development meeting with Y-USA staff and other local Y volunteers, staff members from the YMCA of Greater Los Angeles took the lead in developing a first draft of Y Tribes, a revision of our current programs. L.A. has allowed other YMCAs to pilot its model, and, to date, we've received positive feedback. L.A. staff were quick to say that this is just a start, and they welcome Y-USA and local Y input in completing the program. This is the basis from which we are developing new program materials—it isn't the final product.

What else can I expect from Y-USA? Staff at Y-USA are busy writing. Proposals for a new member manual, administrative manual, and promotional videotape have been reviewed and accepted by the YMCA Program Store, which is operated by Human Kinetics (HK). The first drafts of all materials are due to HK by November 1, 2002. Local YMCA staff and volunteers will be asked to review the proposed materials. If we stay on schedule and meet all deadlines, new materials will be out in the summer of 2003.

A release date of summer 2003 for new materials is too late. What can I use in the spring of 2003 when we begin recruitment? Y-USA plans to have the following four pieces available to local Ys by late April or early May: a promotional video, a starter kit, a transition patch, and a sample transition ceremony.

What Y-USA Needs from You

1) Name preference:   The emphasis on the revised program is tentatively centered around parent-child relationships and compass points (program history and legacy, culture, family, community, nature, fun, personal growth, and service to others).  Two program names are on the table.  Some YMCAs propose that we stay with Y Guides because it is the name many Ys have adopted, stays true to our legacy, and describes the intent of the program—a parent guiding his or her child through their early life.  The L.A. model, Y Tribes, has also received support for its emphasis, not on Native American tribes, but on the meaning and intent of a tribe, as described in this passage taken from page six of the YMCA Tribes:  Friends Forever Member Manual (developed by the YMCA of Los Angeles), "Belonging to a tribe is a transforming experience which speaks to the human need for community and extends the sacred circle of our family.  Belonging to a tribe honors all of the resources entrusted to us including our families of origin, the land where we live today, and our responsibility to those who will follow us in the future."  According to Merriam Webster's 10th Collegiate Dictionary, a tribe is "a group of persons having a common character, occupation, or interest."  Some reviewers want us to keep searching.  If you have an idea for a name or program concept, please feel free to submit it to us for consideration.

Please send an e-mail to barbara.taylor@ymca.net with your choice:

Y Guides (and perhaps Y/Princesses)
Y Tribes
Y Parent-Child (YMCAs pick their own theme/focus, e.g., Y Pioneers, Y Stars, Y Tribes)
Other, please specify


2) Materials collection: Y-USA welcomes YMCAs to submit their best ideas for any of the following:

Songs
Skits
Stories
Ceremonies (induction, naming, transition, graduation)
Arts and Crafts
Activities
Family Activities/Opportunities
Ideas for Maintaining the "MAGIC"

Please send a detailed description to barbara.taylor@ymca.net or fax it to 312-977-9063. If your idea comes from another author or published source, please credit that source. If we use it in our published book, it would require permission.

3) Continue to use the transition paper: Every YMCA offering parent-child programs was mailed a Transition Plan paper in early May 2002. Please continue to process the information presented in the paper, especially the sample workshop—to help participants understand the change—and the change-adoption curve—to help leaders understand the complexity of these changes. If you are unfamiliar with the transition paper, it outlines the reasoning behind the change, the decisions made to date, the obstacles one might face in bringing about the change, answers to frequently asked questions, and more. To download a copy, go to www.ymcausa.org (password: ymca, user id: 9622). Click on Programs, then Family, scroll down and select Parent-Child Programs, and then select Parent-Child Programs Transition Guide (http://www.ymcausa.org/programs/Family/pcp.htm).

What We Know for Sure

Initially there was a lot of confusion and uncertainty regarding a change in YMCA parent-child programs. Over the past three months, Y-USA staff members report that calls in opposition to change have subsided. In telephone conversations with local Y staff and after a quick review of local program Web sites, it seems apparent that many Ys have responded to the suggestion that they drop the term "Indian" from program promotions. In conversation with YMCA leaders, Y-USA consultants report that many Ys have accepted the inevitable change and are ready to move forward. Consultants also acknowledge that some YMCAs are still uncertain as to what direction they'll take and that some Ys have stated they do not intend to change their current program (at least not yet).

We are pleased to announce that we have been rebuilding the National Advisory Council (NAC) for Parent-Child Programs. The NAC is made up of local Y staff, local Y participants and volunteers, and Y-USA staff. We have two vacancies yet to fill, and we will soon release the names of those who serve on the council. Council members have participated in two conference calls and are anxious to begin the work plan they've detailed for themselves.

Y-USA continues to value constructive feedback and input from local Y staff, volunteers, and program participants. When the revision is released we want to be able to say that it reflects the input from local Ys, it has been piloted and well received, and it is consistent with the expectations laid out by the initial parent-child programs task force. Please feel free to send your thoughts and ideas.

We'll keep you informed of the latest developments as they occur.

Spring 2002 Transition Document

2001 Statement

National Drumbeats Jan.-Apr. 2003 Excerpts

NATIVE SONS AND DAUGHTERS™ PROGRAMS

Organizational structure of this program may be somewhat familiar, in that neighborhood tribes will be grouped together to form a local program. However, National Longhouse™ will require each local program to incorporate as a franchise. The name of each franchise will end with the designation "Longhouse, Inc." and administrative structures will be akin to that of a nation or federation depending on its size. Incorporation will allow the national program's insurance policy and nonprofit status to carry down to the local level. It will also help insulate local longhouse officers from liability. According to Mark Musial -- head attorney for National Longhouse, Ltd. -- local officers won't have to fear losing their homes as a result of running their programs because they will be further protected with individual liability insurance.

Longhouses will be required to pay a one-time incorporation fee to cover the filing costs handled by the attorneys for National Longhouse™. The fee will be set according to the state for which each local longhouse is domiciled. The annual registration fee for individuals to join Native Sons and Daughters™ has initially been set at $20 per family per local longhouse. These funds will pay for the insurance premiums and operating cost of National Longhouse, Ltd. Local programs will be allowed to up-charge and hold fund raisers to cover their operating expenses. If the local longhouses up-charge a registration fee equivalent to those charged by many other parent-child programs (usually $75-$100 per family), they will end up with a cash surplus of $55-$80 per family to operate their programs with -- for a program with 500 families, that will equate to a budget of $27,500-$40,000 for the local longhouse!

To ensure that programming standards and payments are maintained, longhouses will be re-chartered each year. Program chartering will require longhouses to submit a completed application form, $20 per family payment, and a membership roster. The roster is needed to declare the participants who will be covered under insurance.

Captain John Lott -- a descendant of Pocahontas and the National Chief for Native Sons and Daughters™ -- helped to explain the hierarchy of his program. He said there will be three major levels within the program: the local longhouse, the regional advisory lodge, and the National Longhouse™.

In the local longhouse, groups of neighborhood families will form tribes and will elect tribe chiefs. Collectively, the tribes will form the local longhouse. In smaller longhouses with only a few tribes, the tribal chiefs will sit directly on an upper-level administrative body called a Longhouse Council. They in turn will elect a Council of Longhouse Elders (corporate board of trustees such as a Longhouse Chief, Asst. Chief, etc.) In larger programs with the number of tribes ranging from 10-20 or even as many as 100 or more tribes, there will be intermediary groupings of tribes called nations. The tribal chiefs will sit on a lower nation council instead and will elect a Council of Nation Elders (Nation Chief, Asst. Chief, etc.) The elders from each nation in turn, will then sit on the longhouse council and elect their longhouse elders. All program participants will also be non-voting members of their Regional Advisory Lodge and the National Longhouse™.

In the Regional Advisory Lodge, officers and representatives will provide program support to those local longhouses falling within their lodge's geographical boundaries. There will be a multiple number of lodges across the country as needed. Each local longhouse will designate two representatives to sit and vote on their particular Regional Advisory Lodge Council. The longhouse representatives in turn will elect five people as their Council of Lodge Elders (Lodge Chief, Asst. Chief, etc.) In addition to holding periodic open meetings, each lodge may choose to sponsor regional workshops, conventions, events, and campouts.

In the National Longhouse™, the five elders from each lodge will sit and vote on the National Longhouse™ Council. They in turn will elect five people to serve as the Council of National Elders (National Chief, Asst. National Chief, etc.) The Council of National Elders will also include a Lighthouse representative so that collectively they will function as a national board of trustees.

Additional support will be provided by Lighthouse which will use its church network to ask the Baptist, United Methodist, Church of the Nazarene and other denominations to help promote the new program and find places for meetings/events for longhouses who are unable to do so. Some church camping groups have already heard about the program and are eager to sign up.

Lighthouse, Inc. is a nondenominational, independently operated, 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization that grew out of a mission outreach program of the Church of the Nazarene. For 22 years it has provided food, clothing, and ministry to the children and inner-city families of greater Cleveland with its Heaventrain Program. It works closely with the Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority in developing programs that provide education, children & youth mentoring, leadership, and training.

For more information about the Native Sons and Daughters™ programs or Lighthouse, Inc., please contact: Native Sons and Daughters Programs™ National Chief - Captain John Lott captainjohnlott@attbi.com National Longhouse, Ltd. 28888 Center Ridge Rd., Ste. 202 Westlake, OH 44145-5216 *********************************************

LEADING NEWSPAPER CRITICIZES Y-USA

After publishing three commentaries from responding readers on October 30 -- ("YMCA and PC"); ("YMCA Program Celebrated Native Americans"); ("Guides, Princesses") -- the conservative newspaper decided to take its own stance and on November 4, published a lengthy 1,036-word editorial "When Sensitivity Goes Too Far." It criticized the Y's motives and handling of the program's elimination in reaction to complaints that had amounted "to a dozen or so e-mails and letters over the last five years."

The Tribune wrote, "this is the kind of message-sending that should give us pause. Do we want programs that give kids an early appreciation of another culture bled so dry that they placate every potentially aggrieved party? . . . Regrettably, the organization also may learn whether ditching an identity that has taught hundreds of thousands of families to respect Native Americans only makes that imperiled culture easier to ignore."

On November 6, the Tribune published a rebuttal by Y-USA CEO Ken Gladish "YMCA Parent-child Programs Are Ever-Evolving." Gladish accused the October 19 article as being "alarmist" and wrote, "these parent-child programs remain – and will work their magic in the century to come. But, like all YMCA programs, they evolve." He then wrote, [But the point is that to appropriate another people's names, guise and rituals is not in keeping with the mission, values and diversity initiatives of this 150-year-old organization devoted to "caring, honesty, respect and responsibility."]

However, Gladish failed to point out that his Chicago-based organization has made no attempt to change other parts of YMCA operations that are not in keeping with its initiatives. In the Chicago and Indiana area alone, there are three Ys that continue to "appropriate" cultural names: Indian Boundary YMCA, YMCA Camp Potawatomi, and YMCA Camp Tecumseh. In addition to selling Indian crafts and using Indian names for its cabins (as many Y camps do), Camp Tecumseh has two authentic tipis and a three-story Indian figurine on its campground. Although local Ys retain autonomy, the Y-USA has the ability to mandate change by amending the Y charter which local Ys are required to renew periodically. The last time the charter was amended was in the 1960's to prohibit racial discrimination.

National Drumbeats readers can download the above articles from the Chicago Tribune's archives at www.chicagotribune.com. Cost is $2.95 per article or $5.95 for a 24-hour pass for five articles. The Tribune Company is a large Chicago-based media/entertainment corporation that owns the Chicago Cubs; WGN-TV. Radio & Cable; 2-magazines, real estate, 16-major U.S. newspapers; 25-television stations (W.B., Fox & ABC affiliates); 6-TV series: Beyond with James Van Praagh, Mutant X, Andromeda, Adventure Inc., Beastmaster, and Earth Final Conflict.

NATIONAL DRUMBEATS Jan.-May 2002 Excerpts

YMCA DISSOLVES THE INDIAN GUIDE NAC !

At the end of their December 20, 2001 conference-call meeting, members of
the National Advisory Committee (NAC) were informed by Y National Staff
Barbara Taylor that it would be the final NAC meeting.  Members were told
that the NAC was being dissolved and that a new committee, called a
"council," would be formed in the near future.  The dissolution was done
without regards to NAC bylaws, consensus, or parliamentary vote.

Reasons given for the dissolution (at that time) were the NAC had been
somewhat transitional due to the programming change and to its loose
adherence to its bylaws, the "Operating Guidelines of the Y-Indian Guide
Programs." Occurrences that strayed the NAC away from its bylaws were vacant
staff positions, suspended elections, extended terms, and appointed
advisors.  However, NAC volunteers had pointed out that the responsibility
to fill those empty staff positions was that of the Y's field offices and
the National Staff.  Furthermore, the decision to suspend elections, extend
terms, and appoint advisors was that of the National Staff.  Some NAC
volunteers feel that the dissolution was a way for the YMCA of the USA to
gracefully "weed out" those NAC members who had been opposed to the theme
change.  The Y's official letter for the dissolution dated Jan. 10, 2002
stated the reason was "To allow us to move forward, we first must dissolve
our current structure and rebuild."

A replacement advisory board is being proposed by the Association Resources
Committee (a.k.a. parent/child task force).  The task force drafted bylaws
titled "Advisory Council Standard Operating Procedures" which calls for the
creation of a new council along with operational procedures. The new council
may be titled the "National Advisory Council" (not committee) and will
answer directly to the Association Resources Committee.  The proposal seeks
a budget of $10,000 annually from the Y-USA for the Association Resources
Committee.  The committee would then use this primarily to fund an annual
"in-person" meeting for its new advisory council.  Such a meeting would
supplement other council  communications such as conference calls, emails,
mail, and Internet.

The proposal calls for the council to be composed "of the National Specialty
Consultant/strategy leader or designated Y-USA staff and five to eight local
YMCA staff (or volunteers) serving in a volunteer advisory capacity for the
YMCA of the USA."  Proposed terms for council members will be three years,
subject to one renewal term.   Rotation off the terms will be staggered to
preserve continuity.

An overview of the new "Operating Procedures" suggests that the Y is moving
toward increased staff control of the council, possibly to limit future lay
opposition and ensure cooperation with any future program changes.  There
are no provisions to guarantee lay volunteer participation or representation
as previously with the "Operating Guidelines."  Those bylaws had specific
language to ensure equal representation from both Y staff and laymen by
stipulating the election of lay leaders (national chief, field chiefs, etc.)
as well as appointments of Y field/national staff.

Miss Taylor stated in December that the process of selecting new members to
the council would begin January 2002.  In a later communique, she informed
the dissolved NAC that she had been promoted to YMCA of the USA's Senior
Consultant for Program Development.  Her new position freed her of her child
care program responsibilities while still allowing her to oversee the
program transition.  Her duties will include the "supervision and leadership
to the associate directors who oversee arts and humanities, scuba, service
learning, sports, older adults, child care, youth development, Black
Achievers, technology, and young adult programs."  Miss Taylor stated that
she was "looking forward to the new challenges and opportunities."  Her
previous title was Associate Director of Program Development for the YMCA of
the USA.

******************************************
A LOOK BACK AT THE NAC

The National Advisory Committee was created in 1983, as a result of a
similar situation to its present-day dissolution.  Unlike this recent
dissolution, the former was done in a seamless transition with consensus and
parliamentary vote.

Prior to the NAC, the overseeing body for Y-Indian Guides was the
volunteer-run National Long House.  The long house's function was organizing
its annual conventions and serving as a link between local programs and the
national Y.   Its operating budget was approximately $200,000 of which
$35,000 came from a special budget from the Y's national board.  Other
monies came from donations and a voluntary $3-per-tribe tax from local
programs.

The National Long House is believed to have its roots dating back between
the years 1935-38.  (1935 was when Abel Gregg helped Indian Guides become
recognized as a  national Y program based upon recommendations drafted at
the Layman's Assembly on Boy's Work in Niagra Falls.  1938 was when the
first Indian Guide National Long House convention was held in St. Louis.  It
is believed that during those three years, some type of national body would
have been necessary to propose, plan, and inaugurate a national convention.)

Around 1980, the National Council of YMCAs decided to go by the name YMCA of
the USA and undergo a structural reorganization (similar to the "One for the
Movement" restructuring of last year).  The Y moved its headquarters from
New York City to Chicago and downsized its operations by consolidating its
six U.S. "regions" into four U.S. "fields."  The Y then began lobbying the
National Long House to come under the YMCA umbrella.  Reason given was that
the Y would be able to provide more national support for the program if the
long house were a true YMCA (staff controlled) committee.

Receiving more YMCA support was exactly what volunteers had sought for
years.  However, there was great division within the long house.  Unlike the
structure of the Y, the National Long House had a larger structure (which
yielded additional representatives) by having not six but nine regions.
Becoming part of the Y meant mirroring the Y's smaller reorganized structure
which required downsizing its 80-90 regional representatives to roughly 24
field representatives.  This brought strong objection from long house
members who faced displacement. (Displaced representatives were still able
to serve under the new structure, but only peripherally in field and cluster
positions outside of the NAC's national level.)

Downsizing also meant that those regions who were successful in collecting
the voluntary tribe tax, could be merged with unsuccessful tax-collecting
regions.  Since regional budgets were proportional to the tax each region
collected, successful regions would objectionably subsidize the unsuccessful
regions they were to be merged with.

The Y counter offered to have the royalties from the program materials
(patches, manuals, etc.) fund the long house in lieu of the tribe tax.
Annual royalties were estimated at $25,000.  After long debate, the long
house agreed and began drafting new bylaws.  On March 26-27, 1983 in Reno,
Nevada, the National Long House made a seamless transition of becoming part
of the YMCA by passing a resolution:  to dissolve by repealing its
Constitution and Bylaws ("Manual of Practice"); adopt new bylaws ("Operating
Guidelines of the Y-Indian Guide Programs"); have the core of the National
Long House (National Council of Chiefs) become the National Advisory
Committee (NAC) as a subcommittee of the Y's national board.

However soon after the creation of the NAC, the membership felt betrayed
when they learned that the YMCA rescinded its promissory commitment to fund
the committee with program material royalties. Reason given by the Y was
that it was unfair to do so because other programs (Aquatics, Camping, etc.)
did not receive funds from their program materials.  In the NAC's first
year, the YMCA cut the budget from $35,000 to $18,000 and then subsequently
the following years.  Members were also dismayed when they learned that the
NAC's trimmed budget was not allowed to be supplemented by donations because
of the YMCA's insistence that donations could only be obtained through Y
channels (which the Y refused to do).   In a letter dated Feb. 27, 1984,
former national chief Jerry Ford wrote to YMCA of the USA CEO Solon Cousins:

"You and I are most certainly going to be regarded as the perpetrators of
unfulfilled commitments; appearing to give credence to the skeptics that the
YMCA had and continues to have a "hidden agenda" designed to dismantle this
largest of family programs and choke off the remaining meager funds. Having
been a past volunteer leader in Y-Indian Guides and, subsequently, chairman
of a task group to review its organization and funding, I share the
tremendous frustration that several current leaders have already voiced to
me.  They worked in good faith to streamline operations, to become more cost
effective, to be an integral part of the YMCA.  For their efforts, it
appears to them that any connection with a national program group or
committee is severed, funding has gone from lean to impossible, the national
staff coordinator is discharged and even the royalties promised to them from
the sale of certain program-related materials have arbitrarily and without
even the courtesy of discussion been withdrawn. . ."

The YMCA's movement away from its missionary work during the 1980's not only
brought criticism from Indian Guide groups but also from federal and 40
state governments when the Y introduced child care in 1981.  Tax authorities
began questioning the Y's non-profit status, since its lucrative child care/
health & fitness programs made it appear no different than privately owned
child care facilities or heath clubs.  The YMCA was able to survive when the
tax issue lost steam by 1992.

Ironically, the Y's intent to gain tighter control of the program in the
early 1980's only created greater independence.  Less direct representation
in the new NAC's downsized structure caused decreased national
communication.  This was compounded by the Y's focus on the tax issue and
away from the Y-Indian Guide Programs.  Poor communication and less national
support forced local programs to run more independently, allowing them to
eventually drift away from national guidelines which created cultural
sensitivity problems.  About the only major program development that was
seen in the mid to late 80's was the introduction of the "Friends Always"
manual in 1988 which consolidated the earlier program materials of the four
separate Y-Indian programs into one large manual.

With much of the tax issue behind them in the early 1990's, the Y took
renewed interest in the program especially in the area of the newly
generated sensitivity complaints.  The YMCA of the USA attempted to stir a
movement to eliminate the theme.  Strong opposition however, forced the Y
national board's Program Development Committee to back down and reaffirm its
commitment to the Y-Indian Guide Programs in 1991.  As would later be seen,
the Y would try to attempt program change again in five-year increments
(1995 & 2000).

As admitted by national staff Barbara Taylor at the 2000 Critical Issues
Forum, the reason why the YMCA likes to attempt Indian Guide program change
every 4-5 years is because it coinsides with the general timetable of older
members graduating out of the program.  The new recruits that replace them
are less ingrained with tradition and are therefore more receptive to
program change.

In reaction to the Y's 1990 attempt to bring about change, the NAC authored
the "Y-Indian Guide Programs: Responsible Use of the Native American Theme."
However, poor intra & inter Y communications prevented the document to be
filtered down to proper local Y staff or lay leaders.

Former Assoc. Director of Program Services Bob Telleen had the NAC endorse
"Minimum Standards for Local Y-Indian Guide Programs" (authored by Telleen's
predecessor, Whitey Luehrs).  The standards were distributed to local Ys on
May 17, 1991 and centered on two key issues: removing alcohol and
insensitivity from the program.  Unfortunately, the standards made clear
that they were only voluntary and asked  local Y staff to self-implement,
self-monitor, and self-enforce.  Without incentive or national motivation,
the standards were not adopted by all staff and programs.

In concert with the standards, was the NAC's endorsement of the Y's 1991
proposal for a "Smithsonian Initiative."  The initiative proposed a joint
effort between the YMCA and the Smithsonian's eight-year-in-the-future
National Museum of the American Indian.  The Y would help promote family
memberships in the new museum in exchange for the museum's resources to help
sensitize program material, develop new resources, and gain access to
authoritative American Indians.  These Native Americans would then be asked
to help further authenticate the Y-Indian programs and advocate for American
Indian needs.  In the years to follow, the initiative never materialized.

In 1995, lack of funding led to the end of 57 years of national conventions
and the cancellation of the debut of a new national newsletter by former
national chiefs Betty Ainsle and Greg Gron.  Once again the Y began
advocating the elimination of the Indian theme, but was only successful in
revising the "Friends Always" manual which eliminated a major portion of its
Native American references.  It was finally released in 1997.

In the late 1990's, the WOOLAROC Wildlife Preserve near Bartlesville,
Oklahoma was forced to close  the National Y-Indian Guide Center due to the
lack of YMCA support which centered on two key areas: 1.) Poor attendance by
members due to the center's remote location. 2.) The Y's national board
rescinding their 1972 financial commitment and partnership with the Frank
Phillips Foundation. (See back issue Vol. 2, No. 8 - "Bittersweet News").

In recent years, most of the work of the NAC centered around three areas:
the revision of the national Y-Indian Guide Programs patch; the
authorization of the Harold S. Keltner Awards to submitted nominees; and the
sensitivity issue/program change of 2000.

Movement to eliminate the theme took form in 2000 when Norris Lineweaver,
CEO of the Indianapolis Ys, posed a question to the Y national board's
Program Development Committee (for which he was a member as a local
representative): "What level of confidence do members of the committee have
in continuing to support the national name brand and program content for
Y-Indian Guides?"  The Program Committee reacted by authorizing a "Critical
Issues Forum" on October 28-29, 2000 which the NAC and other guests
participated in.  However, forum participants could not reach a consensus on
what  recommendations to provide for program change.  Unsatisfied with the
results, the Program Committee moved forward and appointed Lineweaver to
head a CEO task force.  On May 31, 2001 the 19 CEOs voted and approved four
goals:

1.) "Acknowledge that at no time before has our society so needed positive
reinforcement to strengthen family relations and positive values."
2.) "Refresh and strengthen resources for inter-family parent/child group
work recreation and education programs."
3.) "Reinforce the original intent to include historical folklore models
such as the richness of Native American traditions and values when handled
with dignity and respect."
4.) "Design national strategy that holds in trust respect for all people and
demonstrates positive commitment to cultural diversity."

# # #

In mid June 2000, these goals were revised by incorporating them into three
motions for resolutions for the Program Committee's approval:

Resolution 1 . . .  Appointment of National Task Force . . . "Recommend that
the YUSA Program Development Committee appoint a national task force to
include volunteers and staff of local Association parent child programs,
experts in the field of strengthening families, and members of CEO task
force to review best practices and recommend updated content and technical
support from YUSA for the future direction of parent child programs."

Resolution 2 . . . Strategic Objectives for Strong Families Agenda . . .
"Recommend the following strategic objectives to the Program Development
Committee, YMCA of the USA:
* Acknowledge with current validation that at no time before has our society
so needed positive reinforcement to strengthen family relations and positive
values.
* Refresh and strengthen resources for inter-family parent/child group work
recreation and education programs.
* Review and evaluate the original intent to include historical folklore
models such as the richness of Native American tradition and values when
handled with dignity and respect.
* Design national strategy that holds in trust respect for all people and
demonstrates positive commitment to cultural diversity.
* Determine need for development of YUSA Program and Technical Support.

Resolution 3 . . . Revised National Name Brand . . . "Recommend immediate
elimination of the name 'Indian' in YUSA and local Association promotions
and go with YGuides for the interim until a more thorough program review
process has been completed."

# # #

In late June 2000 the Program Committee approved the three resolutions.  It
was then brought before the Y's national board in September 2000 where it
was also approved.  However, a YMCA statement on September 27, 2000 suggests
that the resolutions were revised once more by the Program Committee prior
to national board's vote (to specifically include consideration of a new
"theme.") The statement read: "An Association Resources task force has begun
to carry out a comprehensive change process, including a review of program
content and consideration of a new name and theme."  (The term "theme" was
not previously used in the June 2000 resolutions that the Program Committee
approved from the CEO task force.)  The national board also selected
Lineweaver to chair and assemble their new Association Resources Committee.

In the past the NAC tried to continue the work of the National Long House
but with it hands tied monetarily was extremely limited.  Former national
chief Barry Yamaji offered to secure corporate donations to supplement the
budget and pay for national ad campaigns, but all offers were rejected by
the national staff because all monies had to go through the Y-USA's
financial department which did not want to accept responsibility.  The
counter offer to establish a national Wampum Bearer to accept responsibility
for the donations was also rejected because again, all finances had to go
through the Y-USA.  The alternative offer to bypass monetary donations
altogether and instead secure donated services directly (national ad
posters, recruitment videos, etc.) was also denied because volunteers were
told that donated services could only be secured through the Y-USA.

Such refusals were puzzling to the NAC lay volunteers, since such proposals
were in response to the Y's claim that a decline in enrollment (which was
not statistically supported) was part of the reason for needed program
change.  On May 3, 2001 several NAC members meet briefly with YMCA of the
USA CEO Ken Gladish who gave a different explanation.  According to Dr.
Gladish, the reason why the Y-USA was not giving more national support to
the program was because it viewed the Indian theme as a fundraising
liability and so long as that liability existed, no further national support
would be given.

Gladish's statement was apparently a knee-jerk reaction to the controversy
surrounding the United Way's decision to terminate financial support to the
Boy Scouts of America which refused to bow under pressure and alter its
policy against gays.  Evidence which suggests that the YMCA had concern was
found in the Association Resources' 17-page brainstorming notes of proposals
which indicated that the new program would have "United Way appeal."

This does appear to be the true reason for the lack of past national support
because now that the Indian theme has been eliminated, the Y will soon
provide increased support and funding.  The Y's task force is now
recommending in its notes for proposals . . . "If the Y/USA can launch this
program with bells and whistles and more national support, it may help
create a 'softer landing' for those resisting change."

Some of the proposed bells and whistles include manuals, hats, T-shirts,
pins, and a recruitment video with early images from the pilot programs.
Sponsorship of the new program was proposed to come from Kraft, Gerber,
Disney, Kellogg, and Nabisco.  YMCAs from Seattle, Washington; Santa Clara,
California; and Tuscon, Oklahoma have volunteered to test pilot the new
program in the 2002-2003 program season.  Recruitment will begin in spring
2003 and launched nationally that fall.

Despite of all of the monetary cut backs and its claim for lack of funding,
the YMCA of the USA did and still receives roughly 2% of the gross income
from each local Y (which includes money generated from each local Indian
Guide program).  The "International Directory of Company Histories" for 2000
published the YMCA of the USA's 1998 sales at $3.13 billion.  However, in
the NAC's 19-year existence, the budget was repeatedly cut until there was
only enough to fund roughly four one-hour conference calls per year.

******************************************
YMCA TASK FORCE MEETS

The Association Resources Committee met in Chicago on December 1-2, 2001 to
craft changes to the Y-Guides Programs (previously Y-Indian Guide Programs).
Authorization to form the task force was given by the Y-USA's National Board
back in September, when the board approved recommendations from its own
Program Development Committee.  The task force decided to release the
following from their 17-page brainstorming notes of proposals:

"Our Message to Our Networks
In early December a representative group of YMCA staff and volunteers met to
evaluate the current YMCA parent-child program and to make a recommendation
to the YMCA of the USA for program change or revisions.  The meeting focus
and outcomes are listed here.

* The taskforce spent a great deal of time processing what makes the current
program effective, staying focused on what matters most: building bonds of
long-term friendship between parent and child.
* The taskforce charged the development team (responsible for revising the
current program) to use the framework and structure from the current
program: a parent/child focus with parent/child pairs coming together in
small groupings; slight revisions in the current aims, program purpose and
pledge; and a celebration of the program history and legacy.
* The taskforce participants (having experienced the program as YMCA staff
persons or volunteers, as participants with either their own children or
father, or as program administrators) identified what they perceive to the
be the "magic" in the program.  They will instruct the development team to
find ways to retain the magic.  Examples of "the magic" include; parent
involvement, tribal connections, rituals and traditions, neighborhood based
groupings, volunteer driven and delivered, relationship building, parents
and children coming together on neutral ground, story telling, and camping
experiences.
* The taskforce, after much discussion and sharing of differences of
opinion, concluded that it was time to retire the use of cultural themes and
to refrain from copying or imitating any other culture.
* The taskforce understands the importance of moving quickly to provide new
program materials, and challenges the YMCA of the USA to work diligently to
provide new materials for a fall 2003-program launch.
* The taskforce sees these improvements as an opportunity for the YMCA of
the USA and Ys across the country to plan a program launch that will capture
new and old audiences alike and reiterate the YMCA commitment to children
and families."

###

Former National Chief Bob Eilenfeldt, a task force participant, gave a
verbal report at the final NAC meeting that the task force was able to come
together as a group and had made progress.  He stated that the new program
would be called "Friends Forever" and would be non-gender specific.
National Staff Barbara Taylor later clarified: "The gender free will be in
names only.  The expectation is that programs will still have father/son,
father/daughter groupings, but in some Ys where they've already grouped them
together--the new name and format will work for them.  The old system where
we had Y-Indian Guide Programs and under that we had Y-Guides and
Y-Princess, Maidens and Braves was always confusing.  It was hard to get
people to see the big umbrella program and individual programs within."

However, if the task force has an "expectation" to maintain gendered
groupings, it is not reflected in their 17-page brainstorming notes of
proposals.  It did not give any specific mention to implementing gendered
programs (father/son, father/daughter, mother/son, mother/daughter) beneath
this so-called "non-gender specific" umbrella name, nor was there any
mention of gendered program material being revised or developed.  The report
did list what the task force was comfortable with or had reservations about:

What the task force was comfortable with:
* "Remove gender.consistent with today's family"
* "Resonates with current polls (e.g., impact of events of 9-11).family is
still a top priority."
* "Focuses on what we were trying to do all along:  building a relationship
between a parent and child"
* "YMCAs can own this!"
* "Strong kids, and strong families are important to strong communities.
There are some opportunities here"
* " The magic is still there"

What the task force had reservations about:
* "Theme vs. no theme"
* "We may lose some portion of membership for some time."
* "Groups may incorporate and divorce themselves from the Y."
* "Our process led us here.let's not loose sight of that"
* "Our challenge is in the packaging. How do we explain it so readers get
quickly to 'AH HA, of course, now I get it.' "

National Staff Barbara Taylor, also a task force participant, echoed at the
final NAC meeting the same feelings of accomplishment as expressed by Bob
Eilenfeldt.  She said that besides the name change and Indian theme
elimination, the Y-USA would no longer support the alternative programs such
as Y-Westerners or Y-African Guides.  She also stated that the Y will market
the Friends Forever program as an evolution" of the old program, rather than
trying to sell it as a "new" program.  She reported that the Y's analysis of
the "curve of change" predicted that 50% of the membership would not be in
support of change.  This was reinforced by the task force's notes of
proposals which stated:

"Understanding how individuals react to change must be considered in
determining how to transition and change to a new program.  Our
traditionalists will be hard to sell.  We should focus on pragmatists and
skeptics.  We need some innovators and change agents in our camp."

[SIDE NOTE . . . The report then diagramed the curve of change for program
membership: innovators-2.5%, change agents-13%, pragmatists-34%,
skeptics-34%, traditionalists (remaining 16.5%).  In a recent Y document,
those percentages changed slightly (change agents 13.5%, traditionalists
16%).  No information was provided as to what data the task force used to
determine such percentages.  However, National Drumbeats has estimated the
percentage against change to be much higher based on the testimonials from
16 states that were submitted to us for the Critical Issues Forum in Oct.
2000 . . . 92% against change, 6% for change, 2% undecided.]

Besides the name change and Indian theme elimination,  program material will
be targeted for revisions.  The remaining Native American references will be
stricken from the manuals as well as references to the "Great Spirit," which
may be replaced with the term "Creator."  Program "history and legacy" will
be retained partly by using the Harold S. Keltner and Joe Friday Awards.  In
addition to advocating ceremony, nickname, vest, and patch modifications,
the task force will be advocating changes to program terminology as
indicated from their notes:

Old Term . . . . . . New Term
----------------------------------------
tribe . . . . . . . . . circle
nation . . . . . . . . pod
federation . . . . village
longhouse . . . . territory, convention, summit

Some of the program names that the task force considered:
----------------------------------------------------------------
Y-Challengers, Y-Pioneers, Y-Explorers, Y-Dreamers, Y-Tribes, Y-Family,
Y-Wilderness, Y-AmeriGuides,
Y-Pals, Y-Frontier Guides, Y Sernauts, Y-Space Cadets, Y-Nots, Y-Guides,
Y-Friday, Y-Heroes, Y-Americans, Y-Friends, Y-Connections, Y-Westerners,
Y-Voyagers, Y-Legends.

The earlier belief that local Ys would retain their autonomy has now come
into question.  Many programs and staff have believed that local Ys would be
autonomous in program format selection, even by such national staff  as Gary
Forster, National Camping Consultant for YMCA of the USA.   He stated, "All
YMCAs are independent, locally incorporated organizations.  If any YMCA
wants to continue their existing Guide program, under whatever name and with
whatever themes and activities, the YMCA of the USA has no control over
that."

However, when National Drumbeats published the following statement in our
last issue:

"Although the program is changing at the national level, the YMCA of the USA
has stated that local Y's will be allowed to retain their autonomy by
operating the parent/child program of their choice . . . even Indian
Guides."

This specific paragraph was given rebuttal by national staff for the Y-Guide
Programs, Barbara Taylor, who responded, "Although I may have made this
comment to the NAC or individuals, I would never have stated this as a YMCA
position."

However, Miss Taylor's suggestion of non-autonomy was recently contradicted
in the May 5, 2002 Dayton Daily News article: "Program's Theme Falls Out of
Favor"  by Cathy Mong. The Ohio journalist revealed Y-USA Director of Media
Relations, Arnold Collins, as saying differently when she quoted him as
saying:

[ . . . "We can't force Y's to drop the Indian theme," Collins said, "but I
haven't heard from a single Y that will keep its old theme." . . . ]

( SIDE NOTE . . . Arnold Collins' office is at the YMCA of the USA
headquarters in Chicago.  In the Chicago area alone, there are 14 Ys that
currently plan to keep the "old theme!")

Members of an Ohio Y were informed by their director that the Y-USA had
given written authorization for them to continue with the Native American
theme.  However, a copy of the document could not be found or produced to
the program lay leaders upon their request.

It seems that local programs may now have to wait until the Y-USA releases
an official statement on local Y autonomy before they can determine on how
to proceed.


******************************************
----------------------------
FROM OUR READERS
----------------------------

"All I can say is I am extremely disappointed and unimpressed with what is
being done here.  I hope the guilty parties have a hard time looking in the
mirror.

I predict this program is now dead when the focus and rally point is removed
and a vehicle for father son/daughter interaction plus community involvement
will be gone forever.  This will be a huge loss and what is worse it is self
inflicted by the Y.

I for one will probably not participate in this new program and move on to
scouting and quite frankly will have to evaluate any and all support of any
Y activities if this comes to pass.

Shame on the Y for this travesty.

Deeply Saddened
Alastair Westgarth"
(Texas)
--------------------------------


"I am 51 years of age, I have three (3) children who have all been involved
with the Indian Guide
Program, each for several years.  Before that I can remember of Father (rest
his sole) sitting around a
campfire with me when I was approx.10 years old in a loin cloth with
feathers sticking out his head, his
(beer gut) protruding over the cloth saying how-how and doing his best to be
a father.  Thats is exactly why I joined Indian Guides with my sons.

I have served as Tribal Chief, Property keeper. The tribe I was chief
(peacekeeper) of won 1st place in
state at the 2001 State Pow-wow for Indian regailia, as well as Tribe of the
Year of 2001-2002.

Over the past year the Indian Guides Program has gone down hill in a hand
basket with the advance of non-Indian Guide theme, etc.!  I dont profess to
be all that politically correct on these issues, but isn't imitation the
most sincere form of flattery?   The Indian Guide Program has done nothing
to offend our Native American friends, now in essence they are taking away
the very thing that is their heart and sole of their being, the making of a
bond between father /son/family.  There is no good/honor in what they
did!!!!!

There are several families that feel exactly the very same way within our
nation. They justifiably feel that
the Y.M.C.A. has done themdirty and they do not wish to be associated with
an organization that would so easily turn their back on families!!!!  I
agree with each and every one of them!!!!  If my father were alive today he
would be totally ashamed of the Y.M.C.A. and their actions! The name Chief
Peacekeeper is dead, as I no longer desire having anything to do with the
Y.M.C.A.  The changes that the Y.M.C.A. has put into effect simply because
whoever did not have the nerve to stand up to our Native American friends
are appalling.  The Y.M.C.A. has taken away everything that I have worked
for with my son, at least he realizes that the Y.M.C.A.'s actions are NOT
the way to dealing with people. The Y.M.C.A. is
a poor excuse for a  Christian organization!!"

Kenneth M. Miller Jr
Clearwater, FL

--------------------------------

"If I have my facts straight, the national YMCA leadership has succumbed to
the "politically correct" crowd by deciding to do away with any association
between Native American themes and the Y Guides/Princesses programs. Yet at
the same time, it appears that if a local Y wants to continue with the
Native American theme, one that has been the cornerstone of the
guides/princesses program from day one, they can do so as long as they
realize that they will not receive any funding from the national Y
organization, nor patches or printed material.

Well, as far as this Big Brave is concerned, the actions of the national Y
leadership will only affect the Raleigh area Indian program if our local Y
leaders allow it to. We are already the largest Indian program in the entire
world. We already print our own program manuals and patches. So I see no
reason to fear what the national Y leadership does or doesn't do as it
related to the Indian program. Here in the Raleigh area we should continue
as we always have and let others play the politically correct game.

I will promise you this much.  I have been a big supporter of the central
branch of the Raleigh YMCA due to my two daughters who are now in their
fourth and sixth years of the Indian program. I am not even a member of that
YMCA. Yet I pledged $1,700 to its We Build People Campaign for 2002, the
same amount I pledged for 2001. However, that support would stop if the
local Y leadership tried to change the way in which our Indian program is
operated. I think that a lot of dads would drop their support of the Y if
the local leadership shows it has no backbone when it comes to standing up
to this politically correct garbage.

When we start listening too much to strangers and too little to our own
hearts we will truly be lost.

Respectfully,

Tim McBrayer
Raleigh, NC
Chief Silver Fox
Standing Oaks and Howling Angels tribes"

--------------------------------

"It would be a tragedy  to strip the Indian Guide program of the center of
its focus.   My children have benefited tremendously from the Indian
program.  They have learned about our Native Americans in a very hands on
way.  We have had Native Americans attend our functions, they have shared
their
culture with us through dances, song, costume, and traditions.  They did not
feel humiliated or belittled by the Indian theme.  Rather, they were proud
of their heritage, and were happy that there were some who still respect and
admire the Indian legacy.

I am adamantly against the proposed changes to destroy the very core of a
wonderful program which has enriched the lives of so many."

Dr. Suzanne Parke

--------------------------------

"I have been involved, as a parent and grandfather, in the Y - Guide
programs (Schenectady, NY & Southern Saratoga, NY) for 30 years, 'retiring'
at the end of the 2000 - 2001 season.  The program has been and is the best
parent / child program that I am aware of.  Involvement included father /
son, father / daughter, and grandfather / grandson.  The various programs
included Indian Guides, Indian Princesses, and Trailblazers (formed by
another father and myself in conjunction with the Schenectady, NY YMCA).
Last year, our 'tribe' became the first co-ed tribe in Saratoga County (and
possibly New York State).

All of our efforts focused on fostering the relationship of family.  The
family was extended to include our tribe and the nation.  When one thinks
about the positive impact of this type program, we must not allow the
program to end.  In all our endeavors, we look to the Native American
culture as a wonderful example of what we can do in support of our children,
family, community, and environment.

I do recognize that some individuals are sensitive to misuse or abuse of any
group of individuals.  Although this has never been our intent, or, I
believe, the intent of the YMCA, we must consider viable alternatives so
that even the perception of impropriety is ended.  One alternative is the
expansion of the Trailblazer program.  As we participated in it, the theme
was changed from 'Indian' to 'cowboy.'  The basic tenet of the Guide program
was continued.   The changes included our dress (from vest & feathers to
denim & cowboy hat) and increased reliance of the child, because he / she
was older.

The change to the trailblazer theme does not have to be radical.
Trailblazers such as Lewis & Clark were smart enough to work with Native
Americans to learn the way of the land and how to survive in an unknown
territory.  They learned how to use what they needed, but not destroy what
was not needed for survival.  They learned how to improve relationships with
other cultures and with their own group.   Trailblazers also include men and
women who were guides, hunters, trappers, inventors, astronauts, etc.  The
origin of the program, The Guides, is included.  Historical, current, and
future trailblazers can become an integral part of the program.

Let us not end a successful program.  Instead, let us be the trailblazers
who are farsighted and energetic as we move forward for the benefit of all."

Howard R. Picard
Clifton Park, NY

--------------------------------

"I have been involved in the Y Indian Guide and Princess/Trailmates Program
with my son and daughter for more than 10 years.  I have served on the Y
Guide National Advisory Committee for three years and had the honor of being
National Chief since February.   I also was on the Y Parent Child Program
Task Force that met in early December.

Recently, there has been a lot of controversy regarding the future of the Y
Guide and Princess program.  I have done a lot of thinking and praying about
this situation and I want to share my thoughts with all of you.

Until recently, I was a vocal supporter of maintaining the Indian name and
theme.  However, as a result of meeting with various Native Americans, I
have to come to the conclusion that the current program is insensitive to
the Native American culture no matter how hard we try to make it otherwise.
Examples of insensitive activities include improper use of feathers, use of
"war paint" and generally emulating the Hollywood sterotype of the Native
American.

Also, I believe that, sooner or later, the Civil Service Commission will get
involved and force the change.  It is better that we make the change on our
own terms and with our own timetable.

And, it is important for everyone to realize that the local Y's still have
the option of shaping the program to meet their individual needs and
desires.  The YMCA-USA cannot and will not mandate the local programs.

Now the challenge of the national leadership, both staff and volunteers, is
to come up with a new parent child program that possesses the same magic
that Y Indian Guide program has for 75 years.   The key will be to have a
program that will give the parent and child the opportunity to grow their
relationship with each other and others in the program.  And, give many
wonderful memories.  I am confident that staff and volunteers who are being
selected for this task have the vision and creativity to meet this
challenge.

I dream that three years from now there will a new parent child program that
is even more magical than the prior program and is available to many more
people."

Bob Eilenfeldt
Ft. Worth, TX

--------------------------------

"The news about the ' Y-Guides' program has DEEPLY saddened me as well.  I
grew up loving this program and love doing it now with my sons.  I fear that
my daughter will never get to know this part of my family heritage ie: my
dad'd involvement as well as my own.  The memories of Indian Guides with my
Dad are some of my fondest childhood memories. This is a great travesty in
the name of being politically correct.  If the American Indians who object
to this were consulted on how we could better
represent their culture I feel the program would survive, as is it will most
likely die. THIS IS A SHAME.

ABSOLUTLY DISSAPOINTED,
Chief Bear Paw aka Kevin Nodwell
McKinney Nation, Texas"

--------------------------------

"It's utterly appalling to me that the Y.M.C.A. now known as the (You Must
be politically Correct Association) has succumbed to the P.C. madness.  Just
ask anyone of Native American descent,
and they will tell you that they are not 'Indians, those people live in
Asia.'  'We are Native Americans or Indigenous peoples of North America.'

Therefore if the programs were the Native American Guides, or the Indigenous
peoples princesses, then there would be cause for correction of the name.
Now some people will say that we use a 'Native American' theme and dress in
Native garb.  OK so to be PC let's stop wearing these as well as any other
costumes that would offend others during lets say Halloween.  Ridiculous?

This whole PC idea that the Y has created is to many of us one in the same.
My message to the Y,  get a spine or go put on a dress!   And no I'm not PC,
but I do have many friends who are full blood native as well as my wife and
children having some native descent."


Andrew 'Sleeping Bear' Wozniak
West Shore Indian Princess Medicine Man
(Westlake, OH)

--------------------------------
(. . . in reference to last issue's "From Our Readers."  The submission by Y
staff Brian Schlotterback.)

"As stated in the original email, it is unclear how well supported this PC
is among the majority of Native Americans.  I have included again the
excerpt from Brian Schlotterback, Wise Panther, below.  I agree with Brian's
view that we should take a wait and see attitude.  As expressed, the
National Y does not do much for us at the state and local level.  The
relationship we have with our local Y and state organization is a good one -
they help us (coordination and facilities) and we help them (dues and
donations of both time and money) and as a result, we help our own children
and many other children get what they need and we all become better people
for it and the Native American part is a large part of that.

The whole premise of the Indian Guides and Princesses is respect for and
admiration and emulation of the principles represented by Native Americans.
I can't speak for the other uses of tribe and nation names or the word
Indian in other organizations or sports, but the celebration of the Indian
Guide/Princess program of all that it meant to be Native American is such a
positive one, it would be very sad (and possibly detrimental) for us to be
forced to disassociate with that theme.  Let's not be hasty in our
decisions.

Thanks for listening,

Miller Cook
Magic Man
Seminole Nation Tally Keeper/Medicine Man
Incoming Seminole Nation Chief"
(Coral Springs, FL)

*******************************************
------------------------
DISCLAIMER
------------------------
National Drumbeats is an independent, non-affiliated newsletter and does not
reflect the views or opinions of any other groups,  organizations, or
individuals.  Its purpose is to provide current and historical support to
Indian-themed programs.  Although we strive to verify the contents of this
newsletter, accuracy of the articles cannot be guaranteed since in some
instances, information is received by secondary sources.

Native American Roots of Our Program

While we are transitioning to an Adventure program structure, our program is rooted in an appreciation of Native American cultures.

Native American cultures are rich and complex. For example, Native American cultures and unique languages developed for ten thousand years before the European "discovery" of America. In addition, Native Americans developed a deep respect for our environment--a respect that is part of our program aims.

We proudly retain our program's history, and we will continue to build activities around the lessons to be gained by appreciating Native American culture.

We also encourage input that will help illuminate our understanding of Native American cultures. Your settlement might find it interesting to look into the practices or beliefs of a Native American group. Following is a link to many Native American resources