Tribe Visit

Last weekend I had the honor of visiting the third year Princess tribe, the Dancing Winds. The meeting was at the home of Leaping Tiger and Blooming Rose. The big braves had requested that I come and speak with the girls about what to expect in their third year. When I got there we had some introductions. I was introduced initially by Blooming Rose meeting me at the front door and then running into the house yelling, "hey, there's some big guy at the front door!" After entering and having proper introductions, I had each Princess tell me some of the reasons they liked the program. I got the usual answers...Sea Gull/Seafarer, Zip lines, Fall Outing, horse back riding and hanging with my friends. I told them the best part for me was spending time with my daughter and son doing anything they wanted to do. After enjoying some orange lemonade. ( yellow and pink mixed )Crazy Wind Dancers! I spoke to the girls about what to expect for their third year.

The third year is about community service and giving back. I spoke to the girls about how helping people in need is something we should all do. I read to them from the Great Spirit's book. Specifically Luke 12:15-21. In these verses the Great Spirit tells a story about a very wealthy man that has far more than he needed. And how he planned to keep it all for himself. He decided that he would take it easy, eat drink and enjoy all he had stored up. The Great Spirit said to the man, " You fool! This very night you will have to give up your life; then who will get all these things you have kept for yourself?" Basically the story tells us to share what we have with others and to not wrap ourselves up with worrying about material possessions. There are more important things in life other than "stuff".

Thank you Wind Dancers for the opportunity to come and visit with you at your first meeting this year. Have a great year!

HOW HOW!

I'm always amazed!

Last night we had our annual 1st Dads orientation night at the McKimmon center at NCSU. Every year we have a huge turn out of 1st year Dads peppered with several Dads returning for there the 2nd, 3rd or even 4th time. This is the night where Dads in the Triangle area are told by there wives "there is a meeting at 7:00 p.m. over at State, and you will be there!"
But seriously, most of the guys have heard the fabled stories of the incredible adventures and indescribable fun that fathers and sons and fathers and daughters have in the world famous program known as Y-Guides & Y-Princesses. Each year I tell myself there is no way we will get this many people again next year...I think we had close to 1,000 Dads there last night. AWESOME!!! I may be a little partial but there was a great energy in the room last night.
I had the honor of speaking to the group first to describe a little of my experience with the YGP program. I spoke to the group about how unique this program is and how (until they experience it on their own) difficult it can be to put in words the rewards they will get out of participating. I also told them the importance of doing everything they can with their child while they can. This program is designed to strengthen the one-on-one relationship with your child. I can remember when my daughter and I started in the program and the moment that it hit me. Just how short my time with my kids was going to be. It will be different for everybody. But for me it was at our first Fall Outing. During the campfire. It hit me. For that reason the Fall Outing will always be a very special time for me. I'm looking forward to Fall Outings this year.

When do you think it will hit you?

HOW HOW!