ࡱ>    !"#$%&'()*+,-./0123456789:;<=>?@ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ[\]^_`abcdefghijklmnoRoot EntryZ O2剓&IpCONTENTS CompObjVSPELLING Each Territory has one Asst. Territory Leader. Trailblazer Territory Father and child (for boys and girls in 4th grade and up). Normally 3 Trailblazer Leaders elected by the Pioneer Lodge Council will help schedule and coordinate Trailblazer activities. Pioneer Lodge Council Oversees the activities of the Territories and administration of the Pioneer Lodge. Members include; Territory Leaders, Trailblazer Leaders Treasurer, Lodge Leaders and YMCA Coordinator. YMCA Coordinator YMCA/Pioneer Lodge employee. Coordinates and administers the daily operation of the Guides Program. Pioneer Lodge Leaders Two Fathers elected for two year terms. Oversees the administration of the YMCA Guides Pioneer Program. 1 Pioneer Lodge I. Organization and Structure (cont.) This YMCA Program is open to all fathers and children beginning at the Kindergarten (5yrs old) level. Most Outposts typically start with younger children and grow thru the 3rd grade levels. Each Outpost has a name. Outposts with boys are known by animal names and Outposts with girls are known by tree or flower names. Beginning with 4th Grade, a child can choose to remain in an Outpost group, or can crossover to the Trailblazer Guides which substitutes monthly Outpost meetings with monthly group activities. Beginning with 5th Grade, a child must participate with the Trailblazers. Trailblazers are still encouraged to participate at all Lodge activities and are given increased independence at campouts. Within the Lodge there are two TerritCHNKWKS TEXTTEXTFDPPFDPPFDPPFDPPFDPPFDPPFDPPFDPPFDPPFDPPFDPPFDPPFDPPFDPPFDPPFDPPFDPPFDPPFDPCFDPCFDPCFDPCFDPCFDPCFDPCFDPCFDPCFDPCFDPCFDPCSTSHSTSH2STSHSTSH2SYIDSYIDrtat1\levelspace0\leveli The Pioneer Lodge s Pioneer Guides Information Booklet Thank you for joining the YMCA Pioneer Guide Program. Get ready for a truly enjoyable and memorable experience with your child or Dad. This program is unique in that the Father and Child participate in all activities, meetings and campouts together. Active participation is the key element towards an enjoyable experience. Pioneer Lodge Contents I. Pioneer Lodge Organization and Structure Pg 1-2 II. Outpost Organization and Responsibilities Pg 3 III. Monthly Post Meetings Pg 4 IV. Meeting Format and Rituals Pg 5-10 V. Paddleboat Race Rules and Hints Pg 10-11 VI. Pinewood Derby Race Rules and Hints Pg 12 VII. Campout Schedule and Suggestions Pg 13-14 VIII. Pioneer Lodge Policies Pg 15 IX. Events Pg 16 South Suburban YMCA 178 E. 155th Street Harvey, IL 60426 (708) 957-2304 Pioneer Lodge: P.O. Box 592 Homewood, IL 60430 Telephone: (708) 957-2304 Email: pioneerguides@comcast.net Pioneer Lodge I. Organization and Structure What Who Guides Father and child Outpost Groups of Father and child (approximately 7-10) pairings. Each group has a name. Each Outpost selects an outpost Leader to help coordinate the group s monthly meetings and to provide information to group members. Territory Combines several Outposts that are of same gender . A Territory Leader elected by the Pioneer Lodge Council relays information to outpost Leaders about monthly Lodge activities. Territory Leader will periodically task Outposts to help run a scheduled event. ory groups for boys (Plains, Plateau) and two Territory groups for girls (Forest, Prairie). Pioneer Lodge Council: Responsible for organizing monthly events, campouts, recruiting and publishing the Pioneer Press Newsletter. The Lodge Council is comprised of two Lodge Leaders, a Territory Leader from each Territory within the Lodge (Plains, Plateau, Forest, Prairie and Trailblazer), Treasurer, and the Pioneer Guide Coordinator( as a non-voting member). The Council operates from a written constitution of By-laws and must vote on any action necessary for the operation and administration of the Pioneer Lodge. Pioneer Lodge Leaders: Two Fathers are nominated and approved by the Council for two- year terms. These two Dads oversee the operation of the Lodge and delegate certain duties and responsibilities to Territory Leaders. Territory Leaders: These Dads are nominated and approved by the Council to oversee the operation of their Territory for two-year terms. The Leader will attend monthly Council meetings, advise the Council, carry out any task delegated to his Territory. Each Leader is available to the Outposts within his Territory for advice or training and is a liaison between the family (Father and Child) and the Pioneer Guide Coordinator. YMCA Guide Coordinator: The Pioneer Lodge coordinator is a paid part-time employee with full-time responsibilities. He/she is the day-to-day administrator of the Lodge and schedules event sites and is the primary liaison with YMCA camps and the area YMCA. He/she puts a great deal of time and energy into events and campouts as well as accompanies the Lodge to each Campout. With the exception of the Pioneer Guide Coordinator, all programs and activities are organized and conducted by VOLUNTEERS. We will ask everyone to occasionally to help with these activities. We promise not to place an undue burden on any one individual. When asked to help, please do, so other guides won t be overburdened. Thank-you in advance. 2 Pioneer Lodge II. Outpost Organization and Responsibilities Outpost Leader: This Dad is selected by the Outpost s other fathers at the beginning or end of the season. His responsibilities are to oversee the function of the Outpost, schedule Outpost events, and help determine the rotation of meetings within the Outpost and pass along any information from the Lodge to the Outpost members. Conducts monthly meetings. Dad: Be helpful and provide assistance to the Outpost Leader in conducting the meeting when it is in your home. Provide snacks, select and conduct the craft, game or reading at your meeting. Maintain control of your child at all times while developing a good father/child relationship. Guides (Boys & Girls): Have fun and enjoy your Dad. Respect your fellow Guides as you would any other friend. Obey your Dad and respect the other Dads in the Pioneer Guides Program. Tally Keeper: This Dad is selected at the first meeting of the year to maintain a log of who was present at the monthly meetings and record any necessary information for a future meeting or event. Satchel Bearer (Outpost Treasurer): Is the recipient of any dues or funds collected at the meetings. Safeguards these funds until proper distribution for a party or event on behalf of the Outpost members. 3 Pioneer Lodge III. Monthly Outpost Meetings The monthly Outpost meeting is the best place to develop a solid relationship with your Outpost members. At your first meeting of the season (early September) a new Outpost Leader should be selected if this was not done at the last meeting before summer recess. The meeting place rotates monthly to a different father s home. (One way to decide the rotation is to put slips of paper with a month written on each and have the kids pick from the hat). Meetings are very useful for passing along information about upcoming events and campouts. Try to get most of this done when the children are having their snacks. Your Post members can also elect to collect nominal monthly dues (Satchel Coins) to be saved for an end of year activity or party. All members must be in agreement about the dues and they are typically $1-2 per child. The Dad responsible for the current month's meeting should send out written invitations to the meeting or call members at least 1 week in advance. Make sure directions to your home are detailed, as most meetings are conducted in the evening. Outpost Property: Many Outposts will collect "significant" pieces of property, which should be maintained by the Leader. Examples are; walking stick, drum table standard, emblem, Outpost awards received at campouts, etc. It is fun to bring your table standard to campouts and use it as the centerpiece for your Outpost s table. Emblems should be hung outside of house or cabin to show here is where we meet. Vests and Raccoon Tail Hat: A simple vest either made at home or purchased at a craft store is a valuable garment for both monthly meetings and campouts. You will find that participant patches are awarded at most Lodge events and campouts. The vest is then used to display the events that Father and Child have been involved in. 4 Pioneer Lodge IV. Meeting Format and Rituals The following is a basic format for conducting monthly Outpost meetings. The most important thing to remember is that children enjoy structure. Develop your meeting format, have fun and maintain control. You may use this in entirety, change it or make up your own. But most importantly, have a scheduled monthly meeting: *Meeting Begins with Leader presiding: -Opening rituals *Walking stick: -Fathers give very brief praise for child s accomplishments/improvements over the past month. If your group prefers, the children can talk about their accomplishments, then pass the stick to the next Guide. *Craft: -Have a craft completely ready for the children to perform with their father. From experience, it is best to test this with your child in advance of the meeting and generally keep it simple. Try to use a Pioneer or Nature theme for your craft. Craft time is usually 15-20 minutes. *Games: -Dexterity or minimally physical games are usually best for indoor meetings. Many pioneer games can be found in books on the reference page of this handbook. 5 IV. Meeting Format and Rituals (cont) *Reading by Host Father or child: -Reading should be of an American Pioneer theme. Fathers can question the Guides about the story and can also take their questions. If the host Father sees it appropriate, he can let the Guides read portions of the story *Meeting Closes: -Ending rituals, song (Pals Forever) *Snack Time: -While kids and Dad's have a snack, the Satchel Bearer collects the monthly dues and Outpost Leader can tell of the upcoming meetings or Lodge events. *Comments: -Its is strongly recommended that the host children's toys be off-limits throughout the entire meeting. From experience, if you let the kids play with the toys you will have a very difficult time gaining control of the meeting. Meetings are approximately1-1.5 . hours long. 6 IV. Meeting Format and Rituals (cont.) Here is a typical meeting ceremony from one of our Outposts: Opening Ritual: Host Guide: 12 beats of the drum Leader: Guiding Spirit, as we gather around our Outpost candle dwell among us and guide us. Give us wisdom and understanding. Leader: Let us give thanks for our loved ones, for the beauty of the earth, and for our Guiding Spirit s blessings. Leader: What is the slogan of the Pioneer Guides? All Guides: Pals Forever/Friends Always Leader:: What is an Pioneer Guide? All Guides: A boy/girl with a DAD like mine. Host Family: Host son/daughter beats the drum once for each Guide. Leader: The beating of the drum calls the Outpost together and tells its members to come to order. All Guides: We, father and son/daughter, through friendly service to each other, to our family, to this Outpost, to our community, seek a world pleasing to the eye of our Guiding Spirit. Leader: This Outpost meeting is now open. Leader: Begins passing the Walking Stick by making a couple of brief comments about his son/daughters accomplishments or improvements over the last month. Then passes it on to the next father. Again, the children can be the ones performing this step. 7 IV. Meeting Format and Rituals (cont.) CRAFT GAMES (OPTIONAL) READING BY HOST FATHER ENDING RITUALS: Post Leader leads the group SONGS FOR CLOSING FRIENDSHIP ALWAYS: (to the tune of Clementine) Friendship Always, Friendship Always, That's our slogan, that's our code As we work and play together As we travel on life's road Dad's are for it, Dads adore it And the kids all think it's fine, Friendship Always, Friendship always The Guiding Spirit as our guide. PALS FOREVER: (to the tune of Clementine) Pals Forever, Pals Forever, That's our slogan, that's our song Kids are stronger, Dads feel younger When they take the kids along Through the days and through the years We will wander side by side Pals Forever, Pals Forever The Guiding Spirit as our guide. 8 IV. Meeting Format and Rituals (cont.) AIMS OF OUR OUTPOST (All read aloud) 1. TO BE CLEAN IN BODY AND PURE IN HEART. 2. TO BE PALS FOREVER WITH MY FATHER/SON/DAUGHTER. 3. TO LOVE THE SACRED CIRCLE OF MY FAMILY. 4. TO LISTEN WHILE OTHERS SPEAK. 5. TO LOVE MY NEIGHBOR AS MYSELF. 6. TO RESPECT THE TRADITIONS AND BELIEFS OF ALL PEOPLE. 7. TO SEEK AND PRESERVE THE BEAUTY OF OUR GUIDING SPIRIT S WORK IN FOREST, PLAINS, PLATEAUS, AND PRIARIES. 9 IV. Meeting Format and Rituals (cont.) BENEDICTION IN SIGN LANGUAGE (Read aloud and motion together) And now (finger pointing to the ground), may the Guiding Spirit (finger circling up),Leader of all good spirits (arms outstretched), be with (arms in close) you and you and you (arms pointing around the circle), now (finger pointing down), and forever more (action of shooting a bow and arrow into the sky). SNACK TIME: (Juices and chips/pretzels/cookies) MEMBERS LEAVE V. Paddleboat Race Rules and Hints From years of experience: Start working on your entry at least one week prior to the race! Basic Dimensions: Maximum length 12 in., maximum width 6in, there is no depth or weight limit. Race day at the pool: There is a nominal charge to race and participate. Rules: Dad can make it, child must primarily paint it and the entry should have the child s name on it. All boats must be powered by continuous loop rubber bands. At the sign-up table, the boat must fit in our measuring box. 10 V. Paddleboat Race Rules and Hints (cont.) Successful entries: Most winning entries are of two styles. 1) Boat has two tall vertical stabilizers in center of boat which secure the paddle-wheel and rubber bands, 2) Boat is long and low with two small vertical stabilizers in center of boat with a small multi-finned paddle-wheel. Hints: Make your entry out of Balsa wood and assemble the boat with good glue and interlocking joints. Try a variety of rubber bands for strength and durability. Regardless of the size of paddle-wheel you choose to construct, make it with at least four paddles. Put a simple rudder on the boat and test it several days before the race. On race day bring your supplies and extra rubber bands for any quick repairs. Race: Entries will be grouped by K, 1,2,3 Trailblazer categories. Dad with child will assemble at the edge of the pool with the paddle wheel's rubber bands torqued. The contest is to see which boats travel fastest to the finish line, a distance of about 12ft from the starting line. Two common styles of Paddleboats 11 Pioneer Lodge VI. Pinewood Derby Race Rules and Hints Rules: You may buy your kit from the Pioneer Lodge or any hobby store but, You Must Purchase Wheels From the Pioneer Lodge. Entry should be constructed by both Dad and child and be primarily painted by the child. Maximum weight: 6.5 ounces. Successful entries: Maximize the weight and have well oiled wheels. Hints: Buy the kit from the Lodge. Begin construction of the car at least 1 wk prior to race. Try to accurately weigh the car at different stages of construction. Usually the best entries have sleek wind deflecting designs and maximize the weight just behind the center point of the car. Weights can be purchased at the hobby or craft store. Never attach weights to the under-belly of the car as this will prevent the car from running down the track. Bring your supplies to the race and be prepared to add or subtract weight from the car when it is officially weighed at the race. Race Day: Staggered starting times will begin with the Kindergarten group and move to the older grades. You must check in prior to the start of your child s age group. The track is set up to be fair and accurately timed. Two common styles of Pinewood Derby Cars 12 Pioneer Lodge VII. Campout Schedule and Suggestions At the present time, the Pioneer Lodge sponsors (4) campouts annually: 1. Fall Campout-Located in Burlington, WI is held 3rd weekend of Oct. 2. Winter Campout-Located in Brookston, IN is held lst weekend of Feb. 3. Spring Campout-Located in Three Rivers, MI is held 4th weekend of May 4. Trailblazer(Open to 4th Graders and above): Located in Three Rivers, MI is held 3rd weekend of August. The cost for campouts is approximately $65-75 per person for a Friday night arrival thru Sunday morning. The camps do offer a Saturday morning arrival package at a slightly reduced rate. Campers who arrive on Friday evening are able to set-up their cabin, get settled and be prepared for Saturdays schedule of activities. The Friday arrival package provides 3 meals on Saturday and 1 Sunday morning. The Saturday arrival package does not include the Saturday Breakfast. Campouts allow Dad and child to really enjoy each other and develop friendships with other campers. Each campground is rustic yet very functional. The Fall and Spring campouts feature cabins, which house approximately 12-16 campers. The restroom and shower facilities are housed in a free-standing cabin centrally located. The winter campout cabins combine sleeping and bathroom/shower facilities in the same cabin. Regardless of the camp site, each camp provides the cabin with bunkbeds, bathroom/shower facilities, lodge for family style dining and activity sites. Each cabin is heated and is in a beautiful rustic setting. The majority of activities are outdoors. Saturday evenings are reserved for the Pioneer Lodge Ceremony and the Camp Staff's comedy/sing-a-long program which include skits. Campouts are a fun time for all. Please don't miss them! Each Campout is limited by space, so PLEASE RETURN YOUR REGISTRATION FORM EARLY! 13 VII. Campout Schedule and Suggestions (cont.) Here are some suggestions for a successful camp experience: Bring: Toiletries, towels, shower thongs, SLEEPING BAG, pillow, extra clothes and shoes, coats/jackets, hats, medicines normally used at home, flashlights with extra batteries, books-toys-games for rainy days, snacks and drinks, paper towels. Always pack for seasonal contingencies and the specific needs of your child. You can always leave half of the extras you brought in your car! Meals are served at the lodge in a family style setting at tables seating apprx 10. Usually an Outpost will be seated at one table with overflow joining a similar group at an adjacent table. Hoppers (table setters) are democratically chosen from within each Post to help set their own table and arrive 15min prior to the scheduled mealtime. Hoppers change from meal to meal. Once the meal is done, both Dads and kids help clear the table as instructed by camp personnel. Activities vary between camps though all camp sites have wonderful attributes and everyone will have a great time. The Spring campout offers fishing and swimming. Be sure to bring your tackle and bait. Each campground has a camp store with limited hours of operation. Very basic things can be purchased at the stores including T-shirts, Sweat-shirts, hats and candy. There are general merchandise stores off the campgrounds for those campers who forgot an important item. Y-Guides campout addresses: (map it using www.mapquest.com) Camp Maclean 31401 Durand Ave. Burlington, WI 53105 262-763-7742 Camp Tecumseh 12635 W. Tecumseh Bend Road Brookston, IN 47923 765-564-2898 Camp Eberhart 10030 Corey Drive Three Rivers, MI 49093 269-244-5125 14 Pioneer Lodge VIII. Lodge Policies Some specific policies warrant mention since failure to do so will impact directly on the function and integrity of our organization; 1. Alcohol is strictly prohibited from being brought to, or consumed at any Pioneer Lodge event. It is also strongly recommended that alcohol should not be a beverage of choice during your trip to or from a campout. 2. Tobacco products are strictly prohibited from use in the cabin, lodge or wash facilities. If you do smoke outside, please be very considerate of those around you. 3. In general, cabins must be left in the same or better condition which they were found. Please maintain cleanliness in the cabin and use the waste cans throughout the entire camp. 4. Campout cancellation procedures are stated on the campout registration form. Once you sign up and mail your check into the Lodge, cancellation with a refund is not possible inside of two weeks from the campout. Please understand that we are a not-for-profit organization and operate on a limited budget. We forward firm camp participation projections to the campground well in advance of the camp. At that point, we are locked into that head count. 5. As a member of this Program you will periodically be called on either individually or as an Outpost Member to help organize/run an event or participate in a fundraising activity. We ask that you accept this responsibility as a way of furthering this wonderful YMCA-Guides Program. 15 Pioneer Lodge IX-Events The following Pioneer Lodge activities are typical of those held each year by the organization. They are subject to change and are generally posted in the monthly Pioneer Press newsletter. Many future announcements will be emailed to you directly and be available on our organization website. Induction Ceremony (Sept) Fall Campout (3rd weekend of Oct) Roller skating (Nov) Beach Party (Dec) Bowling (Jan) Winter Campout (1st weekend of Feb) Pinewood Derby Races (March) Family Ice Skating (April) Spring Campout (late May-early June) Homewood Memorial Day Parade (May) Pool Party (July) Pioneer Guides Family Picnic (mid-Aug) Trailblazer Summer Campout (mid-Aug) 16 odge event. It is also strongly reP,Nxz|~04PRTVXjln|T\&x . L N P R , . 2 N P l 2hjB 11M&(""$$''**------*.,...0.2.4.6.8.:.<. 11T3V344V6X67777788888 888888888:8<8|8~888<<??@@2D 11 1M2D4DFFFFFFFF:GG@GBGDGFGII JDJFJfJhJKFLVLMMNNNNO>P@PBPDPFPHPJPLPPPTPVPPPPPPPPPPPPQR SS8S<> "$&(`b ܢ "$@ 12'( t;11 1I@xأ*DJhjZ\&( 46JLNPRT*TxܳLܴN  " "|"11 1(2"'( ,  vX .12"'( ) @S vxz.4NXn, $`88888( "$ 08. "$ 08( "|$ 08* "$ 08( "$ 08( "$ 08( "H$ 08( "$ 08( "$ 08'$&**,,---(.888:8>8888FFGIIRPPPW:XHXJXLXPXXXXb8cFcd6d8d^^4^. 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