It's A Wonderful Life

I am not afraid to admit that I cry at the end of It's A Wonderful Life every time I see it. I don't need to see the whole film, just the last 10 minutes. And I mean I really cry.

There's something about those final moments of that Frank Capra classic that has me sobbing at the very thought. As soon as George Bailey prays "I want my life back" and the snow begins to fall, I lose it. It's a slight wetness at first, then the moisture builds in the corners as George races through Bedford Falls to find his family.

When he hugs his kids at the top of the stairs my nose starts to run and my upper lip quivers when he kisses his wife, Mary. But when the townsfolk storm the Bailey home I cannot control my tear ducts and longer. As each person addresses George I have to try to regain my composure and blow my nose - because the even bigger tears are on their way. When his brother Harry toasts "to my big brother George: The richest man in town" I'm on my way to total blubber city.

Then George reads inscribed his gift of Tom Sawyer from Clarence the angel "Remember, George: no man is a failure who has friends." As a tiny bell on the Christmas tree tinkles, Zuzu says "Look, Daddy. Teacher says, every time a bell rings an angel gets his wings." George replies to Zuzu: "That's right, that's right." and then looks toward heaven saying: "Attaboy, Clarence." I'm down for the count. Gone. Finished for the night. A total mess.

The entire theme of It's A Wonderful Life is simple and can be summed up in a quote by Clarence: "Each man's life touches so many other lives. When he isn't around he leaves an awful hole, doesn't he?"

Like a wake behind a boat, our journey through this life causes ripples that raise and lower the boats of others around us. We all probably do not think about it much, but each of do have an affect on so many people that extends far beyond what we see. Sure, our families are directly affected by what we do, but consider your own life and how things would be different without you and what you do. Imagine all the good deeds you have done in your life and what would be missing without you.

When I watch It's A Wonderful Life I reflect upon the passing year and remember all I have done, and tried to do, to make the world a better place. I trust that my friends know how much they mean to me. I hope my children know how much I love them. I pray my wife knows my love for her grows every day. I am thankful for all that I have and I know that I do, indeed, have a wonderful, wonderful life...

Merry Christmas!!! And How-How!

Fall Reflections

It's been a couple of weeks since the final Fall Outing at Camp Kanata and I have a few things to chat about:

Goose bump moments. There are not too many things more magical to experience in person than the first year procession between the torches. The sound of the leaves, the sight of dads and kids holding hands as they walk and the smell of burning kerosene and toilet paper. And seeing it from across the lake is even more magical.

Camp Kanata (and staff) rocks. We all love Rockmont, Sea Gull and Seafarer, but there's something special about Kanata. It's easy to forget where you are at Kanata. Just 20 minutes from my house seems like a world away up there. Dave Bell and staff are wonderful and make everyone feel at home. And the food is fantastic (for camp food, that is...).

Long Bow Council guys are super-bad. This all volunteer group brings the badness when needed and are always there to help. Thanks go out to all the dads and kids that worked the deck selling shirts, touting WeBuildPeople, handing out patches, etc. All your time and effort does not go unnoticed.

Nation Officers are the BEST! From the beating of the tom-tom by Silver Buffalo, to the leading of the Aims & Pledge by Stepping Stone, to the "everywhere you needed him" assistance of Black Crow - these guys rock. So much of the pagentry depends on our Nation Officers doing all that they do. Much appreciation and kudos go the officers! A special shout-out to Mike Windley for his contribution at dinner the last Sunday!

YGP crew is tops. Matt, Bobby, Meredith and Andrew spent Sunday after Sunday after Sunday after Sunday making sure that our dads and children have an awesome experience. I've said it before and I'll say it again - the success of our program is directly a reflection of their hard work. And for four Sundays in a row they made the show a wonderful time for all.

Sky Walker and Shooting Bull rule! I have always been proud of my boys, but their behavior and attitude for four Sundays in a row is to be commended. Through hunger, cold, darkness and dampness they sat in that canoe for at least 45 minutes each Sunday evening and never once complained. No whining. No moaning. No groaning. They understood the importance of what we were doing and projected that serious attitude when it was time to "work."

Surprise, Dad! I was honored to be able to introduce my family that last Sunday night, but even more special was being able to officially induct my own father into the Guides program. He had no clue I was going to call him up to join me at the podium and was even more surprised when I named him "Fishing Wolf." It was an emotional moment I will never forget. My only "regret" was not formerly introducing my mother by her Indian name "Frying Chicken." I really appreciate Matt & Bobby allowing them to share this experience with me. They have heard us talk about the magic of Fall Outing, but now they know, first hand, how truly wonderful it all is...

How-How!

Thanks!

On this day I would like to thank:

God. He gives me peace when I need it most. He gives me a center in world that pulls and pushes. He gives me strength.

My parents. Besides giving me life, they gave me purpose. They laid the foundation and let me build my life. They comforted when I failed and praised when I succeeded. When I was a child they were parents, not friends, and now that I am a parent, they are my friends. Their pride in me is only a tenth of the pride I have in them. They fed me, both in food and in spirit. They gave me direction and then let me find my own way.

My friends. They choose to be with me and can walk away, any time, yet they do not. They laugh with me when it's funny. They cry with me in kind. They support me as I support them. They know I'm there when they need me and I know they are there for me.

My Nation. 13,000 strong, the Arapahoe Nation is an awesome force. There's nothing more special than our dads, giving their time to their children and the children giving time to their dads. In a world pulling families apart, our dads do what's needed for their kids and everyone will benefit in the long run. As the old saying goes "On their death bed, no one wishes they could have spent more time at work." And I can't forget to thank the awesomeness that is Matt, Bobby, Meredith, Renee and Andrew - without them, well, I can't even imagine YGP without them.

My kids. They are precious in every way. Since their births, they have held a special place in my heart. Every day they say or do something that makes my heart swell larger and larger until I think it will burst. I am proud to be their father - and I always will.

My wife. I have loved her since 9th grade and love her more now than I ever have. Each day she amazes me with her smile, her laugh and love back for me. When I am at my worst, she's there for me. When I'm having a bad day, she's there for me. She's my mirror and reflects back to me my moods. When I am happy, she is happy. When I am sad, she is sad with me. She's not my better half, she's my better 90%. She makes me a better man, a better father and a better person. With her by my side I feel superhuman and that there's no way I can fail. She can make me smile at the slightest thought of her. My life is so much richer for having her in my life. I could not imagine a world without her. And it is her that I am most thankful for.

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

How-How!

Shake-n-Bake brings the dough...

Thanksgiving came early last night.

It was truly a time for giving thanks as the 2008 WeBuildPeople campaign wrapped up last evening, complete with a dinner fit for grandma's turkey day table. Prior to the announcement of our reaching our goal for the Alexander Family YMCA, all the WBP colonels and captains dined on a celebration supper of turkey, fixins and an array of baked after dinner goodies. But the sweetess dessert was the feast full of dollars raised during the last six weeks.

Team Shake-n-Bake (aka Y-Guides & Princesses) was tasked with a goal of $65,000. And once again our Big Braves, tribes and vendors have come through like the champs they are. Nation Tallykeeper Steve "Stepping Stone" Motter proudly announced to the group that after our pledges in hand (and projected pledges for this coming Fall Outing) that the Arapahoe Nation has pledged $90,487!

It's a testimony to the big hearts in our organization that we can pass our goal by over $25,000. The Alexander Y reached beyond their overall goal as well, totaling well over $750,000. That's a lot of good things happening for a lot of good people.

As we have said before, 100% of WeBuildPeople goes directly to helping those that need help most. From the student in after school tutoring sessions to the dad needing assistance in being able to pay for Spring Outing to a family with an autistic child that could benefit from Camp Grace - these funds ALL go to folks that can use some additional support in their lives. And as the economy bobbles and flails, there's more in need than ever before. The fact that we were able to go above and beyond our goal makes me so very proud of everyone in our organization.

Thank you all!

How-How!

Happy Birthday, Dad!

Today, we celebrate the birth of the most important man in the world and a real hero: Harold R. Winstead.

He has never stepped foot on the Moon. He did not lead the NFL in career rushing yards. He did not sign the Declaration of Independence. He did not invent the flush toilet. What he did do was give me life. And oh, what a life it has been so far.

I am the man I am today because of him. I am the father that I am because of him. I am me because of him.

We did not have Y-Guides in Rocky Mount when I was a kid, or at least I did not know if we did. It did not matter, because I was fortunate enough to have a father that was a Big Brave in spirit if not in a leather vest covered in patches. He talked the talk, walked the walk and was every bit a model dad for what I now know as a Y-Guides dad.

My father always made time for me and my sister and I never can remember a time when he was not available to us. Sure, he worked and brought home the bacon, but he always had his schedule set so he could coach my Little League and basketball teams. He always had time to play catch in the backyard or shoot hoops in the driveway. Not only did he instill in me a competitive drive that stays with me to this day, he passed on to me his desire to put family first.

Back when I was a teen in the 1970s, my family participated in a national program called "Family Time" that promoted families spending quality time together in a world pulling families apart. I remember those fun activities and how much the time we spent together meant to me. Whether it was bowling, shooting pool in the family room, watching old home movies or going fishing, these were cherished family moments that stay with me to this day. And it is this memory of "Family Time" that made me choose "Family First" as my chief's challenge this year.

My father gave me a lot of great advice and taught me a lot of things while I was young. While I probably never would actually admit back then, I fully appreciate all he shared with me and have since thanked him profusely. After college and living in my first house I was faced with fixing something or another that was in need of repair. Upon completion of the task, I could hear my dad's voice inside my head (much like Obi-wan Kenobe) - "Some day you'll appreciate me making you help me fix this..." I immediately called him and said "Thanks for making me help you all those times..." I say those exact words my dad said to me to Ridge and Dylan as I attempt to teach them a thing or two.

Not only has my father taught me to be a good dad, he has been a role model of volunteer behavior and upstanding citizenry. My dad has always given his all to many organizations across city, state and national programs. Whether it was the Rotary Club, his church's Methodist Men or the Jaycees on a national level, my dad has given his time and his heart. People wonder why I volunteer the way I do and how I can make time to be a nations officer while being on a board of directors and coaching the kids' athletic teams and do pro bono web design stuff all at the same time - I can only answer that it's in my genes. Between my Mom and my Dad, I learned to do what's asked of me, give all that I can and never back down from a challenge to do my best for others.

When I see the very heart of our program in action: dads being dads with their kids, I cannot help but think of my father and how great a dad he has been to me. On Sunday at Camp Kanata, I plan on thanking him in front all the new Little Guides and remind them of the inspiration sitting beside them - and the hero that is their own father.

Happy Birthday, Dad!

How-How!

The Power of a Handshake

Just got e-mail from our old friend Salty Dog. Andrew (a huge Obama fan) sent me a note on how cool it is that we both have shaken hands with the President of the United States. He is right, it's pretty dang cool (To the right is my photo of that historic moment).

While I do not agree with President Obama on several topics (I'm a Libertarian by nature, according to a political test I took online), I have to say that I like the man and was impressed by him and Mrs. Obama when I met them back in May. As NC State's director of photography, I am fortunate to meet a lot of neat and interesting people - Sen. Obama being one of those.

Before speaking in Reynolds Coliseum, Sen. and Mrs. Obama met with Chancellor Jim Oblinger in the women's basketball offices in the basement of the venerable old barn. As they walked in, Chancellor Oblinger introduced me by name as I snapped away at the handshakes and backslapping. The group chatted for a 10 minutes or so and then the power couple needed to get a few minutes of alone time before facing the throng of fans upstairs.

As they were leaving for an adjoining room, Sen. Obama stopped and offered his hand to me. I shook his hand and wished him well in the primaries against Sen. Clinton (of whom I met a few days earlier). He looked me straight in the eye and said "Thank you, Roger. I appreciate that." Seconds later, Mrs. Obama grabbed my arm: "It was so nice meeting you, Roger. My best to your family." She acted as if we were old pals from the neighborhood and her words almost gushed with sweetness.

Needless to say, I was very impressed by both Obamas, their casual manner, attitude and the fact they both remembered the name of the low-on-the-totem-pole photographer standing in the corner snapping pix. I've been around some real snobby posers and arrogant wannabes - and I can say from personal experience that the future President and First Lady do not fall into that category. They seemed genuine, down to earth and, well, as we say in Eastern North Carolina like "real good folk."

And as Salty Dog said - "We shook the president's hand! How cool is that?" - Cool, indeed.

How-How!

Ch-ch-changes...

Last night was a big night for me. It was my first real opportunity to be chief of the Arapahoe Nation and what an experience it was. This was my fifth Fall Outing at Camp Kanata - and my how has my view changed!

That first year, Shooting Bull and I shuffled through the crunchy Fall leaves as we made our way, quietly, among the torches. We sat way in the back of the lakeside amphitheater with Ridge on my lap to make room for the huge crowd that followed. My heart leaped from my chest as the bonfire started with a huge "BOOM!" and fluttered as the echo dance across the lake and off into the darkness. While the air was quite chilly that evening, we were all warmed by the hugs and smiles we exchanged as we promised to be better people for each other and committed to the program.

Last night, I sat in the darkness on the opposite side of the lake with Shooting Bull and Sky Walker. We sat in a canoe (with Brown Bear as our paddler) for what seemed like an hour, waiting for the first year tribes to make their way down to the lake. We chatted about all sorts of Guides stories and memories of Fall Outings past. We could hear the faint murmurs and laughs from across the lake - then all went silent. Off in the distance we heard the call of the drum, signaling the start of the procession. We fell silent ourselves as we watched the flames of homemade torches flicker in the water's reflection. Our silence was shattered by our own laughter as a huge fish decided to leap out of the water inches from the canoe, splashing and scaring us all with a surprise visit.

After all the tribes were seated the lights went out and the music began to call to us. Archers fired flaming arrows into the water and I lit my torch as Brown Bear paddled us toward shore. I could barely see anything in front of us due to the brightness of the torch, but I could sense the eyes of all the Little Princesses upon us as we approached. The music ended just as I made the shore. Out-going chief, Red Cloud, called out for the bonfire to begin and I pointed my torch toward the pile of logs and - "BOOM!" - my heart leaped from chest again, just as it had done so many times before.

I guess some things do change, but at the heart of it all, it's all just the same. We rededicate ourselves to one another each year by this bonfire and bask in the warmth of each others hugs and smiles.

How-How!

Boo! What is really scary?

Two days ago, my 3rd year tribe toured what could be considered a spooky place. A place haunted with ghosts of past transgressions and poor decisions. A place full of a frightening reality. Yet this place also hosts a spirit of bright futures and endless possibilities. This place was Raleigh Rescue Mission.

The Wild Wolf Warriors planned to RRM some time back without thinking of how close it was to Halloween, yet during the tour I could not help but consider the scary possibilities of living a life of homelessness. A lot of us are living only a few paychecks away from this lifestyle and with the current state of the economy, it's a potential world for more folks than ever before.

When I was at The N&O I photographed lots of stories about the plight of the homeless and those trying to help them. I have spent nights in shelters, searched railroad tracks for homeless on below freezing nights, fed the hungry and comforted the sick. But during this tour of RRM I saw everything in a new light, with the view of a child by my side.

Seeing from a kids perspective is eye-opening. The questions they ask and comments they make all skew your view a little. Their common sense approach and non-analytical minds simplify the situation and show a clarity that otherwise gets clouded by adult years and aged experience. Why are people homeless? What can I do to help? Simple and pure and straight to the point.

We dropped off some clothes and food before our tour, but walking out the door I realized that what all we had taken was but a small drop in the bucket of need. As Thanksgiving approaches, let's all be aware of how blessed we are and give a little bit more to those less fortunate than us - and maybe the world will be a little less scary place for a few in need.

How-How!

I Love Camping...

Spent the weekend doing one of my favorite tribal things - camping.

We earned half the wings of our third year totem this weekend up at Key Haven on Kerr Lake during our tribe's annual tent-fest. As we do every year, it was a weekend of awesome grub and some special male bonding. Between the food, fishing, football and tall campfire tales, there was plenty of testosterone flying around those woods.

Howling Wolf put it best when he borrowed an old adult golden beverage commercial tag line: "It doesn't get any better than this." Truer words were never spoken by a man full of steamed shrimp and babyback ribs and kielbasa and s'mores, sitting around a blazing campfire.

The fish were scarce, but the Little Braves cared not. They enjoyed the quiet time by the lake as much as the Big Braves. If one kid caught a fish, they all reviled in the victory as if they'd caught it themselves. That's one of our tribe's many finer points: the awesomeness (is that a word?) of the boys and dads that make up the mighty Wild Wolf Warriors. They are some of the best kids you'd ever want in your tribe, and I'm proud to call them my own.

With the sun setting over a pristine Kerr Lake, we had a tribal meeting as we usually do while camping. Sitting around the campfire for a meeting is just so much better then sitting in someone's living room. Listening to the Little Braves tell how they earned their wampum as their eyes reflected the fire's flames makes a meeting so special. White Bull entertained the boys with a couple of rounds of Halloween Bingo as the dads prepared dessert: Atomic (and regular) s'mores.

As with every camping trip, the Big Braves stayed up late after the Little Braves crashed in their tents and laughed the night way, telling stories of long ago and retelling of tales too "rich" to share in this forum (tawdry enough to make Moose blush I'd say).

Breakfast was a total team effort. As the Little Braves hunted for arrowheads, the Dads all pitched in for a massive morning meal consisting of coffee, eggs, bacon, sausage, toast, hashbrowns and chicken cheese grits. One thing we Wild Wolf Warriors do not do on our trips is go hungry. We eat well and we show it.

After another round of fishing, everyone packed up camp and headed back to Raleigh. As the last car pulled out, Dylan and I had a moment alone to reflect upon the weekend. I could not help but remember our first time to Key Haven as a tribe back in 2006 and think how much these young men had grown in size and how we Dads had grown as friends. A lot has happened in the two years we've been together and there's a lot left to happen yet. And I can't wait...

How-How!

A Special Night

The stretch limos were stacked up like Hollywood on Oscar night. The cameras were flashing and video cameras whirring as the stars of the evening stepped from their elongated horseless carriages. They smiled. They waved. They blew kisses. They knew they were Princesses and were being treated as such.

Every Dad beamed. Every daughter glowed. There was something magical in the air and a special spell was cast upon everyone at the Crabtree Marriott for four Sundays in a row. And the night I stopped by for a visit, I witnessed hotel patrons stopping to watch the show. Women cooed how cute it was for these little ladies to have such a special night with their Dad. And they were right. It was special.

As a Dad with two boys, I'll never know how special this night is between father and daughter. This evening of dinner and dancing is only the beginning of a ritual between these pairs that will possibly culminate with a Daddy/Daughter dance at the girl's wedding in the distant future. The girls will hang on as they are twirled on the dance floor and the fathers hang on as well, holding on for as long as possible - anything to keep them their Little Princesses for just that much longer...

How-How!

My Favorite Time of Year!

It's Fall! Feels like Fall. Smells like Fall. Soon, it'll look like Fall. I love Fall!!! Fall. Fall. Fall.

First, I love Fall for Rockmont. Everyone knows Rockmont rocks and there's nothing better than those warm Indian summer days and crisp cool nights of Black Mountain.

Second, I love Fall for camping. This is my time to pack up the Pilot and head to the hills for a weekend of living the wild life. Fishing, grilling, hiking, campfire, s'mores, sleeping bag, the tent, etc. - all a part of that outdoor experience. Snakes are asleep. Mosquitoes have bitten the dust. No pollen allergy. Warm days, cool nights.

Third, it's football season. Duh. 'Nuff said.

Fourth, is the Camp Kanata experience. There's something so special about Sunday at Kanata for Fall Outing. From grilling ribs to watching the kids and dads tossing the football to the great, big, bad BOOM of the bonfire. It's like tailgating at the game.

And lastly, Fall means Thanksgiving and then Christmas!

How-How!

Bye, Dog. Hello, Bear!

Change is good.

There's a lot happening with The Program: some happy, some sad.

First, the happy! We're excited to welcome Meredith Stewart as the very first female full-time YGP staffer (Renee technically works for Alexander Y). She joins The Program from Camp Seafarer where she has worked since 1997. She jumped right in at Rockmont and is a perfect fit in The Program. She's funny, charming, warm and quite the hoot when it comes to campfire skits. Her new Indian name is "Brown Bear" but I call her "Huggy Bear."

Second, the YGP offices will be moving from Hillsborough Street to the ARC building off Chapel Hill Road between Raleigh and Cary. YGP will be moving from under the Alexander Y umbrella and be in a new branch for YMCA outreach. Everything will remain the same as we know it. Most of the changes will be behind the scenes. They will let us know when the move happens, so tribal Fetchums can know where to go.

Lastly, the sad change (for us) is that Andrew "Salty Dog" Plyler is leaving the Arapahoe Nation. Andrew was offered and accepted the YGP director position with the Winston-Salem YMCA and starts in early October. We will all miss Salty Dog's demeanor and wit - esp. his "Rattlin' Bog" song and "chiiiiiicken" face. However, the two-sizes-too-small bunny suit from Spring Outing will not be missed - as many of us have yet to be able to forget the horror. We all wish Andrew well and hope his new journey is rich and fulfilling.

How-How!

Rockmont rocks!

In as much as I love Spring Outing at Sea Gull and/or Seafarer, there's nothing like the experience of going to Camp Rockmont. Between the whitewater rafting fun on Friday, the fresh mountain air and the gulley washer, Rockmont rocks my world.

Don't get me wrong, I love Spring Outing and all the bells and whistles - but Rockmont leaves me with a certain feeling that I just don't get when I leave Arapahoe. I miss Rockmont for days after getting back home. I'm still jonesing for one more gulley washer ride.

This past weekend was absoslutely fantastic! The weather was wonderful. The lake was just the right temp. The bonfire was funny and inspirational. Moose, Andrew and Meredith were great hosts. Everything clicked.

Whitewater on Friday was super. Diving Eagle and his son Pouncing Tiger joined Shooting Bull and myself for a self-guided raft trip and it was awesome. Can't wait for Sky Walker to join us next year!

The rest of the weekend was just as much fun. We Red Wolf Warriors were joined by the Raging Storms and Aztec tribes in our spacious mountain accommodations. Everyone got along great and some new friendships were formed and old ones solidified. Many thanks to Moose for the prime real estate!

Looking down the calendar I see four Kanata trips in my future and a couple of Date Nights to attend. It's gonna be a busy Fall.

How-How!

New Dads...

Wow, what a great crowd we had last night at the New Dads meeting at the McKimmon Center! It was so wonderful to see SRO...

We heard from Allan Head, a former Nations Chief, who always leaves me with a little tear in the eye while talking about the program and his kids. He was top dog back in the 70s and all his children are now grown and one even has a First Year down in Charlotte. He always tells us of finding the old vests up in the attic - three for him and three little vests for each child - and how the memories came flooding back about all the great outings and events he experienced as a YGP father. I know I'll be same - heck - I get a little misty now, just thinking about the last couple of years. What's going to happen in 20 or 30 years?

I addressed the Nation last night as well, welcoming the new dads into the greatest parent/child group in the world - yeah, I said it - THE WORLD! Get over it other people of planet earth - Arapahoe Nation ROCKS!

For those that missed the meeting, you can see the video presentations on the Arapahoe Nation YouTube page (http://www.youtube.com/ArapahoeNation) and here's what I had to say:

In Sept. 2004, I sat right over there about mid-way down this side with a couple of guys I knew from my neighborhood and four total strangers. I was like many of you - here with a twisted arm and an unsure feeling of exactly what I was getting myself into.

I knew some guys from back in my N&O days that were Indian Princess Dads. I heard their stories. Saw their photos. As a young man without children I could only chuckle to myself about these poor guys wearing paper feather headbands, matching leather vests and sporting silly names like Flaming Otter and Prancing Rainbow Tiger. Oh, and here's a quick tip - DO NOT LET YOUR KID - ESPECIALLY A DAUGHTER - GIVE YOU YOUR INDIAN NAME!

A short time after the new dads meeting, I was at a dinner party and I sat next to an aquaintence from the pool and I happen to mention I was embarking on a new venture with Y-Guides and expressed some reservations.

He looked at me and said "You, my friend, are in for the experience of a lifetime - something you and your son will never forget." He continued by talking about the years he spent as a Big Brave with his two daughters who are now grown. I could see something in his eyes that told me how truly magical his experience was. As he continued to tell me about Spring Outing, his voice caught a slight twitter and I could tell that the memory of weekends at Sea Gull and Seafarer meant so very much to him. He expressed it so simply, so precise that I can only quote what he said about attending Spring Outing - he said "It's like being a kid again."

And when you're in your 40s, like me, and you have the pressures of work, family, finances, and so forth - it's so very special to have that feeling again. The feeling of being 7 years old - no worries, no fears, no problems. Your child will see you in a new light. Acting like them, acting as a co-hort, acting as a friend. Sure, you're still dad, but holy cow - you're a dad that stepped off a 4 story zip line tower! You're a dad that sat in muck for 2 straight hours digging for shark's teeth! You're a dad that did not worry about them drinking milk with dinner, or taking a shower before bed, or even changing clothes for three days. You are a super hero. You are a Big Brave.

As mentioned earlier, I am Nations Webspinner and Nations Chief, and for that I am proud. But what I am most proud of is being the father of a 3rd year Guide and a 5th year Trailblazer. My Blazer's name is Ridge and his Indian name is "Shooting Bull" - he's my basketball superstar motormouth. My Guide's name is Dylan and his Indian name is "Sky Walker" - he's my Lego engineering Star Wars fan. Two boys with two different personalities, preferences and goals - and their one big common thread is their love for the Guides program. Whether it's white water rafting, camping, attending a Hurricanes game or just making a craft together on the kitchen table - these guys love it all. I don't know if it's the cool stuff they get to do or the fact that they're doing the cool stuff with me - but I do know that there's nothing like the feeling I get when I ask one of them what was their favorite part of a weekend, project or event and they answer "Spending time with you, Dad."

A while back I got this blue, plastic wrist band. It has "How-How" stamped on it. Every time I look at it I think of a lot of different things. I think of my wife, Sarah, that nudged me into the program and of the support she has shown me and the boys and our participation in Guides. I think of Bobby, Matt and Andrew and their dedication and service to all us Dads and our kids. I think of my own father and and how fortunate I was to have an involved Dad of my own. But mostly, I think of Ridge and Dylan. This simple blue band represents the endless circle of life and how much the things we do today affect the future. I think of the good times my father and I shared and how those memories made me want to be a better father to my children. And I know - that through this program, I am helping to raise two young boys that will grow to be model citizens, loving husbands and men that some day will be great dads to their kids.

I congratulate you on being here tonight and making a commitment to your family and to being the best Dad you can possibly be. You begin a wonderful journey this evening that is bound only by your willingness to participate and eagerness to enjoy a time in your child's life that you, and your child, will cherish always.

How-How!

Coming up next for me is a weekend at Rockmont w/ Shooting Bull and his Blazer tribe Red Wolf Warriors. Hoping the rain holds out for white water rafting on Friday and I hope to get in a few gulley washer and zip line rides in between thunderstorms. As Moose would say "No worries" because it's all good at Rockmont...

How-How!

Bull City, Here We Come!

We head West to Durham tomorrow evening for the first New Dad's Informational Meeting of the season. We meaning Moose, Red Cloud, Denny and a few others. This is push of the Arapahoe Nation into Durham and we're hoping for a good turnout.

FYI - We will be meeting at 7pm at the Hope Valley Country Club. Pass the word!

We've been trying our best to get publicity in every publication in the Triangle and doing pretty well. We got a great over-sized blurb in The N&O metro section last week about the Durham meeting. And then we got a half page article and photo in The N&O's What's Up section. Have not seen The Independent or Herald-Sun do anything - yet. Keeping our collective fingers crossed on those two.

We're not expecting a huge turn-out (like in Raleigh every year), but hope for enough interested dads to create a couple new Bull City tribes. The more the merrier...

How-How!

Fall Chief's Meeting

We had a great meeting of all the tribal chiefs at the RBC Center last night...

It was SRO as 2nd year, 3rd year and Blazer/Mate chiefs attended the unofficial kick-off of the 2008-2009 YGP season. Matt, Bobby & Andrew put on an entertaining and informative session as usual. A great many vendors attended and spoke about their events, charities and outing offerings. There is a lot going on for everyone. And it's all online for your perusing pleasure - check it out under the "events" section of the web site.

I had the chance to address the chiefs and decided to offer a few tips on being a chief. Here's what I had to say...

__________________________


Welcome Chiefs and congratulations!

To paraphrase William Shakespeare "Some men are born leaders, some achieve leadership, and some have leadership thrust upon them while standing in the queue for the zip line at Spring Outing."

You may have drawn the short straw, you may have been the next in succession, or you may have mud wrestled another dad in the sharks tooth pile for the privilege of being chief - no matter which way you slice it or how you got the title - you are a chief.

My first year as a chief, then Nation Chief and current nation elder council chair Bryan James talked about being chief and that pride we feel when we hear our child beam "My Dad is chief!" That is so true. That moment when you're looking into your child's eyes and you see that pride they feel. Your chest swells, you get that swagger and John Wayne strut - then your wive reminds you who's boss and that the title of chief don't work outside the confines of your tribe much less anywhere else in your house. But for a brief, shining moment, you feel special - you think - "it's good to be the Chief."

Some of you have been chief before. Some are a chief for the first time. As a two-time tribal chief I have a few tips for everyone to ensure a great year under your leadership.

Communicate. Early and often.

Lead. Don't be afraid to take a stand.

Learn. Keep an open mind and accept suggestions.

Adapt. Be ready for anything.

Praise. Be generous in your kind words.

Delegate. Trust your Big Braves to do the right thing.

Appreciate. Be thankful for your tribe.

Give. Your time and your knowledge.

Enjoy. Enough said.


A few years back Chief Wide Wing started the Chief's Challenge. The first challenge was for Little Braves and Princesses to learn Bible scripture. Last year's challenge from Chief Red Cloud dealt with ecology and being good stewards of our planet. My initiative for this year comes straight from home. I want to promote family time and get kids to spend more time with their family as a whole. This year's challenge will be for us share more with the family and maybe let Mom and siblings get a taste of what Guides and Princesses is all about. I will explain in greater detail at Fall Outing, but for now, let's say we will be putting "Family First" this year and expanding our shared experiences.

I am looking forward to an excellent year. I truly appreciate the faith that Matt, Andrew and Bobby have in me and asking me to be Nations Chief. I am honored and I hope that I can serve this great program in a manner set forth by the chiefs that have preceded me.

Thanks - and congratulations again on being a chief...

How-How!

Upcoming...

The start of a new Y-Guides season is upon us...

The Fall Chief's Meeting is tomorrow night at the RBC Center and the Long Bow Council dinner is Thursday night at the ARC. Seems like yesterday I was just packing up and leaving Sea Gull and Spring Outing - and here we are Fall Outing and Camp Kanata staring me down. Where has the time gone?

Tomorrow night I will be announcing my Chief's Challenge for the 2008-2009 YGP season and I'll put it here later in greater detail - but for now, let's just say it will be "Fun for the Whole Family."

Looking forward to seeing all the Chief's tomorrow night and my first time being introduced as Nations Chief. I'm a little nervous, but excited about the year ahead. It's going to fly by as fast as this summer - I just hope to be able to drink it all in and enjoy every single moment I can...

How-How!

Big Braves everywhere...

Went to the Tarheel Swimming Association's regional competition in Cary this morning and I could have sworn I was attending some YGP event. Walking up to the pool from the parking lot I followed a 2008 Arapahoe National Treasure shirt. Standing in line to buy a program I stood with a Dad wearing an "orange" 2007 Rockmont tee. Upon entering the pool area I was face to face with classic 2005 Spring Outing shirt. Found a seat and sitting a row in front of me was the 2006 shark's tooth t-shirt. Big Braves were all around.

I lost track counting Guides/Princesses shirts on Dads around 60 or so. And there were also at least a half dozen Long Bow or YGP logo caps. I am not kidding when I say it felt more like some patch event than a swim meet. And then there were the Dads I know are Big Braves that were not wearing any YGP gear. All that was missing was Moose blobbing in the warm-up pool.

It makes me proud to see so many Dads showing their Guide pride. It's a testimony to the power of the program when so many Big Braves wear their YGP gear so proudly. It's also a testimony to the quality of our Dads to be up and at a swim meet at 8am on a Sunday morning. Our Dads support our kids on so many levels and that just makes our program that much more special.

How-How!

The Call

How-How!

My cell phone rang the other week on the way to a baseball game and it was Moose. He was calling about some changes I needed to make to the web site. As the nation's web spinner I get quite a few calls and e-mails from the YGP office so I'm used to it. After telling me a change he needed me to make to the calendar, he said he needed to ask me a question. He followed that by saying he'd prefer to ask over lunch, but he needed an answer to an important question:

"Would you be interested in being Nation Chief?"

This was it. I was getting "The Call." The Call to Serve the Nation. The Call to Lead. The Call to Step Up and Be All That I Can Be. The Call from Moose. While I hoped The Call would come some day, I had no idea I would get The Call when I did. Needless to say, I knew exactly how I would answer: "Yes. I would be honored. Thank you."

After arriving at the baseball game, I immediately informed my youngest son, Dylan, of the phone call with Moose. I asked him if it would be okay if I served as Nation Chief. His beaming smile was all the answer I needed. Upon my older son's arrival at the game, I told him Moose had asked me to serve. Ridge immediately shot back "You told him 'YES!' didn't you?" It was safe to assume my two Guides were behind me.

Since accepting Moose's offer I have told a few friends and a couple of dads in both boys' tribes - as I have seen them face to face. I have not e-mailed anyone or made an official announcement, keeping my good news kind of low key for the time being. But news does travel fast. It's been interesting here lately as I run into dads at the pool, at work, etc. that have heard that I am the new Nation Chief and congratulated me. I still don't really know how to react. I say "thanks" and that I hope I can live up to the great chiefs that have preceded me - especially Brendan Bailey, Alan Dickinson and Bryan James.

These chiefs have set a high bar that I can only aspire to reach. Their personal commitment and belief in the program is above compare. These chief's excitement about YGP is contagious and they each want nothing more than to spread the joy of Guides and Princesses to the masses. I am committed to continuing their good works and hope (an pray) that I am worthy to follow in their footsteps.

This is my very first blog posting as the Nation Chief and it is here that I plan on keeping in touch with the nation on a regular basis. As Brendan did before me, I'd like this to be a place where members of the nation can learn about special events, outings, and my thoughts on all things YGP. I will continue to serve as Nation Webspinner while serving as Chief, so please feel free to let me know what you're thinking - about the web and the nation as whole.

I am looking forward to the coming year - and serving the nation...