Tribe of Quivira
"OLD WARRIOR" PROGRAM"
In addition to the many
different activity areas, elective Scouting programs and adventure
opportunities offered at Camp Kanza and Quivera Scout Ranch (and formerly
Camp Ta-Wo-Ko-Ni, closed in 1993), Scouts and leaders may participate in the
Tribe of Quivira, commonly known as the "Old Warrior" program. Scouts
receive a program orientation during their camp week in preparation for
special tribal, ceremonial activities.
The Tribe of Quivira provides continuity by encouraging year-to-year
participation in a Quivira Council Scout camp; it is for both youth and
adult leaders. The program offers symbolic advancement through the Tribe
until the designation of Tribal Elder is attained, at the conclusion of the
individual's fifth year of camp, and their sincere effort in completing of
the following requirements:
FIRST-YEAR CAMPER - During the week, first-year participants will "protect
the camp" by keeping it free from litter. The first-year camper program
begins Friday, after breakfast. Each person will bring the following: paper,
pencil, ground cloth, and a Scout Handbook. They will be placed "on silence"
during the morning's program and evening ceremony. They are given the
program guide-lines, and the Story of Hiawatha, as told by Longfellow. At
the campfire, they will be blindfolded and given the “black drink” (actually
a harmless concoction, but with a week’s build-up...... A coup thong is
given at the Friday campfire and they are named "hunters."
I learned later that the
infamous black drink was heavily based on flat soda with a few dashes of hot
sauce, but the buildup made it sound like arsenic…
SECOND-YEAR CAMPER - During camp
week -- but before Friday morning, hunters will "preserve the camp" by
completing a service project. The second-year camper program begins after
Friday breakfast and lasts about one hour. Campers will then be summoned to
the meeting point by drum and led to a ceremony. They should bring a
designated log with their initials and troop no. carved in it. Scouts are
then released to afternoon activities.
At the Friday evening ceremony, a yellow service block is given for the coup
thong, and they will be named "braves."
THIRD-YEAR CAMPER - During the week, third-year, braves, will select a rock
weighing over 15 pounds and chisel their initials in it. On Friday, they
will rise early and carry their rock for the entire day. (Exception: a
physicians release or a physically challenged condition. ) The purpose of
carrying this symbolic burden is to remind a Scout of the burden of
responsibilities he must carry throughout his life.
A black "Eagle" Claw, for the coup-thong, and a personal Indian name are
given at the closing campfire, and these campers are called "warriors."
When I did this in the early
1960’s, you had to have the rock carved early in the week (something like
Wed) and then you carried it all the rest of the week. Needless to say, I
worked really hard on aquatic MBs and the Mile Swim that week.
FOURTH-YEAR CAMPER - During the
week, the warrior must assist in tribal activities. On Friday, they assist
in one of the first, second, or third year programs. They will also be
responsible for building and tending of the fire for Friday nights closing
campfire.
Fourth-year campers participating in a portion of the tribal program at the
campfire will be named an "old warrior," and be allowed to paint the tip of
their claw, light blue.
FIFTH-YEAR CAMPER -Fifth-year
campers/old warriors are encouraged to help with the tribal program,
throughout their camp week. They will also sit on the review committee for
all new Indian names that are given.
Friday evening, fifth-year
participants will be presented an Indian head to be attached to their
service block, and they will be named "tribal elders." Tribal Elders are
afforded the highest respect at all ceremonial campfires.
TRIBAL COUNCIL. The Tribal Council
oversees the activities of the Tribe of Quivira. Members of the Tribal
Council are appointed by the Quivira Council Camping Committee, upon the
recommendation of district camping chair-persons. They are recognized with a
white coup on the coup-thong.
Additional service to the Tribe
includes:
Honorary Chief of the Week
-- white coup;
fire-builders -- orange
coup; and
tom-tom beaters -- green
coup.
Details of the Tribe of Quivira
program are contained in a booklet available at summer Camp.
