1996 Midnigh Sun Council Gaalee'ya Camporee Report:

Greetings Fellow Scouters:
I just got back from our councils camporee, which was wonderful.
I would like to first of all, thank Mr Howard Luke for donating his
property. The theme for the Camporee was Native Culture Awareness, and
some of the activities included making "sun shades" which the Athabascan
Indians fashion in the spring, when the days are long, and the glare off
of the snow is blinding, which causes "snow blindness" which althouth not
permanent, puts a chunck in your day. Also, Mr Howard Luke shared his
wealth of knowlege on how he traps wolverines and snare making, aside
from his belief that all young people need to know survival
skills..."just in case." For example, he told the scouts that if you
fall through the ice, and you are alone or away from shelter, crawl out
and roll in the snow. The snow will create insulation, enough for you to
make it to help. He then related it to a story of how he fell through
the Tanana on his snowmachine, crawled out and rolled in the snow, then
walked for about 3/4 mile to his house. The scouts also learned how the
Native Athabascans believe in respect for everyone and everything, from
the little critters to adults and yourself. As a climax to this idea of
respect, a "talking circle" was held, where the sage was passed around.
Sage is believed to invite your soul, mind, and body to be at peace and
rest with eachother. Then, each and every person was invited to talk
about whatever they wanted, whatever was on their mind. Most introduced
themselves, and some shared things they felt were special. The building
which serves as what the white man would call a chapel was used for this,
a traditional hut built as a collective effort by many who are now passed
on to "the other side." To understand what a feat this beautiful and
magnificent building was to build, ALL supplies had to be carried in by
boat or snowmachine across the frozen Tanana River. The evening climaxed
with the camp fire and OA Call Outs, where Carl Bradford Brooks was
called out as a vigil candidate, as well as 15 other ordeal candidates.
The camp itself was a beautiful camp situated on the Tanana
River, well isolated from the city, though across the river from some
scattered properties and in the approach path for the airport, one feels
as if they are in the middle of the wilderness. This is because the only
way in and out of the camp is by boat in the wild Tanana where the water
is a frigid temperature of 44* and the current sweeps boats downriver at
approx. 5-7 mph depending. I am glad that the BSA policy of life vests
was followed as the Tanana is a dangerous river. The camp itelf is
operated by Howard Luke, a well respected and well known Native
Athabascan who believes in educating the kids because they are the
future. He even has a local high school named after him. As a token of
appreciation, Howard Luke was presented with the shades a boy had made as
part of the program, as I mentioned earlier, which meant more to him than
any amout of letters, thankyou notes, paques, etc would have meant to
him. Also, deserving of thanks are all the people who donated the use of
their boats and operating time to transport close to 100 scouts across
the Tanana, a river which is to be respected for its swift currents and
temperatures of 44*. The beauty of camping right on the river banks and
building fires on the banks is something that will remain with me as one
of my fond memories of scouting.
Rhett Skelton

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