Chief's Challenge 2009:

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. Through my chief's challenge this year, I want to continue to promote a healthy family lifestyle beyond the bonds created between father and child.

While YGP is a program all about dads and kids, a part of the pledge is the one we make to family: "We father and son, through friendly services to each other, our family, our tribe..." Family before tribe - and the challenge is simply to promote a healthy balance that goes beyond father/child and extends to whatever "family" means to the individual - this includes moms, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc. and just Dad if that is the case...

By strengthening the family as a whole, we strengthen the bond between father and child. Perhaps if more families took the time to spend together, like as suggested, then maybe we would have stronger family bonds and less marital strife.

By promoting kids spending time with parents, grandparents, etc. children gather a sense of what family is all about and not just running around between sporting events, grabbing a quick fast food dinner, missing Dad who's in New Jersey on business, etc. Many families in our area are far from "home" with grandparents, aunts, uncles, a distant concept. Part of this challenge is to incorporate that larger part of family and promote the kids learning about the blood relations that don't live in the same house. They can work on family trees, make a family history, organize a family reunion - anything that goes beyond the bounds of mom and dad.

The "teachable" moments in all this is how very important family is to each of us - no matter what that "family" consists of. Blood is thicker than water. Family means everything. It builds a healthy respect for where we come from and where we're going. This strengthens the whole family bond in many positive ways - no matter the make-up of the family.

So my challenge to every Big Brave and child is to complete 15 of the tasks mentioned on the flyer before Spring Outing. Turn in your checklist at camp and get your patch!  

How-How!
Chief Rolling Rock

ps: Don't forget to check out my Chief Rock Blog when you can...