By Brandon Sinclair
Large crowds of Scouts and Scouters were captivated by the intense American Indian activities that took place this summer at the Order of the Arrow's American Indian Village at the 2013 National Scout Jamboree. This awe-inspiring area was placed on the highest, and most beautiful mountain within the Summit Bechtel Reserve. Each morning, over 8,000 Scouts would arrive at Garden Ground Mountain in order to observe and carry out the customs and traditions of the Order of the Arrow and of the American Indian groups that were represented.
Twice each day the American Indian Village staff would host a pow wow. The pow wow boasted northern traditional dance, fancy dance, straight dance, and grass dance teams. However, the American Indian Village also had a few special presentations including an opening and closing speech from the staff at the Lewis and Clark exhibit. There was also a female Fancy Shawl Dance, a Hula Hoop Dance, an Eagle Dance, and an honorary Cherokee war dance. The pow wow would not of been possible without the Northern Style and Southern Style drums, which was lead by Eagle Scout Sean Cawthon, a member of the Texas Connection drum group.
Directly following the pow wow, the staff would break into groups. The groups were mostly divided by areas of the country: Northwestern, Northeastern, Plains, Southeastern, Southwestern, American Indian crafts, and the Lewis and Clark exhibit. Each program group offered a unique and different experience. There were things to do from shooting spears in the atlatl range, to lacrosse, to making chokers, and to even explore teepees!
Along with the other fantastic programs that the OA made possible at the Jamboree, the American Indian Village was most definitely a highlight for all.