Native American Cultural Values Important to Cub Scouts

Stephens City, Virginia - "But where?" whispered one of the young scouts waiting for his turn to hold the Native American "talking stick." "But where do you talk? Do you talk into it?"
   Cub Scout Pack 159 leader Allen Mason invited Native American Church of Virginia elders Chris (Comeswithclouds) White and René White (Feather) to give a special 1-hour Native American presentation to close to 50 cub scouts and parents recently. 
  The rain stopped the camp fire, but did not stop the firing of questions and comments for the young scouts.

The Cub Scouts Most Asked Question? "May I touch the deer skin again."

   The group spent half the allotted time talking about the "talking stick" before the actual presentation could begin. The young scouts were amazed of the power one has with holding a Native American "talking stick" and curious about its history and construction.
  "These young boys were so professional and bright," remarked Chris. "It was our honor to hear such intelligent comments and questions come from such young minds. And equally rewarding when young children stop to listen to what elders like us even have to say."

Cub Scout holding a Native American "talking stick."

"Also important is the recognition that some Indian values might have great value for non-Indians," said the Boy Scouts of America.

Message from Boy Scouts of America

   "It’s helpful to think of the diversity of cultures as neither good nor bad but simply as different. New cultural values can be learned or understood without people giving up their old values," according to the Boy Scouts of America. "Also important is the recognition that some Indian values might have great value for non-Indians."
    The Boy Scouts of America is one of the nation's largest and most prominent values-based youth development organizations. The BSA provides a program for young people that builds character, trains them in the responsibilities of participating citizenship, and develops personal fitness.
    For over a century, the BSA has helped build the future leaders of this country by combining educational activities and lifelong values with fun.  
   The Boy Scouts of America believes — and, through over a century of experience, knows — that helping youth is a key to building a more conscientious, responsible, and productive society.

Cub Scout leader Allen Mason who invited Native American Church of Virginia elder Chris (Comeswithclouds) White to present to close to 50 cub scouts and their parents In March.