"Sioux North" Tribe of the GA-Sioux Nation North Valley YMCA Y-Princesses

On the weekend of June 8-10, 2001, members of the Sioux North tribe participated in the final nation event of the year, the El Capitan Family Campout. This event was held at the El Capitan Canyon campgrounds north of Goleta, near Santa Barbara, in a beautiful canyon with a stream, a meadow, and lots of native vegetation, including Sycamores, California Live Oaks, Wild Anise, Mint, and of course, Poison Oak. Participating in the campout were Running Rabbit and Little Bunny; Thunder Cloud and Golden Dove (and brother Spencer); Crazy Horse and Tiger Lily; Tiny Cloud and White Cloud (and mom Dana and son Cody); Flying Elbow and Bright Star (and mom Mary and son Brandon); Big Buck and Little Deer (and mom Rachel and other daughter Gabriella); and Laughing Bear, Singing River, and Shooting Star (and mom Sherry).

First to arrive was Running Rabbit and crew. Although we thought we wouldn't have a tent, we discovered at the last minute that we did have a large canvas tent complete with four cots, two chairs, and a table. Running Rabbit and Little Bunny selected a tent, including a temporary SIOUX NORTH sign made by Little Bunny, and started making camp. Next to arrive was Thunder Cloud and family. They set up their tent across the road, closer to the river. During this time, Tiny Cloud came by; he was in a cabin with his family and had arrived earlier. While the dads set up camp and cooked, the girls explored the river, and made plans for their "slumber party" that night, for Little Bunny and Golden Dove were going to let their dads stay in their little tents while they camped on the cots in the big white tent. Over the night (at around 1:30am), Crazy Horse and his daughter arrived and set up their tent, near Thunder Clouds.

Morning broke, for some earlier than others. We all had our hearty breakfasts (fruit, eggs, cottage cheese, cereal, bacon). During this time, Big Buck, Tiny Cloud, and their families came up to the campsite. We explored the river, and played softball on the meadow. Some of the girls participated in the nation games, while others explored the native plants. We worked on catching tadpoles, staying out of the Poison Oak, and we even saw a tadpole with four legs! Some of the kids went riding on their bikes; others explored on their scooters. We also filled lots and lots of water balloons.

Around lunch time, Flying Elbow and family arrived (they were staying in a cabin elsewhere in camp). Shortly after lunch, we went down to the beach. While we were at the beach, Laughing Bear and his family joined us (they were also cabin dwellers). The girls had loads of fun playing in the sand and surf; there was much less seaweed than last year. The girls played in the sand, looking for sand crabs (we found some up to 3/4" in length!). The dads tossed the ball around. We did take an adventure hike over to the tidepools. There we saw sea urchins and crabs. We made our entry in the sand castle contest just before judging ended.

During the late afternoon, some took showers, while others continued to explore the river. We then had a wonderful potluck dinner, which included burgers, hot dogs, sausages, and grilled tuna. During this time, we showed off the totum pole blocks we had started back in December. Of course we had loads of watermelon and strawberries, and cookies galore! Big Buck and family, alas, were unable to stay for the campout.

That evening, we had our campfire. The girls developed and presented a skit entirely on their own; additionally, Singing River sang a song for the entire nation. We also participated in the graduation ceremony for two of our tribe members, Tiger Lily and Singing River, who hopefully will be moving on to the Trailblazer program. That night, everyone was zonked out, and sleep came quickly.

In the morning, it was packup time. While the dads packed every nook and cranny of their cars, the girls had one last explore of the river. With the cars loaded, off we went home. We were all looking forward to our tribe's end of year party at Mountasia.

This site is presented in conjunction with the North Valley YMCA's Y Guides/Y Princesses program. It is intended to comply with the Y Guides/Princesses guidelines on the usage of the Native American theme and culture. No offense to Native Americans, in particular, to members of the Sioux nation, the Lakota, the Dakota, or the Nakota is intended. Please send any corrections regarding this site, or suggestions for improvement, to the site webmaster.