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Fun & Excitement Fill PowWow 2003!

Dunking the commander is one of the favorite things to do at PowWow. The swimming periods were part of the many activities on Saturday.

PowWow 2003 proved to be another exciting time for all the Mississippi Royal Rangers. Boys and leaders from across the state made their way to Ranger Trails Camp on June 6-8, 2003 for the annual camp. National Programs Coordinator, Brian Hendrickson was our special guest speaker from Springfield, MO. More than 340 rangers representing 33 different groups came to this year's camp.

Rain showers were present across much of the state on Friday but the skies cleared by mid afternoon for near perfect weather the rest of PowWow. The rain actually cooled things off and made it pleasant Outpost started setting up their campsites by Friday morning. Many had already made preparation in the weeks prior which made setting up easier. The rain made it a little difficult but everyone seemed to make the best of it. The Friday evening the camp assembled in preparation for the FCF Council Fire Service. District Commander, Wesley Harmon, introduced the staff and Brian Hendrickson. The camp hiked to the amphitheater to the sounds of a mountainman rendezvous.

The FCF Council Fire service included skits, songs and stunts. The FCFers threw frisbees and hackie sacks throughout the skits. Following the FCF call-out, Leantree and Whitehawk led the group in "granny's song." Brian used a hawk & knife to illustrate his message. More than 40 boys responded to the alter call for salvation and rededication.

After breakfast, the 9-12 year old boys assembled at the flag poles for the cart race competition. The13 and up boys met for a unique form of dodge ball.

The activity periods began after the games period with many fun things to do including a stop at Fuzzybear's Snack Shack. Swimming was one of the activities. The pool was refreshing on the hot summer day. The canon ball was the dive of choice for the campers and leaders. Eddie Hilburn constructed a permanent games course that will get bigger and better every year. It was located in the cool shaded valley next to Ratlif Lodge. Mike Heck and the Merit Camp boys also contributed by constructing a rope bridge that added the element of danger to the course. Other games included the rope swing, "A" frame, mountain tops, the wall, spider web and triangle trust. There BB gun shooting and archery were also available.

The FCF Village was the site for more exciting activities. There was Grey Eagle with his old time barbers chair and crawfish for everyone to munch on, not to mention the ever popular Traders' Row.

Sunday morning services were conducted with David "P.B.Bull" Giddens leading the men's service and Commander Brian with the boys. The awards ceremony was held following these services to handout the trophies for the various Powwow competitions.

"I think we had a great camp this year," said District Commander, Wesley Harmon. "I worried the most about the weather that turned out nice. If we every have everyone show-up at once, we are going to have a big crowd. I appreciate so much the commanders who took the time and effort to bring their boys to camp. And all those who helped out at the boys training camps. It takes a lot of men working together to pull it off, and the reward comes when we see the boys respond to the alter calls."

A young man from Outpost 7, Magnolia Springs A/G accepts the District Commanders Trophy. The DC award is given to the outpost who demonstrates the best year round outpost program as well as a good showing at PowWow.

Ricky Flynt accepts the Eager Beaver trophy for Outpost 4 of Columbus from District Commander Wesley Harmon. The Eager Beaver trophy is given to the "best of camp" outpost.