Keeper of the Flame

On Monday it was my turn to pick an activity for Family Home Evening. I chose to play a couple of Native American games that I found at http://www.wnit.org/OutdoorElements/pdf/408NativeAmerican_Ga.pdf

(in case, you're interested).

The first game was called Pebble Patterns. In an effort to teach their children skills for hunting, gathering, and staying safe in the wilderness, many tribes would play this game to teach their children to be observant. To play, take 30 pebbles (marbles or buttons) of different size and color. One person makes a design, and allows the other players to study it before it is covered up; they then try to re-create it. We chose to do fairly simple patterns, but as their skill increases, more complex patterns can be created.

Our 2nd game was called Keeper of the Fire. This game was used by many tribes to teach stealth and keen listening skills, for hunting, fighting, and survival. Placing a pile of wood in front of the blindfolded Fire Keeper, the rest of the players sit quietly until the Chief calls out "Wood Gatherers, we need wood!" and points to someone to steal the Fire Keeper's Wood. The Fire Keeper must keep his hands on his lap unless attempting to tag a Wood Gatherer.

We had some really talented stealthy Wood Gatherers, but our Fire Keepers need to work on their listening skills, as they didn't catch many people.

Jalen Andrew, was at first startled by the Fire Keepers who were lunging at the Wood Gatherers, but finally warmed up to the game, and began quietly stealing the wood as well. After everyone else had a turn as the Fire Keeper, he told me, "Turn, turn." He took his turn, with the blindfold above his eyes, and sat quietly, unmoving, until a Wood Gatherer would come close, and then would deliberately lunge for them. He was so cute! Oh, and he did have a basketball on his lap, and would throw it at the Wood Gatherer's if they got away.

The kids really loved this game, and James has asked every day since if we can play it again.