The Woodcraft Girls in the City. Roy Lillian Elizabeth
new members looked at each other for the answer and the Guide continued to explain:
“Wickeecheokee is an old Indian name discovered on the ancient records of the County Seat in New Jersey where the farm owned by Dr. Baker is located. The English interpretation of the name means, ‘Crystal Waters.’ Dr. Baker’s farm where we camped last Summer has this lovely mountain stream falling down the steep side to the Bluff which is a rocky ledge over-hanging a pool of about a hundred yards wide, thence it rushes on to the Big Bridge near the turnpike road. That is why the doctor named his farm after the stream – ‘Wickeecheokee.’”
“I wish to goodness we girls could have been there with you,” sighed Anne Mason.
“‘According to the Constitution of Woodcraft, our purpose is to learn the out-door life for its worth in the building up of our bodies and the helping and strengthening of our souls; that we may go forth with the seeing eye, and the “thinking hand” to learn the pleasant ways of the woods and of life, that we may be made in all wise masters of ourselves; facing life without flinching, ready to take our part among our fellows in all the problems which arise, rejoicing when some trial comes, that the Great Spirit finds us the rulers of strong souls in their worthy tabernacles.’
“Each one of you girls is past twelve years of age, so that point is covered. Now we will ascertain who of the new members know the law, who are acceptable to this Band, and who can prove worthy according to the initiation tests. You will all begin at the lowest rank if accepted in the Band – that of Wayseeker. Now Zan, read aloud the initiation test from page 11 of our Manual.”
The Chief turned back to the page mentioned and read: “‘The trial should be approved by the Council and be given to the candidate when her name is proposed for membership – that is, posted on the Totem Pole where it remains for seven suns. In camp a shorter time may be allowed at the discretion of the leaders.
1. Silence. Keep absolute silence for six hours during the daytime in camp, while mixing freely with the life of the camp. In the city keep silence from after school till bedtime.
2. Keep Good-natured. Keep absolutely unruffled for one day of twelve hours, giving a smiling answer to all.
3. Exact Obedience. For one week give prompt, smiling obedience to parents, teachers, and those who have authority over you. This must be certified to by those in question.
4. Make a Useful Woodcraft Article, such as a basket, a bench, a bed, a bow, a set of fire-sticks, etc.
5. Sleep out, without a built roof overhead, for three nights consecutively, or ten, not consecutively.’
“Now that you have heard what the tests are how many of you believe you can qualify – answer by raising your right hand and by the word of Woodcraft approval?”
The six girls raised six hands and then looked at each other sheepishly because the word “How” seemed so meaningless to them.
“I forgot to explain that this word ‘How’ means ‘yes’ or ‘thanks’ or ‘approval,’” hastily added the Guide.
Then all said “How!” and the other five girls felt that their new members were doing fine work.
“Why not teach them the Woodcraft Salute while we are at it?” asked Zan.
The Guide then demonstrated the sign and action, saying: “The hand sign of the girls is the ‘Sun in the heart, rising to the Zenith’ – given by the right hand being placed over the heart, the first finger and the thumb making a circle, then swinging the forearm so the hand is level with the forehead, thus – .”
Then Miss Miller nodded to Zan to proceed with the meeting.
“In case any of you are not familiar with the Woodcraft Laws I will read them aloud to you. And Miss Miller, I would suggest right here, that the new members write to Headquarters at once and order a Girl’s Manual. They will need it daily, and I can’t spare mine, you know. We really couldn’t accomplish much without this printed Guide of rules and instruction and guides.”
Zan then read aloud for the benefit of the new members:
“‘1. Be Brave. Courage is the noblest of all gifts.
2. Be Silent, while your elders are speaking and otherwise show them deference.
3. Obey. Obedience is the first duty of the Woodcraft Girl.
4. Be Clean. Both yourself and the place you live in.
5. Understand and respect your body. It is the temple of the Spirit.
6. Be a friend of all harmless wild life. Conserve the woods and flowers, and especially be ready to fight wild-fire in forest or in town.
7. Word of Honour is sacred.
8. Play Fair. Foul play is treachery.
9. Be Reverent. Worship the Great Spirit and respect all worship of Him by others.
10. Be Kind. Do at least one act of unbargaining service every day.
11. Be Helpful. Do your share of the work.
12. Be Joyful. Seek the joy of being alive.’
These are the twelve laws that every good Woodcrafter tries to live up to. Now if the Fire Maker will make fire for our Council, I will explain the rays that shine from each of the four candles – one at each corner of the earth.”
The Chief waited for Jane, who was Fire Maker for that meeting, to take the rubbing sticks and when she stood ready to begin the fire-making, Zan said:
“Yo-hay-y Yo-hay-y-y; Meetah Kola Nahoonpo Omnee-chee-yaynee-chopi.”
The opening words of Council concluded by the Chief, Jane placed the fire sticks in their proper position and began to saw back and forth with the bow until a tiny spiral of smoke rose from the fire-block.
The Guide watching, said, “Now light we the Council Fire after the manner of the Red man, even also as the rubbing together of two trees in the storm-winds brings forth the fire from the forest wood.”
Jane blew gently upon the small pyramid of black powder in the fire-pan until the smoke grew thicker. She then waved it slowly back and forth still blowing gently until a minute spark glowed under the black dust. At that the girls all cried:
“How! How!”
Then a handful of inflammable wild-wood material was touched to the spark and as the smoke curled upward filling the immediate vicinity with an aromatic pine odour, a tiny flame shot out.
“How! How!” again chorused the Woodcrafters, and the tinder now burning brightly, was placed in the earthen dish and the dish set in the enclosure made by the logs.
With the flame bursting forth, Miss Miller quoted: “Now know we that Wakanda the Great Spirit hath been pleased to smile upon His children, hath sent down the sacred fire. By this we know He will be present at our Council, that His wisdom will be with us.”
After this Zan read again from the Manual:
“‘Four candles are there on the Shrine of this our symbol fire. And from them reach twelve rays – twelve golden strands of this the Law we hold.
From the Lamp of Fortitude are these:
Be Brave. For fear is the foundation of all ill; unflinchingness is strength.
Be Silent. It is harder to keep silence than to speak in hour of trial, but in the end it is stronger.
Obey. For Obedience means self-control, which is the sum of the law.
And these are the Rays from Beauty’s Lamp:
Be Clean. For there is no perfect beauty without cleanliness of body, soul, and estate. The body is the sacred temple of the Spirit, therefore reverence your body. Cleanliness helps first yourself, then those around you, and those who keep this law are truly in their country’s loving service.
Understand and Respect Your Body.