SWS Pow Wow 2000
Heirborn - A Rendezvous with Destiny
June 8-11, 2000
Camp Twin Echo

The 2000 Pow Wow represents a number of recent firsts for the section. For the first time, boys were assigned to patrols, a POW camp was created, an entryway competition was held, and an outpost excellence award was given.

The boys were assigned to one of eight patrols. They were required to make a patrol standard, write a patrol song and yell, and create a skit to be performed at the council fire. The boys did a great job in creating clever skits and witty patrol songs.

A POW camp was established with an armed band (wooden M-16s) of guerrillas roaming the grounds looking to take prisoner any boy or leader who violated camp or generally accepted safety rules. The POW had to earn their release from the POW camp. The POW camp was quite active.

Entryway Competition
Each outpost constructed an entrance to their campsite. The entryways were judged, and ribbons awarded, based on design, originality, and theme. The competition was heated. Outpost 24 (Jeannette) took the design ribbon and Outpost 297 (CFC-Jeannette) took the originality and theme ribbons.

Entryway Winners

Design - Outpost 24 (Jeannette)
Originality - Outpost 297 ( Jeannette-CFC)
Theme - Outpost 297 (Jeannette-CFC)

Outpost Excellence Award
The Outpost Excellence Award went to those outposts who have exhibited consistently the high standards of their training at a Royal Ranger event. They demonstrated excellence in Ranger campcraft (campsite layout, cleanliness, safety, lashing, etc.) and in the wearing of the Royal Ranger uniform. Outposts 34 (N. Versailles) and 297 (CFC-Jeannette) earned the Outpost Excellence Award.

A hearty thank you to the men and women of the Army National Guard for conducting the orienteering course, bringing the radio truck, and some of their other equipment.

Jason Loffredo did a yeoman's job in creating council fires on Friday and Saturday night. The location selected for the council fires afforded two fire rings, one on each side of the stage area.

The Friday council fire featured Special Commander Filtz briefing the Special Forces commandos on their mission to free the hostages from Island 54. You had to be there to believe it. The green berets have nothing on this group! Also featured were skits from each outpost. The council fire was lit using two rockets. It truly was a sight to behold.

Saturdays council fire featured FCF Representative Vic "Longfeather" Kifer calling out Jonathan Dinicola, recently inducted into FCF at the Spring Trace, to be the sectional FCF Scout. Jonathan becomes the first FCF Sectional Scout. Chuck Busch, from Outpost 34 (N. Versailles) was presented with a candle lantern in recognition of his work with the boys. The council fires were lit by Vic Kifer, Jonathan Dinicola, Kelvin Pier, and Chuck Busch using flint and steel. It was quite a feat.

Greg Bahleda, playing the lead role in the war drama "POW Commando," showed that when in trouble, God is always with and He will send His angels to help you (Psalm 91).

The main speaker, Ken Yurkisin, youth pastor candidate for outpost 297 (CFC- Jeannette), encouraged the boys to trust God and to pray. One boy answered the call for salvation, for this all of heaven rejoiced.

The Straight Arrow/Buckaroos flew back in time as they visited scenes of eternal significance - the Exodus (with Boy Scout Campmaster Larry Stephens in his theatrical debut as Moses), the resurrection, and the flood.

A heartfelt thank you to all who made the pow wow possible and a tremendous success.

The best is yet to come ... Wait until next year!