On March 26 over 40 members of the Great Sun Nation descended upon the brand new Ball Park of the Palm Beaches to watch the Nationals take on the Astros.   The ballpark was a fantastic site and the facilities top notch.   We have beautiful weather with a cooling breeze and $6 craftbrews!    We sat on the right field berm.    The younger kids were much more fascinated with rolling down the hill then the actual baseball game.    Lenny made the best catch of the game – pushing away a couple of kids to catch the t-shirt being thrown by the mascot.     A great time was had by all.   Next year we should have 100 people out to the game.

On January 13-15 over 250 members of the Great Sun Nation descended on Circle F Dude Ranch in Lake Wales, FL for our biggest campout.    On Friday when everyone arrived, they were greeted by their new flags with their tribe name on it.    No question which cabin you were at.    Friday nights’ main activity was a talent show.    The kids really showed us what they had and we might even have a few stars in the making.    Saturday was filled with activities.   The Arawaks set the pace winning the Egg Toss competition, and not to be out done, the Chesapeakes won the Chili cook off.   There were many activities ranging from tug-o-war, saxophone fill, trinkets in the hay, rock wall and zip line, and the ever popular BB Gun and Archery range.    The evening was capped of with the Bear Claw ceremony for all our first time children and their fathers, followed up by a fire ceremony and firework extravaganza put on the Walla Wallas.     The weather was perfect and everyone had a great time.

HOW HOW MIGHTY GREAT SUN NATION !!!!

This is a short recap of what was one Great family outing. With over 250 people things went perfectly. The weather was cooperating with warm days and cool nights. This was the first time we used an RV camping loop! From the feedback I have received, everyone enjoyed accessing electricity, water and cable TV! Parking was such a pleasure!

By 6 p.m. Friday we had all campers checked in and fires were burning . I saw quite a few members watching fireworks at the beach followed by a movie and s’mores at Camp Arapahoe.

Saturday morning our loop was stirring with a buzz of activity! The Shoshones set up a rope line and built special teepees out of Spanish Moss in the field with the Arapahoes. Now, that’s what I call teamwork! Plenty of kids played tether ball and soccer games before breakfast!!

As the day got warmer, it was certainly time to head to the pool.  Pool time with the GSN was over the top with the largest dodge ball game that the staff had seen in years. When Disney staff shouted out to the guests “ Where are you all from?” It was clear that GSN was in the house. What was meant to be a 30 minute game went on for an hour and a half. As the sun started to go down and the air cooled off it was time to get ready for a fun night. The Arapahoes were treated to a group bus ride to Disney Springs. We ate at Bongos on the water with almost 40 kids and adults! We were blessed with dancers who took the kids on a congo line through the restaurant to give the parents time to eat and relax. After dinner, it was time for a walk and we ended up at the Lego store where the kids built race cars and had a bunch of fun. Now with a quick call to Disney, a bus was brought to a special spot that took us directly back to our camp site. Saturday night was wonderful with groups of tribes walking the loop and hanging with each other and we all found a common bond. We had a great turn out for the new Star Trek movie with lots of great snacks.

Sunday was our final day and most of our group was packed up and on their way but a few hung out till 1pm . I was pleased to walk the grounds with the Disney Management Team after everyone left. The place looked almost as good as the way we found it and we have been asked to come back next year. Good news -after my meeting with Disney Management, we have been offered a full loop next to the pool!! We can block this off to have it totally to ourselves. We look forward to seeing you all soon! And thank you, for being part of such a great group and making everything ‘just right’!

On October 21st 46 families traveled north to the beautiful Blue Springs State Park in Orange City, Fl.    We were treated to one of the most beautiful natural springs.    The water was crystal clear and cold.   We saw manatees and many other fish enjoying the clean waters.     The highlight was tubing to the spring head and enjoying the natural beauty.   There was wild life all over the place with raccoons, armadillos and peacocks roaming the grounds.    On Saturday night we gathered together for our first every Corn Ceremony to celebrate the harvest.    We have over 40 carved pumpkins to mark the ceremony.   Each child threw a handful of corn into the fire, returning our small kernels of thanks for all that you have given us.   Then we made tons of s’mores.    We were also treated to the coolest weather in a long time,  with overnight temps dipping into the low 50’s.