On the last weekend of September, navigators from Chapter 58 were invited to join their sponsoring organization, the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of the Peninsula, on their annual retreat to Pocahontas State Park in Chesterfield, Virgina. In addition to cabin camping, community dinners, games and crafts, campfire stories, songs, and s'mores, and the opportunity to join in canoeing and geocaching trips, participating navigators had plenty of time to play free in the woods and trails around the beautiful Algonquin Ecology Camp. Chapter 58 leaders Nicole and Parker led a Saturday morning family-friendly workshop, taking the group on a nature walk to find small nuts and bits of leaves, and then using them to make salt-dough and found item mandalas. Everyone had a great time getting to know each other better and spending time in the wonders of nature.
Leaders and many scouts of Navigators USA Chapter 58, along with scouts from Chapter 36 in Williamsburg, celebrated the turn of the seasons September 20th with a Harvest Celebration hosted by UUFP's Green Sanctuary Committee. Chapter 58 led a children's craft table, upcycling old t-shirts into reusable market bags. Self-paced stations and displays provided information on preserving the harvest, including seed collection and canning. Navigators joined in a earth-centered harvest gratitude ritual led by members of the local Earthrising group. Finally, all were treated to a showing of the short documentary Nourish, "an educational initiative designed to open a meaningful conversation about food and sustainability, particularly in schools and communities". Many thanks to all who joined in the celebration! On September 7th, Brodie, a Stargazer level Navigator, attended a cultural festival called the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival. There she saw Bonsai trees and women in traditional Chinese dress, watched a Chinese calligraphy artist and a number of traditional dances, listened to Chinese zither players, and even got hear the story of the dragon that brings fish to the people and water to the fields. Brodie participated by making a paper lantern craft and joining the children's parade. Attending the festival counted toward her Annual Targets, in the category of learning to "treat all people with dignity and respect", to earn her end of the year Stargazer Achievement award. Way to Stay The Course, Brodie! |
Chapter News
Written and updated by the Chapter 58 leaders, volunteers, and navigators. Archives
June 2017
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