Camp Owatonna: Council Fire

The Council Ring Archive

Every Saturday evening, this traditional campfire meeting marks the conclusion of "team day". Owatonna campers conclude a day dedicated to team building and competition. Council Fire is held in the Owatonna Council Ring. Prior to 2020 special joint Council Fires with Camp Newfound have been held at the Owatonna beach during Parents' Weekend.

Note: In 2022, the Council Fire was revised and updated, which included the introduction of The Great Eagle, Grey Wolf, and Black Bear to administrate the ceremony. This web page refers to the former Council Fire ceremony and characters that existed prior to 2022. This is for historical reference purposes only.

Choose from the following:
Summary	A listing of the activities and participants involved in a typical weekly council fire.
The Players	A summary of the key participants and occasional special guests who run the ceremonies.
Feather Fire	The most sacred council fire of the year where the prestigious white and black feathers are awarded to those deserving campers.
Qualities	The qualities of a white and black feather winner.
Song	The Council Fire Song

Summary: The council fire begins with White Bear calling the respective teams to enter the council fire. The teams enter in the order of how they placed from the prior year's team competition. The tribe of Paugus (i.e., Owatonna Staff) are already present. White Bear explains the rules of the Council Fire, and then calls upon two Paugus members to lead in games. Following the games, additional Paugus members lead the group in singing.

The Players:

White Bear	The "Master of Ceremonies" who invites campers, staff, and friends to enter the Council Ring.
White Eagle	The half-brother of White Bear. White Eagle serves as the interpreter of the Grand Shaman and travels with the Grand Shaman's entourage.
Grand Shaman	The Great Chief. The Grand Shaman speaks only through sign language that is repeated in spoken words by White Eagle. It is generally accepted that the Grand Shaman lost his voice in a hunting accident. The Grand Shaman presents the word of the week, calls upon the Great Spirit to light the council fire, observes team presentations, listens to nature reports, listens to reports on the word of the week, and presents special awards on occassion.
The Four Winds	The swift and howling messengers of the Grand Shaman who present the qualities of the white and black feather. At the Feather Fire ceremony, they assist with the presentation of the feathers.
Flaming Zephyr	An occasional guest who enters the ceremony for the sole purpose of lighting the council fire. In what is usually a spectacular moment, the Zephyr runs in carrying a torch, breathes fire, and awaits the lighting of the fire. The Zephyr may light the fire manually in certain situations.
Torch Bearer	A member of the Grand Shaman's entourage helping to light the path at night.
White Wolf	A one time visitor (circa 1989) who called upon the Braves of Owatonna to shape up.

Feather Fire: The sixth council fire is when the prestigious white and black feathers are awarded. The fire includes the presence of the Four Winds. Upon the Grand Shaman's exit, no talking is allowed until the following morning.

Qualities (circa 1992):

White Feather

1. A white feather winner contributes effectively to his team. He is a conscientious worker and strives to reach all team goals.
2. A white feather winner contributes effectively to his cabin. He is unselfish and recognizes the cabin's needs before his own.
3. A white feather winner contributes effectively on trips. He accepts more than his share of responsibilities and works harmoniously with all.
4. A white feather winner effectively uses Christian Science. He is honest and consistent in his daily application.

Black Feather

1. A black feather winner has outstanding athletic ability.
2. A black feather winner is versatile. He excels in all sports.
3. A black feather winner expresses humility. He recognizes the ability of others and knows that his ability comes from God.
4. A black feather winner expresses good sportsmanship. In winning he is gracious, in losing he recognizes gain.

Song:

The Council Fire Song

By the blazing council fire's light, we have met in comradeship tonight
Round about the whispering trees
Guard our golden memories
And so before we close our eyes to sleep
Let us pledge each other that we'll keep
Camping friendships strong and deep
'Til we meet again

Taps

Day is Done
Gone the sun
From the lake, from the hills, from the sky
All is well, safely rest
God is nigh

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