Creative Crafts: Arrowmen Make Dance Clothing

The American Indian Activities (AIA) committee is operating craft rooms from 9 am to noon on Thursday and Friday. Arrowmen can choose from beadwork, finger weaving, bones (choker) and bells, silver work, feather making, wood work, and sewing.

Those who want to make unique items that are not offered as a class can work with an instructor who specializes in the area of their interest.

"We want to try and do as much as we can with what we have," said Sam Herndon, AIA Crafts adviser, from Anpeto-We Lodge of the Greater St. Louis Council, Scott City, MO.

"We want to pass on the basic knowledge of how to make all of these things to the next generation. The kids here today were not at the last Indian Summer, so it is a totally new group of kids." Herndon said.

"It's my first time ever doing this." said Eddie Rigler, 14, from Unami Lodge of the Cradle of Liberty Council, Philadelphia, PA when asked about metalworking. "I saw this on the schedule and decided to give it a try."

Robert Gardineer, 15, from Sakcwit Lodge of the Central New Jersey Council, Ewing, NJ was in the Bones and Bells crafts room. "I've made my choker first."he said. "It was really fun and now I'm working on my bell. I have to mark the spot for where I want the bell to be at first." Gardineer said.

The best part about this activity is that it is free! For participants who did not pre-register, walk-ins are highly encouraged.

Revised 8/04/2011