Information

Vests, Patches and Coup Sticks

Vests

Each tribe acquires its own vests to be worn by both the Big Braves and Princesses at campouts and events throughout the year. Vests are a great way to create an identity and esprit de corps for your tribe. Patches are earned for every campout and Longhouse event and should be sewn on to the vests. Vests can be ordered from a local provider (information provided by your Skejunka) or you can arrange for custom vests for your tribe. Creative vest design is a fun way to distinguish your tribe from the others in your Longhouse and can represent a craft project for the tribe. New tribes often seek a volunteer to pursue vests on behalf of the tribe. It is optimal to secure your vests by the first or second campout in your first year. The YMCA provides a list of vendors who sell vests as well as embroidery services. Vests are often an item that you come across late in life in a box in the attic, after your daughter is grown and on her own, that brings back a host of happy memories.

Patches

Patches are distributed at all campouts and Longhouse events for both the Big Brave and Princess. Special patches are earned for wreath sale participation, Partner with Youth participation, campout sponsorship and other special events throughout the year. The Longhouse will often host a patch design contest for the Princesses, with the winning design becoming the patch for the next event. Patches are an important “badge of honor” for your Princess and should be affixed to the vests as soon as possible.

Coup Stick

The Coup Stick is a creative way to identify your tribe’s table at meal time during campouts and is a great craft opportunity. Tribes have free reign to design a creative tribal symbol that can fit on the dining tables at camp (typically made of materials from nature). Once a coup stick is made, feathers or other symbols can be added for every campout or every attending Princess. Your Skejunka will be pleased to get you started with creative Coup Stick ideas to further distinguish your tribe at campouts.

Table of Contents

Letter from the Program Director

Purpose

Objectives

Aims of Participants

Motto

Program Overview

Your Responsibilities

The Formation of a Tribe

New Tribe Gatherings

Suggested Activities

Tribe Leadership

Vests, Patches and Coup Sticks

10 Habits of Highly Successful Tribes

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The Princess Patter is a newsletter for the South Hills Area YMCA Princess Parent/Child Program

South Hills YMCA, 51 McMurray Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15241
412-833-5600