What is White Feather?

Each week Merri-Mac gathers by divisions: legends are read, awards are given and handprints are left on standards. We do this because we think it is important to recognize growth in our campers, and equally important that they recognize it in themselves. It is important because we are made to live life together, to be challenged, grow and succeed, and to engage our world. These things are always best learned in families, but we believe they are next best learned at camp. We also believe that the things that happen at camp help girls grow and so we have designed our White Feather program to lay breadcrumbs on the trail for growth at camp.

As part of White Feather girls accumulate “marks” based on activity achievements, elective challenges (solo backpacking trips, running Tomahawk Trail, building a three match fire, etc.) and cabin leadership. Each mark takes them a step closer to their next “promotion” toward the highest rank of White Feather. With each mark and each promotion girls receive pins and necklaces, which we encourage them to keep on their camp pennant. The result is that through their years girls will build a record of their camp accomplishments.

White Feather Awards:

Tumbleweed: Jolie F, Owen M, Savannah S, Julia C, Loy H, Olivia R, Eleanor T, Esmerelda S, Vivian F, Zoe K, Mia S, Turner C, Merrit G, Bryce P, Kate S, Callie S, Ava W

Ground hog: Lindsey B, Caroline M, Molly T, Vivian F

Badger: Nataleigh P, Addie F

Arrow: Margaret H, Taylor M, Riley P, Ashley W, Kate W, Riley M, Gabrielle A, Ella H, Evan P, Lydia W, Elizabeth W, Katherine M, Addison K, Matilde V

Crazy Creek: Bryce M

Running Deer: Holland T, Hailey F, Patterson G

Red Tail: Julia B, Kate B, Lillian H, Allie W

Junior Feather: Emily K, Bailey S

Camper Commendations: Mia S, Olivia R, Turner C, Vivian F, Addie F, Ava W, Molly T, EJ S, Clarissa S, Ashley P, Blake D, Addison K, Riley M, Lydia W, Janie H, Aubrey W, Mary Elizabeth G, Claire H, Caroline K, Ansley B, Matilde V, Hannah F, Erin W, Patterson G, Anna Y, Mae H, Amelia L, Marianna S, Eleanor P, Kate B, Caroline H, Caroline W, Geaorgia S, Olivia Faith D, Abby B, Nora Q, Mary Emma W, Morgan G, Allie W, Juliette A, Vanessa D, Bailey S

Counselor Commendations: Zoe K, Vivian F, Julia C, Loy H, Esmerelda S, Nataleigh P, Lindsey B, Gabrielle A, Sara Byrd S, Eliza Dunn T, Maggie S, Caroline D, Amanda J, Everly H, Katherine M, Mira S, Norah M, Bryce M, Kate W, Molly M, Grace A, Emma S, Matilde V, Hannah F, Lauren D, Patterson G, Heather C, Isabela F, Ashley Lauren J, Julia B, Isabella D, Margaret Anne W, Drake D, Lillian H, Ali T, Lindsey H, Abby K, Maeve H, Dargan M, Allie W, Margaret P, Vivian G, Caroline C, Alex K, Emily K

Electives: Eleanor P, Gracie Rae H, Savannah S, Julia C, Lillian H, Margaret P, Bailey S, Caroline M, Morgan G, Emily K, Lindsey S, Taylor U, Kate T, Vanessa D

In the end the most important part of Merri-Mac Council comes after the ceremony is over. During cabin time during those evenings the counselors will go to each camper to describe the gifts and abilities that they have noticed in her. They also take a few minutes to pray for her. This is where a girl who may never earn a White Feather Promotion, or a Gold Bar, or be elected to a tribal office, can be told about her own unique gifts and contribution to her camp family.

– Adam