In a time long ago, an ancient people were a part of the land that we love and call America. Living here for thousands of years, their children became part of the great Indian civilizations of the Creek, Cherokee, Navaho, Iroquois, and Sioux, among many others.

Ball games like lacrosse were played by the Indian Nations for many centuries. Often they would play such games to settle arguments, instead of going to war. Many of the young Native American scouts and squaws would go on a Dream Walk to ask the Great Spirit to give them courage, sportsmanship, and determination to prepare for these games.

Come on this Dream Walk scavenger hunt with us as we search for these qualities so that we may become better lacrosse players as well as brothers to the rivers and sisters to the winds. Soaring Eagle and Shining Sky (one boy and one girl counselor) will be your guides on this special journey.

First clue:

To begin our journey we must first cross the bridge from this world to the spirit world. After you have crossed that bridge you will find your next clue. (Bridge in middle of park.)

Second clue:

The shining water that moves in the streams and rivers is not simply water, but the murmur of the voice of your great-great grandmother. The rivers quench our thirst. Quench your thirst to find your next clue. (Water fountain)

Third clue:

The air is precious. It shares its spirit with all the life it supports. You must keep the land and air apart and sacred, as a place where you can go to taste the wind that is sweetened by the meadow flowers. Find the meadow flowers and taste the wind to find your next clue. (Planters on top of the wall near Briant Park Parkway.)

Fourth clue:

We have many legends that tell of our past. By learning from our past, we can make a better future. Go and listen to the story of The Great Ball Game. After you have heard the story, you will be given your next clue. (Story table is set up at the corner of Springfield Ave and Briant Park Drive. After the story, you get next clue.)

Fifth clue:

Now you must give the rivers the kindness you would give any brother. Go to the great waterfall and thank the river for its gifts of life. It is at the great water fall that you will receive your next clue. (waterfall)

Sixth clue:

The forest is the home to our brothers the squirrels and our sisters the raccoons. Find the hollowed out tree where the squirrels and raccoons live to find your next clue. (Tree along the path with a big hole in it.)

Seventh clue:

The forest not only provides a home for our brothers and sisters, but also provides them with nuts from the trees to eat. Help brother squirrel and sister raccoon by collecting nuts for their dinner and receive your next clue. (Play a game of nuts and squirrels, when you are done, you will get the next clue.)

Eighth clue:

Your courage grows. It is time to test its strength. Take a shot on goal to receive your next clue. (Pinata Shot.)

Ninth clue:

You have proven your courage, your strength and your spirit. It is time for you to wear the mark of the Great Spirit’s acceptance. (Go back to the starting point and everyone gets a tattoo.)