Fall Nation Camp Out - October 2002
Circle F Dude Ranch, Lake Wales, FL
(attendance: close to 300 dads and daughters representing 14 tribes of the Seminole Nation)

One of the Creek princesses up a tree

As always, the Circle F Dude Ranch in Lake Wales, FL, provided an excellent venue for our October Nation Event - the Fall Campout. This year's Campout had a record turnout of nearly 300 dads and daughters from 14 tribes, with heavy participation in all of the events and activities.

Aarapahoes in front of Sunset Lake

Friday's activities included swimming, tree climbing, horseback riding, pizza, bingo, the costume contest, tribal campfires, and watching the sunset. There was also a (friendly) game of football on the beach and lots of dads and daughters playing catch and frisbee, etc.

Horseback riding, always a highlight at Circle F, was spread over three days to allow for a record 250 riders to take trail rides. The horses, as always were well kept and well behaved.

OK. Maybe Dad's a little TOO into the war games

Saturday, as always, was packed with activities, inncluding invitation and craft judging, swimming, canoeing, kayaking and sailing, war games on the beach, and the volleyball tournament.

The new "inner tube spin" added a little extra excitment to the war games.

Pawnee ready for a trail ride

In general, we found the camp to be well maintained this year. Cabins, grounds, mess hall, and activity areas were inexcellent condition. The new canoes and sunfish sailboats received steady use. A steady breeze on Saturday morning and afternoon encouraged several dads and daughters to try their hands at sailing (perhaps a new contest for next year?)

Everyone noted an improvement in the quality of food from the mess hall. One dad was seen eating 4.5 hamburgers at lunch Saturday. Our Saturday dinner was catered by Sonny's Barbeque and was excellent as usual.

Blackfoot Dad and Daughter waiting for Barbeque