This was the day of great anticipation: the day we would
learn about our work assignments!
Our Community Partner Meeting began with a warm welcome and
thanks from BCC President Dr. Billie Jo Kipp and Vice President Dorothy Still
Smoking. Several representatives from an assortment of community organizations
then indicated the particular needs they had and ways we might help.
After each volunteer shared his or her specific skills that
they could offer in service to the community, we tried to match those skills to
the most immediate tasks at hand, and the first day’s assignments were made.
One group drove out- of-town to disassemble a previously
used sweat lodge because a new one is built for each occasion. Lily was surprised
to find that the lodge is not as tall as she is. Five team members also participated
in the sweat lodge ceremonies this evening, and we are eager to hear about
their experiences.
Another group went to the middle school for training as
project leaders in the Girl Scout Summer Camp. Based on the CSI program, the
scouts and volunteers will have fun using investigative techniques like blood-typing
and fingerprinting to “solve a crime.” And Helen expects the number of Girl
Scouts to increase when they discover our youngest volunteer is helping out.
Other volunteers assisted at the BCC Library and the
Community Development Center and served lunch at Eagle Shield Retirement Home.
Betty had a ball playing Bingo and other games and listening to the stories of
residents at the Care Center.
The best part of my day was when I worked alongside Maria –
and Colin – in the kitchen tonight. We shared stories about our families, and
Maria happily explained about pow-wows and the various Blackfeet ceremonial costumes
on the dolls in the dining room display. I felt like I was learning about a new
friend as we worked together … and that’s one big reason I came to Browning.
- Geri
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