Your Circle

Your Circle is the basic unit organized under the Rocky Mountain Expedition. The Circle is the group in which members experience the adventures, and Dads and Sons bond together. Members pick their nicknames, take part in the monthly Circle Meetings and Ceremonies, practice the skit for the Winter Outing, make the monthly craft, take part in the Circle Chant, etc.

- Nicknames. Members each pick a nickname. The silliness that comes from using nicknames helps children see parents thru different eyes. Nicknames are used during Circle Meetings and the Induction Ceremony. Remember: do not use any Indian names that belong(ed) to real people, such as Sitting Bull. Most folks choose an outdoor or animal theme.
- Awards. The Expedition issues the Compass Patch to each member, along with the velcro event patches. In addition, some circles give Circle awards (patches, necklace beads, etc) to their members for certain accomplishments, like building circle equipment (drum, banner, treasure chest, talking stick, etc) or participating in other circle events.
- Monthly Circle Ceremony. Circles have a ceremony during the monthly meeting. This can include: host Son(s) beats the drum at particular points in the ceremony; members may speak only when in possession of the "talking stick"; Sons pay the monthly dues into the Circle Money Can; members take part in the Circle's chant; Dads and Sons commend each other for good deeds, all members recite the aims, and so on.
- Craft. Dads and Sons jointly make a craft during the monthly Circle meeting. Examples include: popsicle stick figures, Christmas ornaments, etc. Kits are available from Hobby Lobby, Michaels and catalogs.
- Dads meeting to coordinate future events, payments, etc. Circles sometimes have a short Dads meeting before the monthly circle ceremony. Others have a separate "Dads only meeting" on a different day.
- Strategy meetings. In some circles, Dads meet to discuss the Circle's direction, future Circle events, etc.
- Invitations. The host Dad/Son is responsible for sending out invitations for the meeting to the Circle members. Remember to include the details for who, when, where, and what.
- Refreshments. Host Dad/Son usually offers simple refreshments after the meeting/craft. This gives Sons experience in being a host, preparing for, and cleaning up after, the meeting.
- Monthly Circle Dues. Members contribute to the Circle funds (typically a small amount like $0.50 or $1) during the monthly meeting/ceremony. The Circle typically uses this money for a family party/BBQ, buying Circle property (drum, treasure box, etc), donating to a good cause/charity, etc.
- Circle Property. Circles usually have a few items such as a Money Can/Bag, Treasure Chest, Talking Stick, Banner, Scrapbook, and so on..
- Scrap Book. Some Circles maintain a scrap book. A different member takes responsibility every month to add a page of memorabilia of what happened that month to the book. The book can be filled with photos, invitations, etc.