…organization. The first article appeared in May, though of course written the previous autumn. The result was the Blue Heron Tribe of Woodcraft Indians, formed in New York State.
On the first of July, at Summit, N. J., I founded the first tribe that I personally led. Since then, the idea has grown and spread in spite of younger rival organizations that have secured a larger share of public notice.
During the 13 years following 1902, the Woodcraft Headquarters was at Greenwich, Conn. In 1910, I was head of a committee that organized the Boy Scout work in New York. Its aims and activities were nearly the same as those of the Woodcraft Indians, and I continued head of both, hoping to unite them as one body. In 1915, I realized that this was impossible; their methods were too widely apart. The Woodcraft alone provided a plan of recreation for both sexes and all ages. The Boy Scouts no longer needed me, therefore, I resigned from that group to devote all attention to the Woodcraft.
In 1917, all the tribes were incorporated as the Woodcraft League of America.
In Europe, Woodcraft organizations using our Birch Bark Roll have been formed in England, Czechoslovakia, Poland, Russia, France, and Belgium. All are doing well, growing steadily, and flying the flag that stands for
- Pleasures not bought with money;
- Outdoor recreation for old and young, stressing Indian thought and methods;
- Development along the four ways: the Body Way, the Mind Way, the Spirit Way, and the Service Way.
