Scandinavian Camp 2008 a Success!!

Greetings Everyone~!

This year's camp was a great success. We hosted 15 children from ages 2 years to 17 years old. One child came all the way from Texas!!

The camp focused on Scandinavian Heritage. Every day we learned something a little more about our Northern Folk. The classes this year were: History; Icelandic Language; Havamal and Religion; Mythology, Folklore, and Sagas; Arts and Crafts; Music; Heraldry, and finally Drama. During the week the kids learned about several aspects of "Viking Culture", but didn't limit their learning to just that short period of time. We discussed how the "Vikings" were only a drop in the historical ocean of the Scandinavian people. The kids learned Icelandic Language, performed a skit, created a "Viking Settlement", played traditional Nordic games such as Tafl and Charades, and created Huldafolk and Thor's Hammers. Near the end of their week with a special Children's Invocation that many of the kids said were the most powerful Blot of which they had been a part!

All was not work on this long week. The children also, had some great non-traditional fun, such as a late night game of Capture the Flag, and a wild water-gun/water-balloon battle!

The only down side is when Thomas, our attendee from Texas, fell off a swing and broke his wrist on Wednesday. Luckily we were prepared for this possibility, and he received proper care. He is on the mend, but I ask that every member of the Odinic Rite and our larger community to send their healing energies to Thomas, so he will have a speedy recovery.

A highlight for the week for many of the attendees was the Heraldry class that our friends Chris, Michelle and their family taught. We learned about the Vikings that moved into the North Atlantic Isles and mainland Europe, and their contribution to the History and defense of Europe. They taught the kids (and big kids!) how to create a family crest. They also explained existing family crests for those that had knowledge of their own family history. It was fascinating and fun. Many of the kids commented that it was a favorite!

The week ended a little early for a couple kids, as they had other obligations, and we were sad to see them go, but as the week wound down, the kids were wishing for home again! We capped the week with our Presentation where the kids showcased their work. The kids performed their Sigrdrifa Skit, sang their Icelandic songs, spoke in Icelandic conversation, and finally sang their special camp song that Jodi (the camp Director) wrote for the camp.

The kids exchanged myspace addresses and started discussing next year's camp. Many pledged to make the next one bigger and better. It was heart warming to have all the kids taking part in not only the camp, but also in the planning and growth of it.

It was a fun filled week with learning and bonding. We can't wait till next year, and the expansion of our one of a kind Camp!

We here at Acorn Hollow and the Odinic Rite hope that everyone, especially Thomas’ family, made it home safe and sound. We also wish Thomas a strong recovery. Also, to those that couldn't attend this year, there will be next year, and it is something truly not to be missed!

Be on the look out for some great video from the camp!

Faith, Folk, and Family!
Hyndla OR

Children of Light

So next week is camp, we have 8-9 children--7-13 yo attending including the teachers lil ones who are too little, but will still be there :D.

I am going to be teaching art, theater and religion...which will be a blast, but as I was researching for a good weeklong art project....looky what I found:

"We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light."
--Plato--

What a great quote!

Reminds me of this quote from the Book of Blotar- Midsummer Blot -Odinic Rite:

Hail the sun, now at this cycle's zenith. From each day now you will linger a little less, though your heat will grow more fierce. Earth will turn from your caress, till cold and dark will have their time and we grow restless for your return.

'Tis good for slumber and germination are needful and the old would be jealous of new growth, if it meant they must leave a world of light. And if we knew not the dark and cold, would we love light and warmth so dearly?

You fall to dark, O Balder, to rise anew! As the sun falls to rise. For in this is creation and promise. Through the turning of day to week, month to year, decade to millennium and on to the great year, and greater yet, we see in the light and light's return, a future golden age, for those who will strive for it.

Let us then work toward that light, though in this life it may not be achieved. Yet we must strive for that time of health, strength, beauty and purity now, that our bodies be right dwellings for the Gods and that our life honour them. How glad we are to see the sun. How glad to warm in Balder's light and gentle Nanna's promise. We are the children of light, and dawn is ever the hope of man.

Why do we as modern expressions of our ancestors fear the "light" or success, or stiving for it?

So often we hear pop psychologist talk of the "fear of success" as a modern plague.... I often feel great apprehension when I step out and off on a new task that has the possibility of great failure. Don't we all?

I heard a great commercial on conservative talk radio--a new past-time for me in the car-- it was a laundry list of failures by a person, time and again this person failed at some portion of his career... The commercial goes on long enough to make you wonder--who the heck is it? I knew it was a forefather, but whom? Finally it says....Abraham Lincoln. Awesome. It really puts into perspective the ability to take the hits and keep on rollin'.

Why do we fear the light? We are the Children of Light! Embrace the light, risk success, strive for that Golden Dawn...

Just a few morning-one cup of coffee-thoughts!

Faith, Folk and Family!
Hyndla OR

Fundraising Dinner

Hail All!

Well tomorrow evening is our Fundraising Dinner for the Scandinavian Camp in a couple weeks. Our community has been working our rears off to bring this together.

What great Folk Building going on from all corners of Odin's Holy Nation...from Hengest's endless working on web marketing for it from England, to Jennifer AOR's tireless, consistent creation of kids coloring sheets, activities, etc.. from Georgia, to all the Acorn Hollow donators that criss cross all of Midgard. Not just affecting our own circle of friends, but rather connecting all our Folk to a greater purpose.

I saw the most awesome quote:

".....But...as I keep on pointing out, THERE IS NO SAFE HARBOR WHEN A GREAT EMPIRE COLLAPSES! We must instead, build our communities and our families so they are strong enough to withstand the coming storm.... "
Elaine Meinel Supkis
March 31,2008

Building the fabric of community is THE most important job we as a Folk have right now... The threads of that community?

• Business that generate wealth that then funds other businesses, hofs, halls, etc...
• Functions that bring the beauty of our Culture and Heritage to not only our families, but to our greater community.
• Private functions that connect and enrich our local families.
• Provide materials to continually renew our spirit within our homes.
• Educate the public about our Heritage and our Faith through community programs.

The key to all of these goals is a core group that makes them a reality, that builds strong communities.

This core group is putting on a great dinner with traditional Scandiniavian dishes that are handmade. Each Family is taking one table to help our guests learn about the beautiful, unique, and valuable Scandinavian Culture.

Thank you to:

The Webb Family

The Lewis Family

The Lauber Family

The Hobson Family

The Metzger Family

and of course Jennifer Hooper AOR, Hengest Thorsson OR, and all our Acorn Hollow Families and OR Families that help out so much!

Faith, Folk, Family!

Hyndla OR

Signy Raven Webb

I love when a new baby is named in our community. This time it is a long time friend whose baby is being named among her Folk. The ceremony was conducted by Heimgest DCG, who has name so many of our babies in these parts.

Let us share in the joy, caring, and comradeship of this little girl:

Heimgest presents Signy to our Community.

Signy is presented with her 4 Leaf Clover charm locket.

In the names of the High Gods, by water we must live, to grow and to flourish. Receive it!

All vigour is of Earth. From its veins the waters flow. Its gifts it bestows, crops and ores, and all that grows. May the deep strength of the Earth flow into this child and may this child grow to guard the Earth our Mother.


All shall be yours that you can win by the Hammer. But never quarrel with a fool. A wise man will often refrain from fighting whereas a fool will fight without cause or reason. May peace surround you, but if there be need to defend, then may you do so to your best ability.

In the name of the High Gods, by water and flame and earth, I name this child:

Signy Raven Webb

Hail!

Just signed up!

So saw an OR member's Blog and decided, I would give it a try.

I will probably just help keep my family and friends up to date :).

FFF
Hyndla