| These interactive games are offered for students as an option to extend the main school outreach program. By utilizing this option, educators can offer their students a full day of learning opportunities on the subject of Woodland Indian culture. I offer these programs not just because it is very hands-on and well liked by students, but because the subject of Native games is anything but child's play. In fact, the realm of games and sports is a very important subject to focus on, as it lends itself to conveying ideas of real Native culture and life as it was - full of good times with family, friends, and community, and not that of the commonly thought of "struggling to survive" aspect that at most times was not true. This is also a great topic of commonality to modern children's lives - relating very human needs of entertainment, competitiveness, and pride.
Below are the nine games and activities I offer, and all students can try each one. This interactive part of the program can last anywhere from 1 (75 students) to 2 hours (150 students), requires a large space such as a gym or field, and the co-operation of the teachers to fully participate and help in the running of the activities. The price is an extra $100 with regular program.
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Ring and Pin Game:
Catching a target on the end of a stick - a widespread game enjoyed by children and adults alike. Your students will be able to try their hand at this game of skill.
| Juggling Football:
A version of hacky-sack played historically by Winnebago girls. Students must try to keep the ball from hitting the ground by kicking it up with their feet.
| Corn Cob Darts:
A lightweight dart that spins when thrown, was an amusement enjoyed by children. Students will try to hit a target with each throw of the corn cob darts.
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Archery:
One on one with an adult, students can actually shoot an arrow (without point) with a traditional wood long bow. Archery, as any target game, was popular among the people of the eastern woodlands.
| Hand Ball:
A ball game played by Miami men and women. Students will experience part of the game objective by trying to keep the ball in play by never letting it touch the ground, as they attempt to bring it across their respective goal lines.
| Hoop and Pole Game:
A widespread target game played mainly by men and boys. Students will try to hit a hoop target as it roles with a pole designed for the game.
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| Shinny:
A sport resembling that of field hockey, was played by men and women of many Midwestern communities of the Woodlands. Students will be able to try using a shinny playing stick to maneuver a ball and/or hit a target.
| Lacrosse:
The same as played today was popular among men (and at times women) throughout the Northeast. Students will have the chance to throw a ball with a traditional lacrosse stick, either passing to each other or attempting to hit a target.
| Doubleball:
A sport akin to lacrosse but played mainly by women, making doubleball more known among the Native Peoples as the 'women's ball game.' Students will get the chance to throw and catch the doubleball using playing sticks.
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