Divide the group into four smaller groups and assign each group one of the words listed below. Read the story. After each of the words is read pause for the group to make the appropriate response.
CHIEF
(Stands with arms folded across chest and says "Ugh")
SUN
(Covers eyes with hands)
MOON
(Frames face with hands and smiles)
STARS
(Blink rapidly)
Long, long ago the Indians had no fire and no light. They suffered much during the cold of winter and they had to eat their food uncooked. They also had to live in darkness because there was no light.
The was no SUN___, MOON___, and STARS___ in the sky. A great CHIEF___ kept them locked up in a box. He took great pride in the thought that he alone had light. This great CHIEF___ had a beautiful daughter of whom he was also proud. She was much beloved by all the Indians of the tribe.
In those days the raven had the powers of magic. He was a great friend of the Indians and the Indian CHIEF___. He wondered how he might make life more comfortable for them.
One day he saw the daughter of the CHIEF___ come down to the brook for a drink. He had an idea. He would put a magic spell on her. In time, a son was born tot he daughter of the CHIEF___. The old CHIEF___ was delighted and as the boy grew, his grandfather became devoted to him. Anything he wanted he could have.
One day he asked the old CHIEF___ for a box containing the STARS___. Reluctantly the old CHIEF___ gave it to him. The child played for a while by rolling the box around. Then he released the STARS___ and flung them into the sky. The Indians were delighted. This was some light, though not quite enough.
After a few days the child asked for the box containing the MOON___. Again the old CHIEF___ hesitated by finally the boy got what he wanted. Again, after playing awhile with the box, the boy released the MOON___ and flung it into the sky. The tribesmen were overjoyed. But still there was not light enough, and the MOON___ disappeared for long periods.
Finally the child asked for the box with the SUN___. "No" said the old CHIEF___. "I cannot give you that." But the boy wept and pleaded. The old CHIEF___ could not stand the tears, so he gave the box to him. As soon as he had a chance, the child released the SUN___ and cast it into the sky.
The joy of the Indians knew no bounds. Here was light enough and heat as well. They ordered a feast of the SUN___ and all the Indians celebrated it with great jubilation. And the old CHIEF___ was happy. He had no known the SUN___, the MOON___, and the STARS___ could mean so much for the comfort and happiness of his people. And for the first time, he too, enjoyed himself.
Return to Scouting Bear's Cave.