Koshares in Bear Lake

Thanks to Stephen,the Koshare Indian Dancers made an
appearance in Montpelier. These are a group of Boy Scouts
from La Junta, Colorado who emphasize the preservation
of Native American culture along with their scouting activities.


Their costumes and dances were extraordianrily beautiful
and very colorful, as you can see.


I was told by one of the Koshares after the perfromance
that their troop has produced more Eagle Scouts than any
other troop in the United States, more than 620 Eagles.
He said that 95% of the boys who enroll in the Koshares
go on to earn their Eagle. That compares to about one out of
an hundred nationally. Of those 90 percent go on to earn
college degrees and the troop has more than 100 alumni
with either MDs or PhDs. As I talked to these young men
and women they were all so poised and seemed to be so
greatful to be a part of what they were doing. All this from
a little town not much bigger than the population of
Bear Lake County. They are definitely doing something
right. Are there lessons other troops, or schools, or families
with young people could learn from them? I'm sure there are.



Each of the Koshare dancers have to make their own
costumes to perform in specific dances, and have them
approved before they are allowed to perform. These young
people are not only eager to get started, they perservere.


Sophie was not afraid of the Indians. Here she is giving
one of the dancers a "high five."

And of course, Mason is eager to get involved in anything
new and exciting. Here he is taking a lesson from the
Koshare Hoop Dancer. The Hoop Dance was one of the
most spectacular of the entire show. He picks things up so
dang fast it scares me almost.


They left Montpelier with the intent of doing a few dances
as a part of the Camp Hunt Firebowl ceremony, which
Jason wisely started later, so they could be back for the
end of it. We had a great time and so did all who attended.
Thanks to Stephen and the Koshares. If anybody ever
gets to LaJunta, CO, look this bunch up. They have a
museum and are always doing shows in Colorado. We
were fortunate, that they agreed to make a detour to
Bear Lake enroute to Southern Utah and Arizona after
a week in the Salt Lake area.


What does the scripture say about being anxiously engaged
in a good cause? Heaven knows there are plenty of good causes.
and most of them lie outside ourselves. We are happy that
each of you seeks opportunities to help others.