The Guide program was initiated in 1926 by Harold S. Keltner, Director of a youth group in St. Louis. Inspired by his experiences with his friend Joe Friday, an Ojibway Indian who served as his guide on fishing and hunting trips into Canada. Harold organized the first tribe in Richmond Heights, Missouri and appointed William H. Hefelfinger as the first Chief of the Indian Guide tribe.
Harold Keltner initiated a program of father/son experiences that came to involve fathers and sons throughout the United States. The program later expanded to include daughters in the experience. Our program is called Lake Prairie Guides and Princess to honor this history.
Joe Friday
Co-Founder of the
Original Indian Guides Program