Order of the Arrow, Egwa Tawa Dee Lodge #129

Lodge Officer Reports

Lodge Chief

Brothers,

It’s been an exciting year from Scoutfest to Fall Fellowship and it’s been my pleasure serving you as your Lodge Chief. It’s hard to sum up in words this year because it is my last year as a lodge office. I am extremely proud of the progress we have made as a lodge this year and I hope it continues to move in a positive direction when the next lodge chief takes the reins.

I could not have asked for a better officer corps, they are truly remarkable people. I will say the three who worked the hardest because of my high expectations were Josh Buchsbaum, Alex Leach, and Andrew Bates. I could not have pulled off any of the events without them. Josh by far is a great program vice chief that always was attentive to the chairmen we picked and made sure that everything leading up to the event went smoothly. Alex and Andrew where always at the ready during the event to help the chairman and I carry out all of the events.

I wish the next officer corps luck for next year.

YIB
Scott Conner
Lodge Chief

Vice-Chief of Administration

Brothers,

The Honor Elangomat Program is well under way and a large number of people have expressed interest in the program and the special patch that will be given to them upon completion of this program. There is a major change in the Chapter of the Year requirements. This program will now be called Honor Chapter and there have been changes in almost all the areas of the program. If you have any questions please e-mail me: vcadministration@aacegwa.org.

WWW
Alexander Leach

Vice-Chief of Program

Brothers,

I hope you all have enjoyed your summers. While working at Woodruff Scout Reservation, I enjoyed helping the WSR OA Day Chair Justin Camp conduct Brotherhood ceremonies and OA socials. Thanks to him and Christian Goerner (BASR) for their hard work. Thanks are also in order to Nathan Justice for doing a great job organizing our Summerfest. Looking forward, Fall Fellowship is fast approaching. I hope everyone comes out to vote in the Lodge Elections. As always, if you have any program suggestions, please email them to me at vcprogram@aacegwa.org.

Yours in Brotherhood,
Josh Buchsbaum

Vice-Chief of Indian Affairs

Vice-Chief of Communications

Brothers,

It is hard to believe that Fall Fellowship is once again just around the corner. However, since I will be leaving for Auburn University I will not be serving as Vice Chief of Communications for this next year. I wish whoever serves as Vice Chief of Communications next year a great year.
I would like to apologize for not being able to make some of the recent LECs. Due to many untimely commitments that have left me out of town, I have not been able to attend some of the recent LECs.
I would like to thank my advisor Mr. Brooks for always working with me to get everything done so tirelessly for these past two years. I will not be able to be as involved in the Lodge these next few years due to college, but I sure wish everyone luck and I will be around as often as possible.

YIB
Andrew Bates

Vice-Chief of Finance

Lodge Adviser's Corner

Thanks to all that made Summerfest a success. Now on to September 16 – 18 for Fall Fellowship where another great week end is planned. For those of you that have never participated in Adventure Camp, I encourage you to PLEASE plan on being at Bert Adams Scout Camp on September 30th thru October 2nd to help our Lodge with this very important Cub program. The more Brothers we have helping the easier it will be to handle the large number of Cubs we will have there

Question! What is the first point of the Scout Law? “ A Scout is Trustworthy”… Honesty is a part of his code of conduct. People can depend on him. When asked what Trustworthy meant to him, John Wayne replied – Trustworthy, The badge of honesty. Having it lets you look any man straight in the eye. Keep it at the top of your list.”

It is with disbelief we have members of our Lodge that have dishonored themselves and our Lodge by not living up to the commitment they made when they became a Scout. They gave their word to live by the Scout Oath and Law, but have not kept that promise by not being Trustworthy. At the Spring Pow Wow money was taken from the clothing of a Ceremony Team as they were performing a Ceremony, at the Spring Ordeal a meal ticket attempted to be used after it was reported lost and replaced , and during lunch at Summefest, money was taken from a uniform shirt pocket as it hang in a tree by the pavilion. This has to cease.

We as members of the Order of the Arrow represent not just the best in our units, but our family name, all we are and all we ever hope to be. As mentioned earlier, if ever that trust is broken, you have dishonored yourself and all you represent. Always think about what might happen as a result of what you do and the effect it may have on yourself and others. Please keep your promise and do your best to live by the Scout Oath.

Yours in Cheerful Service,
Tom Ogletree

Quality Lodge recognition is a mark of a successful lodge with good programs, active and trained members, and a strong record of supporting the council and other branches of Scouting. Lodges that are truly successful should look at these requirements as a minimum standard of expectations of your service to the council. As such, use these requirements as a starting point in planning your goals for the year.

As a new lodge officer or adviser, you may ask yourself: “Where do I start?” Yes, this list of requirements can seem intimidating at best, but this Guidebook is designed to eliminate that intimidation. As you begin to plan your new lodge yearly program, use it as a resource to establish your lodge goals, and work those goals toward achieving National Quality Lodge.

Why strive to be a National Quality Lodge? Because it is expected of you! The National Quality Lodge petition was designed, not only to recognize success, but also to establish the standard for lodges in fulfilling their purpose to their council.

The National Order of the Arrow Committee recently voted to make materials more readily available to lodge leaders. As a result, the Guide for Officers and Advisers is now available online. This book provides support for lodge and chapter leaders. It reflects the current policies concerning the organization and administration of the Order of the Arrow Lodge. All lodge and chapter officers and advisers should have a copy.