Order of the Arrow Boy Scouts of America National Bulletin Scouting’s National Honor Society

December 2011 - February 2012 www.oa-bsa.org Volume LXVIII, Issue 4 Scouts and the Order of the Arrow to the rescue By BRAD KOCH Mischigonong Lodge 100 employees in order to make a On July 25–30, Mischigonong Lodge visible, positive impact on a declining descended on Deindorfer Woods Park community. Best Buy also contributed in Saginaw, Michigan, for a weeklong $1,000 to the effort. “One Day of Service.” Dubbed by the Volunteers came from several lodge as “Project SaginAWESOME,” other organizations, including Saginaw the project sought to unite several local County Habitat for Humanity; Local organizations in an effort to impart a 85 Plumbers, Steamfitters & HVACR gift of service in a “high need” urban Unions, the neighboring Veteran’s community. Affairs hospital, and residents of the Deindorfer Woods, a 20-acre patch local community. All contributed their of forest and park in the middle of the services to the restoration of the park. city, suffered from many problems With a flurry of activity, construction prior to the project. Inadequate drainage trucks, tools, and wheelbarrows, turned the entrance into a swamp during volunteers worked for over a week to the spring. Lack of permanent structures improve the park. hindered its usage. Condemned “This is the fun stuff we get to do,” recreation equipment left children with said Scott Brink, UA Local 85 business nowhere to go and play. representative. The union brought All of this and more changed. out two classes of apprentices to help Drainage was improved. A pavilion rebuild the gates and help in whatever and two swing sets were erected. Trails way they could. were cleared and surfaced with 36 tons All told, well over 250 people of wood chips. The parking lot was contributed 3,000 man-hours to this resurfaced and over 14 hazard trees Arrowmen work on one of the new permanent structures to be used in Deindorfer Woods Park in Saginaw, Michigan. project. A park that had been largely were removed. ignored for years now finds itself Saginaw resident Ryan Merz, 20, “It’s good to give back.” “Everybody they hope veterans and their families will Company, headquartered in Midland, frequented by Saginaw residents, many assistant Scoutmaster with Troop 304, has been excited about it,” said Carol use the park, which is next to the local Michigan. As part of their Dow Project for the first time. An urban community trimmed branches and weeds along the VanArsdale, the adviser for the project. VA hospital. Challenge Project program, Dow was changed for the better thanks to trails with Scouts Austin Himmelein, “The response has been very positive.” Mischigonong Lodge was hardly donated $25,000 to finance the supplies the Order of the Arrow and its partner 16, and Alex Prenzler, 13, of Saginaw. Dow employee Brad Blanchard said alone in performing this work. Aiding used in the park. In addition to this organizations, and a special thanks for “It’s hot,” Merz said, wiping sweat from the project will benefit everyone in the in the project’s success was the active grant, Dow provided logistical support the gift of cheerful service from all of his forehead as he paused from work. neighborhood. He and VanArsdale said involvement of the Dow Chemical and the volunteering hands of over those involved. Journey to Excellence to replace Quality Lodge program be evaluated in 2012. The new program the Centennial Quality Awards program. and aims to assist councils in meeting the are finance, membership, program, By WILL WELCH is a complete overhaul of Quality Lodge, The new Scouting program is designed to goals of the strategic plan. service, and leadership and governance. Staff Writer and has been designed to fit closely with meet the goals of the 2011–2015 National This effort is manifested in the design Each measure is divided into bronze, The Order of the Arrow’s new Scouting’s Journey to Excellence at the Strategic Plan and consists of three levels of the scorecard, which, like the council silver, and gold point values representing Journey to Excellence program will council level. of achievement: bronze, silver, and gold. scorecard for Scouting’s Journey to replace Quality Lodge as the primary The BSA transitioned into Journey to The OA’s Journey to Excellence will also Excellence, includes 17 performance see J.T.E., page 2 means by which lodge performance will Excellence last year as a replacement for maintain the same achievement levels, measures under five categories, which

ReliefCorps BEYOND Conference Southern Region lodges Arrowmen help plan the came together to aid Boy Scout’s BEYOND natural disaster victims. Conference to shape the 2 Read their story on page 2. 4 future of the BSA program. Region Chiefs NLS/NLATS The four region chiefs Find out about two talk about their most of the Order of the In This In

Edition: memorable moment this Arrow’s national training 5 past year. 7programs. Page 2 National notes Boy Scouts of America

2012 National Planning Calendar Southern Region ReliefCorps ContinuedJ.T.E. from page 1 January 27 Double Vigil Golf Classic, Phoenix, AZ In May 2011, lodges in the project, participants had donated a performance. February Southern Region came together to total of $3,540, which was donated to For a lodge to reach an achievement 3-5 NLS Train-the-Trainer, Orange County, CA provide aid to the victims of natural the American Red Cross to provide level, it must earn a minimum number 6-7 BSA National Meetings, Irving, TX disasters by participating in a project relief for disaster victims. Lodges of total points, and complete a certain 11–16 Report to the Nation called Southern Region ReliefCorps. also reported that their members had number of measures. For instance, a 24–26 NLS/NLATS, Rochester, IN - Central Region The project was aimed specifically at given over 21,000 service hours in lodge must earn 800 total points and March helping the victims of the devastating disaster relief assistance, which is the complete the bronze level of at least 2- 4 NLS/NLATS, Nashville, TN - Southern Region tornados, floods, and wildfires which equivalent to a donation of $152,250. 10 measures to qualify for the bronze 9 – 11 NOAC Site Visit, Michigan State University 23-25 NLS, Oahu, HI - Western Region affected nearly every state in the We thank all of the sections and achievement level. NLS/NLATS, Alpine, NJ - Northeast Region Southern Region. The project was lodges that helped make this project This new design features two April hosted by Section SR-9, which serves successful, especially the OA National philosophies, the first of which is 13–15 NLS, Orange County, CA - Western Region 20–22 NLS, Central City, IA - Central Region 12 lodges in Georgia and Alabama, Committee, which gave the largest flexibility. Other than membership NLS, Dundee, NY - Northeast Region including the Aracoma Lodge in single donation to the project. We growth and brotherhood conversion, 30 NOAC Fees Due Tuscaloosa, Alabama, which bore the also want to give special recognition lodges have free rein in choosing which May brunt of these devastating storms. The to the members of Aracoma Lodge of measures to complete to earn points. This 30-June 1 BSA National Meeting, Orlando, FL project was designed to provide aid Tuscaloosa, Alabama, for providing allows lodges the flexibility to focus on 31 OA National Committee Meeting, Orlando, FL through both service and monetary significant service time to this project; specific areas that need improvement. June donations. Two patches were designed the members of Alibamu Lodge of The second philosophy is “leading 2 OA Ocean Adventure Begins for the project’s participants. A silver Montgomery, Alabama, for raising indicators.” Quality Lodge primarily 6 Northern Tier OA Voyage Begins Northern Tier OA Odyssey Begins patch was given to participants who the most money; and the members featured what are called “lagging 8 Philmont OA Trail Crew Begins donated $10 to the ReliefCorps of Pilthlako Lodge of Waycross, indicators,” which measured the 17 – 23 Philmont OA Advisor Training project, and a gold patch was given Georgia, for donating the largest successful outcome of the actions of a 30 NOAC Late Fees Due to participants who gave five or quantity of food to the disaster victims lodge. Brotherhood conversion rate is July more hours of service helping the in Tuscaloosa. an example of this type of indicator. 24 Northern Tier OA Wilderness Voyage Ends disaster victims. At the end of the “Leading indicators,” on the other hand, Northern Tier OA Odyssey Ends 26 OA Ocean Adventure Ends evaluate the actions that are assumed to NOAC Staff Arrival lead to success, creating a more directed 27 Philmont OA Trail Crew Ends National Updates approach to evaluation. Frequency of 27-30 NOAC Trade-O-Ree 30-31 NOAC Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI communication is an example of this Four Best Practices OA-branded PowerPoint indicator because good communication August Remember to check out each Template is assumed to lead to better event 1-4 NOAC Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI series of Four Best Practices on the To accompany the rollout of the new attendance. Journey to Excellence makes September National OA Website. The latest series Branding and Style Guide, the OA use of both of these indicators to measure 14–16 NLS/NLATS, Davis, OK - Southern Region was released at Thanksgiving. has created two official PowerPoint a lodge’s performance. 21–23 SOS, Northeast Region, TBD templates for use. These can be used Combined, these two features of October Ask the Chairman Questions for many different OA functions and are Journey to Excellence are aimed at 1 OA Charter Renewal Kits 4 OA Staff Meeting Go to www.oa-bsa.org to check out available on the OA national website. helping lodges achieve continuous 5 – 7 NLS, Delaware, OH - Central Region questions that are being answered by improvement. Whereas the Quality 12 – 14 NLS/NLATS, Estes Park, CO - Western Region Lodge program took a static approach SOS, Southern Region, New Braunfels, TX the national chairman, Ray Capp. This NOAC Staff Registration 16 OA Steering Committee Meeting most recent question was regarding NOAC Staff registration opens January to measuring success, Journey to 26 – 27 SOS, Western Region, Phoenix, AZ tour permits. 1st. Be sure to sign up for the area Excellence encourages lodges to take 31 OA Service Grant Application Due you want to work in. Go to www. on challenges in areas of weakness and November 2012 Philmont OA Adviser registration.oa-bsa.org to sign up. to advance their strengths every year. The 2-4 NLS/NLATS, Parkville, MO - Central Region Training result is a nationwide journey to higher NLS/NLATS - Northeast Region achievement, which continuously raises 16-18 NLS/NLATS, San Francisco Bay Area, CA Western Region Information regarding the OA National OA Facebook Page NLS, Germany - Northeast Region Adviser training at Philmont is If you are a regular Facebook user, be standards. NLS, King, NC - Southern Region now available on the OA National sure to “like” the Order of the Arrow’s Chapter and section Journey to SOS Central Region, Islamorada, FL Website. www.oa-bsa.org. page! Excellence programs are currently under December development and are expected to be 27-30 National Planning Meeting, Dallas, TX presented to the OA National Committee 31 OA Charter Renewal Due See even more updates at www.oa-bsa.org in December for approval.

Official Publication of the 2011 National Officer Directory National Order of the Arrow, Boy Scouts of America

National Chief National Vice Chief The National Bulletin is published quarterly. If you have an article and/or photo (with caption) for submission, please Jonathan Hillis Dan Dick e-mail it to Mark Hendricks at [email protected]. Alternatively, submissions may be mailed to: Boy Scouts of Austin, Texas Lena, Illinois America, Order of the Arrow, P.O. Box 152079, Irving, TX 75015. [email protected] [email protected] Editor in Chief Mark Hendricks Lead Adviser Tony Fiori National Chief Jonathan Hillis Copy Adviser Tom Eliopoulos Central Region Chief Southern Region Chief National Vice Chief Dan Dick National Chairman Ray Capp Collin Huerter Dwayne Fontenette, Jr. Vice Chairman of Topeka, Kannas New Orleans, Louisiana Layout Editor Aaron Shepherd Communications and Technology Craig Salazar [email protected] Copy Editor Joe Maugeri OA Team Leader Clyde Mayer [email protected] Program/Events Editor Sam Giacalone OA Program Specalist Carey Miller People/Recognition Editor Josh Peloquin Staff Writers Northeast Region Chief Western Region Chief Features Editor John Rehm Robert Mason Graham Rapier Travis Cunningham Joseph Garcia Local Issues Editor Preston Marquis Brendan Bertagnoll Joe Giamboi Warren, Pennsylvania San Diego, California Content Development Brad Lichota, Jeff St. Cyr Frank Caccavale Rajpal Sagoo [email protected] Nate Thompson Joe Donahue [email protected] Michael Millerick Will Welch Scouting’s National Honor Society National notes Page 3 Investing in your leadership account Chiefly Speaking

grow these accounts. We build up of your actions. It is important to By ANDREW JENSEN these assets to help guide us. When constantly remind yourself that your Section C-7 Secretary faced with the challenge of leading personal benefits should not be your The word “invest” seems like others, each of you can tap into your primary concern. In the spirit of an important term in the news account and use your knowledge, servant leadership, your investments nowadays—everywhere we turn we skills, and insight to create a positive should always include the benefit of hear about Wall Street investments impact. I have learned that when others. The greatest legacy that each going wrong or the markets being I apply the skills and knowledge of us can leave is a stronger future sluggish. Most of us do not spend gained through the time and service in for the Scouts who follow in our time watching the stock tickers or which I have invested my energy, the footsteps. Ultimately, it is your choice tracking investments because many rewards are great. This is a powerful to invest, but rest assured that your of us are not ready to make any resource possessed by each of us. investments will make for a stronger long-term investments. However, Which specific instruments should and better Order as time progresses. there is one place where you can we invest in? This can be answered What will your investment be? Brothers, invest in a personalized account that through a simple cost-benefit analysis fluctuates daily and can potentially Quantum mechanics can tell us some interesting things about the Order yield high returns. This account of the Arrow and about how to lead our lives. does not exist on Wall Street, but rather within each of us. You add In modern physics, there is a principle that says changing the orientation to this account by making self- of an atom on one side of the universe can cause an atom on the other side investments such as attending troop weekends, putting in the planning of the universe to instantly reverse direction as well. Things, it seems, are time before a meeting, working at more interconnected than we could have ever imagined. summer camp, communicating with other Arrowmen, and taking the time Einstein’s prolific equation, E=mc2, provides us with an equally interesting to critically think before making a insight; it shows us that energy (E) is essentially the same thing as mass (m). decision. Our everyday actions of living by the Scout Oath and Law In our day-to-day world, we perceive energy and mass as totally different and enacting the principles of the entities, but quantum mechanics has shown us that they are two sides of Obligation help us to develop and the same coin. Again, the interconnectedness of the world is astounding.

I find this fascinating, because if we examine the various ideologies that Finding the power within separate us as humans—racism, nationalism, religious fundamentalism, class struggle, political gridlock—the key principle underlying all of these is the Why do Order of the Arrow does so because he desires to make lead to teachable moments from perception that things are inherently divided and disconnected. High Adventure foremen do what a positive impact on the lives of the which we can learn. Crews push they do? Is it their passion for the Arrowmen in his crew. one another and each crewmember Despite these perceptions of division, the natural world shows us every day outdoors? Is it their desire to build Crews start off not knowing finds strength and leadership hidden that pieces of our world are much more alike than they are different, and world-class trails using their hands one another. Within two weeks in his core. and creativity? Is it the desire to they become a tight-knit family, In a two-week period, your limits are much more dependent upon each other than they are separate and alone. go back to our roots by spending a proficient at living in the wilderness will be pushed. There is potential for We see this through our genetic similarities in biology, the interconnection summer removed from most modern while depending only on themselves. growth seen in few other programs of species that underlies the study of ecology, the similarities of the basic technologies and conveniences? Crews learn the valuable lessons of offered to Arrowmen. The bond atomic structures of chemistry, and the social-network links of psychology There is no uniform reason that working as a team and doing their made with your crew will last for a and sociology. compels Arrowmen to serve as part to achieve a common goal; but lifetime. The stories of hardship and foremen, but having served as a in the wilderness “doing your part” fun are shared time and time again. foreman for the OA Wilderness is more intense and necessary than Dynamics like these are rarely seen If I’ve taken away one lesson from this year, it’s that the Order works Voyage at Northern Tier, I can tell on the average weekend campout. and impossible to explain with mere much the same way as these aspects of the natural world. We may have you that every brother who straps Crews quickly learn to wake up words. OA High Adventure can be slight disagreements about how to accomplish a goal in our lodge, or we on his Carhartts and chooses to early and work hard. Success is the experience of a lifetime. To fully might feel alone on the dark and lonely path of isolation a leader often lead Arrowmen into the wilderness celebrated and disappointments understand it, you have to be there. faces, but fundamentally, we are all brothers: interconnected members of an organization united under one purpose. And, through cheerful service I have an edited version of the to others, we can further build upon those bonds of brotherhood that tie us OA logo I like to use, but the new together. There’s a word for the realization that someone is similar to you and Branding and Style Guide says I interconnected with you: love. It all comes down to love. If we can learn to cannot use it. Why not? lead through love, we won’t just solve problems in the Order—we’ll begin solving the biggest problems that face us as humans. The recently released OA Branding and Style Guide established guidelines for how BurningIssues we portray ourselves in print to the BSA and public. By maintaining a consistent logo Cheerfully yours, we create an easy way to identify the OA; it’s similar to the way companies maintain logos to create brand recognition. Editing the logo can cause confusion, just like a slight variation of a company logo can lead to questions about a product’s authenticity. For more information, please email [email protected]. Jonathan Hillis Send your Burning Issues to Editor in Chief Mark Hendricks at [email protected]. 2011 National Chief Page 4 Order of the arrow Service Boy Scouts of America Meeting the call of service: Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure

Tahosa Lodge worked to raise throws for the chance to dunk their By NICK WARREN AND funds for the Denver Susan G. officers. Prior to conclave, the chiefs ALEX WILLIAMS Komen Race for the Cure. The charge decided that a local family, which Tahosa and Echockotee Lodges was led by past-Lodge Chief Patrick had just lost their home and several What does service mean to you? Tapp and current Lodge Chief Nick family members in a fire, should be It is one of the cornerstones of our Warren. Tapp and Warren created the recipient of the proceeds from Brotherhood, and the focus of many and sold a patch and donated profits the dunk tank and donations made of our events. It is the basis of to cancer research. Tahosa Lodge during religious services. During servant leadership. As Arrowmen, raised more than $3,500 through the conclave, over $350 was raised we are each called to serve whether patch sales. “It was truly phenomenal to help the family. we hold a position such as chapter to see how devoted Tahosa’s 1,500 Clearly, these examples or lodge chief, or simply attend members were to raising the money demonstrate different ways that local OA events. One way we meet for Race for the Cure,” commented our Order can have an impact on this call to service is through our Warren. Donating the proceeds from the greater good of the community. commitment to council camps, at a patch design to a worthy cause Allowat Sakima sets forth this Ordeals and work days. Some lodges demonstrates the OA’s dedication challenge in the pre-Ordeal and sections are taking service to the to cheerfully serving others. ceremony when he says, “seek to next level and seeking to support Section NE-6B pooled their serve, and thus be faithful to the not only their camps but also their efforts at a recent conclave to raise high ideals and purpose of the Order communities. Tahosa Lodge of money for a local family. The host of the Arrow.” If you have an idea Denver, Colorado; Section NE-6B lodge, Sasquesahanough Lodge of for a service project talk to your of south-central Pennsylvania; and the New Birth of Freedom Council, lodge chief today. Any amount of Echockotee Lodge of Jacksonville, featured a dunk tank as one of the service furthers our quest to lead Florida; are three great examples conclave activities. Each member by example as we seek to become of how your lodge or section can of the Council of Chiefs took a shift servant leaders. Lodge Chiefs Nick Warren (2011) and Patrick Lapp (2010) present expand its opportunities to serve. in the tank and Arrowmen bought a $4,500 check to the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure fund. Arrowmen help plan BEYOND conference Putting Christmas trees to good use

officials estimate that somewhere in By ANDREW BOWMAN By MARK MUELLER the area of 253,000 Christmas trees Past Section C-6A Chief 2010 Wah-Sha-She Lodge Chief have been recycled over the course After the Boy Scouts of America For the 24th consecutive year, of our partnership. These trees have celebrated its 100th Anniversary, the members of Wah-Sha-She Lodge provided a habitat for many species the National Council is evaluating of the Ozark Trails Council have of fish living in the lake and wildlife our movement to ensure relevance recycled Christmas trees for the for the next century. With the community of Springfield, Missouri. changing needs of today’s youth, The project usually lasts from the BSA continues to meet these the days following Christmas up needs. As part of the National to the New Year holiday. Wah- Wah-Sha-She Council’s Strategic Plan, I was Sha-She proudly endures the cold Lodge of Ozark honored to serve as a member of weather from noon until late in the planning committee for what the evening to load hundreds of Trails Council will become the first-ever National used Christmas trees into trailers. Youth Forum, the BEYOND These trees are then taken to have recycled Conference, where Scouts from spots designated by the Missouri Christmas across the nation will come to Department of Conservation and discuss their program concerns and Scouts posed for a picture with Chief Scout Executive Bob Mazzuca after the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers trees for the share ideas about our future. Tools finding out that they would have a chance to discuss the BSA’s future. as fish habitats near Table Rock will be provided to help make Lake. Wah-Sha-She’s outreach community of positive changes in units, councils, Families in Scouting, Advocate for began, the staff sat back and took efforts are two pronged. The lodge Springfield, and lodges. Education, and Youth Leadership. everything in as we talked about works with its friends and neighbors Our planning team met in Dallas, Since our week in Dallas, we strengths and weaknesses and to raise donations for the benefit Missouri for 24 Texas, this past July for five days to have been finalizing the details suggestions for improvement. By of the project. These support our discuss current program issues, the for this national conference. As the end of the planning conference, activities and enable us to continue years. needs of today’s youth, and positive logistical details are finalized, the staff, planning team, and providing high-quality service changes that can be implemented please check with your council volunteers shared the same vision with little inconvenience for our to help program growth for the for more information about of providing an event where youth lodge members. They also team in the surrounding ecosystem. As coming years. The room was filled this opportunity to attend the from across the nation can come up with businesses such as Werner the Order moves into a new era of with current and past national and conference. We are striving for a together and share ideas on program Enterprises and FedEx, who donate environmental stewardship, we are regional Venturing and Sea Scout youth-led conference. improvement for the next century. use of their trailers to haul the trees. proud to play our role in making our officers, NYLT youth, and three In Dallas, the conference staff We hope to have the same energy Once the trees arrive at the lake, community a better place to live. section chiefs, including myself. made it clear that they wanted to and excitement at the BEYOND lodge and community volunteers For us it is a great way to give back We discussed topics in four major hear what we thought about the Conference next summer. work side by side with state and display our dedication toward areas: Environmental Stewardship, BSA program. As discussions conservation employees to place cheerful service during the holiday them in the environment. Forestry season. Scouting’s National Honor Society REGIONAL NEWS Page 5 To try and become Happy to have the best person one attended great can be Conclaves the three duties in the Scout Oath is By DWAYNE FONTENETTE most important to you—duty to God, event killer turned out to be a plus 2011 Southern Region Chief duty to country, or duty to self?” His By JOE GARCIA when the guys disregarded the rain As I look back on one of the best answer shocked us all. “Duty to self,” 2011 Western Region Chief and continued to have fun. years of my Scouting career, I think he said. But he wasn’t finished. Stuart This year has been one of I also had the opportunity of the most memorable and inspiring went on to say that he felt that it was the most exciting and beneficial to travel to the island of Kauai Dwayne Fontenette moment of my term, which occurred necessary to work constantly toward years of my life. I have had the to spend some time with our this summer. while serving on staff improving himself—to become the opportunity to meet and work with Hawaiian brothers. All I have to at El Rancho Cima Scout Camp. I sat best person that he could be—so that our brothers around the nation. I say is that they know how to put on an Eagle Scout board of review he could better serve others. could write a book about all of the on a conclave! Their shows were for Stuart, a Colonneh Lodge vice Stuart is the epitome of a servant cool things and amazing people top notch and they certainly know chief. I met Stuart last year at the Sam leader. I am proud to have had an that I have met. For now, I will how to have fun. Slip ‘n’ slides Houston Area Council’s Centennial opportunity to meet him and the many share some highlights with you. to massive water fights, all in the Jamboree. other Scouts and Scouters who live the I had the opportunity to attend shadows of the mountains of Kauai Toward the end of the board of Scout Oath and the OA Obligation in the Section NE-1A Conclave and is a recipe for a great event. review, Stuart was asked, “Which of their daily lives. it was one of the most amazing This year has been one of the events of the year. Not only was best of my Scouting career. If you the site beautiful, the food was want to trade stories with me, be great. The only downside came sure to find me at NOAC. I will be Saturday when a rainstorm rolled there. Will you? Better ourselves so in and nearly flooded the conclave. What I thought was going to be an that we may better Collin Huerter serve others A strong passion for the OA’s high exclusive to our Scouting lives. By COLLIN HUERTER Each day we use something 2011 Central Region Chief that was taught to us by a teacher, adventure programs All of us remember those moments trainer, coach, parent, mentor, or just in our lives when something just does somebody who made a difference not make sense and no matter how in our lives and inspired us. My life in the Order of the Arrow Ocean somebody tried to convey it to us, it was changed this year because I was By TRAVIS CUNNINGHAM Adventure program at the Florida was just impossible for it to click. Then, able to train so many Arrowmen from 2011 Northeast Region Chief Sea Base. Ever since becoming a without warning, something finally across the nation, and in turn, each one As I crawled out of the cabin of member of the Order of the Arrow, clicks and everything becomes clear. of them taught me something, too. the ship I could hear the peaceful I have had a strong passion for its Your eyes light up and suddenly the Training in the Order of the Arrow sound of water washing up against high-adventure programs because Joe Garcia weight is lifted from your shoulders. is not just happening in sessions at the sides of our vessel. The sun had of the impact they can have on an And just like that, you are ready to events. We are constantly training not risen as I began my shift on individual Arrowman. The fact move on to the next step. each other to learn new skills, view anchor watch, which allowed for that you can begin a two-week I have had the privilege to see things differently, and work with the moon to shine brilliantly in the expedition with guys you have this phenomenon happen many times others in order to make ourselves pre-dawn sky. I took a seat by the never met before and leave as a this year. No, it has not been in a better leaders. wheel of the ship as I quietly waited tight-knit unit creates a unique classroom, but all over the nation Whether or not it is obvious, we are for the sun to rise. For the next two experience. at the great training programs we all teaching and mentoring each other hours, I listened to the waters of the Our high-adventure programs conduct each year. Whether it is an in everything we do. Each experience Atlantic, the sounds of Key West, epitomize everything that our LLD course that is a one-day training is a new opportunity to grow, and and watched many other boats go Order’s main ideals of brotherhood, event or a national-level training training is a chance to engage and zipping by. Finally the sun rose with cheerfulness, and service stand for. seminar that brings people from all inspire any audience. Seize that a brilliance that lit up everything. These programs are life-changing backgrounds together, we all have opportunity to make a difference. We At that moment, I was in complete experiences. I highly encourage a common vision. That vision is can all be that change. awe of everything going on around all Arrowmen to take part in these to better ourselves so that we may me, and it is something I will never programs, and share the same better serve others. Training provides “The powerful play will go on, and forget. experiences that so many others growth for everybody on every level we may contribute a verse.” This is just one of the many have before them. of this organization, and the amount -Walt Whitman experiences I had while participating Travis Cunningham of personal growth it provides is not Page 6 NATIONAL OA History Boy Scouts of America NOAC Themes: Where do they come from? Orgins of the OA Song

By NATE THOMPSON Story Editor By EVAN SKANDALIS remaining members of the Romanov In May 1948, the Order of the Story Editor family. The British prime minister Arrow was officially integrated into On March 15, 1917 Tsar Nicholas granted the request and on April 8, the Scouting movement. That same II of Russia was forced to resign from 1919 the ship left the port while for year marked the beginning of our the throne in favor of his younger the last time the band at the dock Order’s biennial national conference, brother, Michael, passing over his played the national anthem, “God the National Order of the Arrow own son Alexie, 13 years old. By Save The Tsar”. Conference, which gathers Arrowmen 1917 Russia had been at war with Urner Goodman, reading about from throughout the United States Germany for over three years and was this in the local papers, realized he and its territories, and from around facing signs of distress in its military now had a tune that he could use for the world. Thirty conferences later, and discontent among its people. the Wimachtendienk. We believe Past National Order of the Arrow Conference’s themes. NOAC is upon us once again and will The Russian-Tsarist national he introduced the new words and be held at Michigan State University the effort to produce the embodying ideas for a theme. Each region chief anthem, “God Save the Tsar” had music to the first meeting of the in East Lansing, Michigan, from July message of the conference. Ideas hosts a conference call with their as its theme an old Russian folk- nine existing lodges in 1921 at the 30 to August 4, 2012. from National Committee members respective section chiefs followed tune that has been used by several assembly of the Grand Lodge and The event is held on a campus are submitted online, and the top- by a national conference call. In composers over the years, most since then it has been sung to close of a major university and features five learning objectives are chosen coordination with the Thematic famously in Tschaikovsky’s 1812 Ordeals, Conclaves and National a plethora of programs available by the committee. A private Web Committee, the national chief Overture. Conferences. to its participants, including session is then held with all current conducts a public vote by the section The Tsar’s family and retainers Editor’s Note: Rarely do we have leadership development programs, section chiefs for them to contribute chiefs on the theme via the Internet. were moved by the provisional the opportunity to hear about history fellowship events, inspirational their insight. A conference call is After the online vote, the Thematic government under Kerensky from the ones who experienced; shows and gatherings, ceremony later held by each region to discuss Committee prepares a presentation from Petrograd to safe-keeping at it is a privilege when we do. This team development, American Indian further ideas on the five learning to be given at the national planning Tsarskoe-Selo, a royal palace with article featured Del Loder, most pageants, camping promotion, and objectives with their respective region meeting held in December of the a military guard. Some weeks later recent recipient of the OA’s Lifetime opportunities to hear and speak with chiefs. The national chief then hosts year prior to the conference. This they were moved by a guard of Red Achievement Award, who is one the national leaders of the Order of a national conference call with all presentation includes the learning Russians to Yekaterinburg, deeper of the Arrowmen who experienced the Arrow and the Boy Scouts of section chiefs in which each region objective and theme and how in Russia, where the royal family, much of the history of the OA in the America. chief gives a report from his region they will be incorporated into the servants and, guards were sent to West and has spent his life studying Previous conferences have conference call. This provides all NOAC planning process. In 2009, the Ipatiev House. On July 17, 1918 the early history of the OA. Evan used particular slogans to convey a chiefs a national dialogue on the the presentation depicted how the the entire royal family including Skandalis of T’Kope Kwiskwis Lodge message selected by the OA National NOAC theme, and the section chiefs conference-wide game, welcome attending doctors and servants were heard Del recount the history of Committee. For example, the 2009 are then prepared to vote. Once the guide, and backpack would be assassinated by orders from Lenin, the OA song. The National Bulletin NOAC used the theme “Power of section chiefs reach a consensus, incorporated into the conference. now in charge of the Red Russian encourages Arrowman to seek out One” and the learning objective “one the National Committee is ready to At first glance, selecting a theme government. those who experienced the history of person can make a difference.” But approve their final ideas. may seem like a simple task. Do not King George V of England, a the OA, whether locally or nationally, how are these chosen? A similar process is applied to the be fooled. It is a calculated process cousin of the Tsar, requested that and capture that history. We also It all begins early in the year actual NOAC theme. A private Web with considerable time devoted to it the battleship HMS Marlborough be welcome submissions that would be leading up to NOAC. A NOAC session is opened for section chiefs in order to make the conference the sent to the loyalist held Crimea in of broad interest to Arrowmen. Thematic Committee is chosen to lead to participate in and contribute their best it can be. the Black Sea to rescue over 2,000 History of the Goodman Camping Award

this meeting. camp. By FRANK CACCAVALE It did not take long for the award By the conference in 1971, Staff Writer to be implemented throughout the nine lodges from across the The E. Urner Goodman Camping nation. At the closing show of the country were awarded the E. Award was first discussed at the 1968 1969 National Order of the Arrow Urner Goodman Camping Award: national planning meeting. It had Conference (NOAC), the award was Shenandoah, Nea To Ka, O-Shot- become obvious that many lodges introduced to the OA members in Caw, Carcajou, Silver Tomahawk, needed to improve their camping attendance. Toward the end of the Ma-Nu, Naguonabe, Tukarica, and promotions. Little was being done show, Arrowmen were challenged Tatanka Lodges were awarded the to encourage and promote camping with several goals to meet before recognition during this NOAC. on the council level, and it was seen they gathered again for the 1971 The Goodman Camping Award by all that something needed to be NOAC at the University of Illinois. was named in honor of our founder, done to encourage Arrowmen to The final resolution was to promote who created our great organization E. Urner Goodman Camping Award presented to lodges each year . promote camping in their councils. Scout camping and strive to earn with the purpose of promoting With the goal of improving camp the National Camping Award. Scout camping. Currently, eight support of their councils’ camping camp participation among Scouts promotions in mind, the Goodman They were challenged to visit their lodges receive the award annually programs and for helping to increase and Scouters each year. Camping Award was developed at council’s troops to promote summer in recognition of their outstanding

Check out the E. Urner Goodman Camping Award section under National Awards on www.oa-bsa.org to find out how your lodge can obtain this award. Scouting’s National Honor Society National OA Trainings Page 7 Order of the Arrow advisers to gather at Philmont

Join OA advisers from around lodge and section events through Participants and their families will the nation for the Philmont Order sessions on planning, logistics, enjoy many activities, including of the Arrow Adviser Conference and an overview of the Incident hiking, fishing, horseback riding, at the Philmont Training Center in Command System. pottery-making demonstrations, Cimarron, New Mexico, scheduled Advisers are encouraged to museum visits, a buffalo barbecue for June 17–23, 2012. attend this in-depth training session on the Greensward, and shopping The National OA Training to learn firsthand about many of the in Cimarron and nearby towns. Subcommittee is planning this best practices shared by Arrowmen To learn more about the family conference to provide information who have served as chapter and programs, visit the Philmont to advisers on important topics lodge advisers. In addition to Training Center website at www. that go beyond those covered at advisers, members of the National philmonttrainingcenter.org. the regional or National Lodge OA Committee will serve on the The 2012 Philmont OA Adviser Adviser Training Seminars. A staff. Conference is open to all OA lodge, wide range of subject matter will While at the training center, chapter, and committee advisers. To be presented at the conference. participants and their families register, visit www.myscouting.org One of the week’s highlights will will have several opportunities to and click on Event Registration. be training on how to incorporate experience the many activities that For additional information on the national initiatives “sparked” by are available at Philmont Scout conference, visit http://oa-bsa.org/ SummitCorps and ArrowCorps5 in Ranch and the surrounding area. programs/ptc. Training center participants listen in on one of the training sessions. National Leadership Seminar (NLS) National Lodge Adviser

create an interactive classroom It is taken home in the form of a Training Seminar (NLATS) By SAMUEL BELLOMY setting, with hands-on activities leadership contract to complete Western Region Training Chairman and practical application of the based on the lessons learned over Generally, the course size is much The Order of the Arrow is leadership skills developed over the the weekend. By STEVE GAINES smaller than NLS, with the target proud to provide Arrowmen, both weekend-long course. The trainers Scouts and Scouters take home Western Region NLATS Coordinator class size being 24 to 30 advisers youth and advisers alike, with the are experienced and hand selected leadership skills and resources Almost everyone in the OA Because class sizes are limited, highest level of leadership training by each region’s leadership to to better the programs they are is familiar with NLS (National key advisers are encouraged to in our organization, the National drive the program and messages involved in. Do not miss the Leadership Seminar): our Order’s attend. This includes lodge advisers, Leadership Seminar! The National home with the participants. Among opportunity to experience the premier advanced national leadership staff advisers, chapter advisers, Leadership Seminar is a weekend these trainers are one of the National Leadership Seminar! training. Sometimes a bunch of adults associate lodge advisers, and those course hosted by each region three national youth officers, the region Contact your lodge leadership or disappear during the NLS weekend with lodge adviser potential, as to four times a year. Between 40 chief, section chiefs, other section go to your region’s website for training to attend another session. determined by the local council and 80 participants are divided up officers, rising lodge leaders, and the 2012 calendar of NLS events They’re not just shooting the breeze Scout executive. Advisers who have at tables, led by top-notch trainers dedicated adult staff members from and register for the best training and drinking coffee, but are actually already attended the local Lodge and staff from lodges across the the national, region, and section weekend ever! You do not want learning skills to help them be better Leader Development Program and/or nation. levels. The program does not end to miss it! advisers. This training is called the the National Leadership Seminar will Each session is designed to at the conclusion of the course. National Lodge Adviser Training find that NLATS will help enhance Seminar (NLATS). skills previously learned in these Like NLS, this is a weekend other courses. The course is designed conference that focuses on the skills to be fun; however, it is mentally and attributes of effective lodge challenging as well. advisers. The course is taught by Advisers may attend NLATS some of the best adult trainers in once. Each region offers at least one the nation, from both the region and NLATS every year. Check with your National committees. In addition, lodge adviser or section adviser, or one of the national youth officers will visit your region Web page for more give a youth perspective about what it information and course dates. is like to have a great adviser.

Arrowmen gather at the Lake at Camp Widjiwagan for a session during NLS in Nashville, TN. Page 8 NatioNal order of the arrow coNfereNce Boy Scouts of America

Your travel ItInerarY Pick your transportation. Plan your route. Pack your bags. NEXT STOP: NOAC 2012!

It’s time to get ready for the 2012 National Order of the Arrow Conference at Michigan State University from July 30 through August 4. NOAC will bring together 8,000 Arrowmen for six days of adventure, excitement, training, recreation, and fellowship. Will you be there?

Day 1 Day 3 Check out event.oa-bsa.org for Visit event.oa-bsa.org and find everything you need to know OABSA on Facebook, Twitter, about NOAC. and YouTube for weekly Day 2 updates. Check with your lodge key 3 on Day 4 how to register for NOAC 2012 Invite Arrowmen to join in the TO NOAC 2012 My ITINErAry at Michigan State University. fun at NOAC 2012.

Travel Options: Plane. Bus. Horse. Hiking. Car. Helicopter. Moped. (Pick one)