National Bulletin VOLUME 95, EDITION 2018 Welcome, Adventure Arrowmen, Scouts, Scouters and all of you that support the . To start, let me say that I am an OA Awaits publications enthusiast, an engaged fan from my earliest days. I have been since my first day as a and certainly since my induction into the OA, always reading and studying the pages of our handbooks and bulletins. I was first absorbed in their images and stories, later using the materials to learn the youth leadership and then adult leadership skills to lead a lodge and now the National OA Committee. In fact, I am pretty sure I read the entire OA Handbook twice on the way home from my Ordeal at Camp Rokilio in 1978. I was hooked! Mike Hoffman I believe that no matter whether a magazine There is a story in this issue that I is delivered to your doorstep or to your particularly like because it recounts the computer, printed on glossy stock or cheap stories of two multi-generational OA tabloid paper, appears on your iPad or your families, the Kellys of Kaysville, Utah, cellphone screen, it is still and foremost and Hausers of Ft. Myers, Florida. Both the work of an editorial/development team. families have long ties to the respective The publication is built for a discerning communities; the Hausers going back to audience, a beautiful and meaningful—we post-war Southwest Florida, through four hope—package of ideas, words, and images generations. The Kellys bring something that a group of experts prepares for its unique in that they are longtime Utah readers. Scouters, but also third generation Arrowmen. While technology efficiently delivers news and stories to our desktops, laptops and From Utah and Florida, we travel to the mobile devices, magazines are all about Northeast Region where we will focus content — how ideas and images are on following up on a lodge from the presented in relation to one another and region who used their OA service grant within a larger point of view. Magazines to implement STEM technology into their are about trust and partnership: We, the council’s camping program. This article leadership of the OA and the many editors may motivate you to gather your lodge of this publication, will always strive to keep leadership and write an application for a you engaged; you, the readers, are free to grant. engage with us or not, but I think you will love what we are embarking on with this These days New Mexico, Minnesota, West publication. But enough theory: Let me tell Virginia and Florida host Order of the Arrow you about this transitional National Bulletin members who participate in the OA High issue. The first of many we expect to come. 2 SPRING 2018 ORDER OF THE ARROW NATIONAL BULLETIN 1 Order of the Arrow

National Chief ANTHONY PELUSO National Vice Chief MICHAEL KIPP National Chairman MIKE HOFFMAN National Director MATT DUKEMAN National Associate Director TRAVIS RUBELEE Northeast Region Chief JUSTIN ST. LOUIS Western Region Chief JORDAN JEFFERIS Central Region Chief WILL COOTS Southern Region Chief ZACH CALLICUTT Communication Coordinator COLLIN METSCHER Communication Vice Chairman ANTHONY FIORI

Nat. Vice Chief Mike Hoffman leading the 75th National Bulletin Anniversary of the BSA Caravan pledge. Publisher KYLE KIPPLE Adventure programs. You will find an article thinking about as you start back leading Editor NICK OSCHNER that is a retrospective on the founding and your lodge after summer! Art Director MIKE DESOCIO impact of the OA High Adventure programs, Writers TYLER GREY both on those individuals involved in the There is certainly a lot more in this National KYLE HOFFMAN early years, and also on the Order at large. Bulletin, and I hope you will read it cover to CORY JOHNSON From my perspective and those of the men cover, just like many of us did our first copy JOHN MAZURIE who have served as National Order of the of the Order of the Arrow Handbook on the Arrow Chairmen, there is no better use of way home from our Ordeal! WILL BENJAMIN our energy and resources than watching the The National Bulletin is an official publication of the Order of the Arrow, results of the personal growth that happens 1325 West Walnut Hill Lane, Irving, TX 75038-3096, 972-580-2438. ©Boy Scouts of America 2018 Reproductions without written permission is prohibited. www.OA-BSA.org while participating in these outstanding Yours in Service, programs. We make better men because of these High Adventure programs. Mike Hoffman The summer is a time to relish the 1978 Ordeal Inductee July 30 – August 4 outdoors; for many it’s about summer National Chairman vacation and scout camping. It’s about Order of the Arrow camp staff assignments and joining your Indiana University buddies for some fun. In late July we’ll all gather for NOAC 2018. In the meantime, Bloomington, IN you’ll find some spotlights on why the new NLS has raised the bar on what youth Participant and staff slots are training in should be. still open! NOAC 18 You will hear about the initiative and programs to help lodges reach high More information on the performance, and you will see some inspirational essays from youth Arrowmen 2018 NOAC can be found at on why they are making a choice to be 1985 Nat. VC Hoffman, 1985 Nat. Chief oa-bsa.org. involved with the Order. All things to start Mimnaugh and 83-84’ Nat. Chief Bob Wade

2 SPRING 2018 ORDER OF THE ARROW NATIONAL BULLETIN 3 National Bulletin

SPRING 2018 ISSUE

High Performing Lodge Spotlight 5 High Peforming 8 Letter from the National Chief and Vice Chief Lodge Spotlight 10 Meet the National Officers 12 The Story of OA Trail Crew OCTORARO 22 Tweets to the Editor 24 My OA Story & ECHOCKOTEE 26 Three Generations in the OA

EVERY LODGE has a program or and dedication to our council and feature that make it truly unique. surrounding communities within Some lodges, however, excel by the Chester County. Our lodge sets the numbers – high event turnout, high bar high and continues to exceed our membership retention and near- own expectations through a strong perfect unit involvement. Octoraro collaborative effort with our youth 33 Looking Back On Operation Arrow and Echockotee Lodges are two that leadership, our council, and our fit this bill. troops and crews.” OA + STEM 34 Sustained around 900 members, Octoraro puts on three inductions Partners in Service Octoraro Lodge serves the Chester weekends each year in conjunction 36 County Council in southeastern with their service weekends in late Mending Hope in Puerto Rico Pennsylvania. In the last year, April and early June as well as their 38 Octoraro saw the fourth-highest fellowship weekend in the fall. Both A Pivotal Year for National Leadership Seminar membership increase in its history. Spring weekends typically see 200- 42 Lodge Adviser Gus Sauerzopf first 300 attendees and the fall fellowship Taking the Lead says the lodge was blessed with sees 300-400 attendees. The staff 44 the close geography and well- is the most important aspect of Get Ready for Fun at NOAC connected community they serve. the induction weekends, and the 46 “We have a strong commitment Elangomat team have a strong

4 SPRING 2018 ORDER OF THE ARROW NATIONAL BULLETIN 5 identity and presence during the weekend. maintenance of the property. After a series of was to raise $5,000 by leveraging the idea The staff is proud to show off the lodge’s severe storms in March, the lodge scheduled that their long-time camp would Despite covering 17 counties, the average tee shirt, minted in the lodge’s famous color a service day for the very next weekend with finally shave his beard. In about a year’s time drive time is only about an hour for most – man-genta pink. Lodge Chief Steven over 70 members participating. however, the lodge managed to raise more members to their camp events – with Winn states that the Elangomat program Gus and Steven say that there’s always than $25,000. fellowships in every season and service/ wasn’t always strong; however, “We went something going on in the lodge, and that induction events in the spring and fall. from begging for Elangomats to having a it’s important to have a strong 12-month Echockotee Lodge services the North “Communication is key,” Wyatt says. surplus of volunteers after revamping our program to keep members engaged. Florida Council, spanning across 17 “The more exposure we get the better. program in 2014,” he said. The refreshed Octoraro tries to keep its events evenly counties and serving more than 57,000 We believe it’s an ongoing process for program set much higher standards for spread through the year to avoid have busy youth in and around Jacksonville, FL. membership retention and we’ll never the staff, with performance reviews after and empty months. Their largest event is in events where ineffective Elangomats were October, called “C5” which stands for Chester reassigned to a different committee. County Council Cub . The lodge totally prepares and executes this council- Octoraro Lodge is also heavily integrated wide event that sees more than 600 Cub into its summer camp. The lodge estimates Scout participants each year. Their annual

Innovative games help keep members Echockotee Lodge Chief Wyatt Wiltse and North wanting to come back to fellowships! Florida Council Scout Executive Jack Sears, Jr. (left).

Echockotee achieved a top JTE score last become complacent.” year. According to Lodge Adviser Marty The lodge’s leadership stresses that their Heesacker, the culture of excellence officers should always be available for started three lodge advisers ago. “We began feedback, helping to set a tone for future Octoraros’s Buzz the Beard Gala focusing on the specific deliverables of leaders of humility and zero-arrogance. Dinner, September 2017. Journey to Excellence (formerly the Quality They truly try to embody servant leadership Lodge program) and spending our time on in everything they do. “I am constantly that 90% of the camp staff are active banquet this March saw 235 members plus mission-critical elements,” said Marty. identifying and cultivating talent, both members of the lodge. Octoraro supplies guests. Throughout other times in the year, youth and adult. When I am at an event, I two camp chiefs to Camp Horseshoe to the leadership of the lodge focuses on Like his recent predecessors, Lodge Chief am constantly interacting with Arrowmen focus on the OA program in camp. The visiting units – typically more than once in Wyatt Wiltse holds weekly conference with an eye toward how that person can camp chiefs spend much of their time a year. The visitation team uses this time calls with his officers and chairmen. These help move the lodge forward,” Marty stated. visiting every unit in camp to promote the to promote lodge events, connect with virtual meetings focus on JTE performance Marty frequently reminds his advisers that lodge’s events and conducting unit elections the Scoutmasters and, of course, conduct updates and general accountability of the they are exactly that: advisers, and will do when necessary. The lodge also sponsors annual elections. team. Marty and Wyatt describe their Scout anything to guide the youth leaders into a social event every Thursday as well as Executive and staff adviser as extremely success without interjecting too much. weekly call-out ceremonies and candidate Perhaps one of the most remarkable helpful and supportive of the work of the information sessions. Likely due in large part accomplishments from Octoraro was its lodge. They also give a lot of credit to the For more information on the OA Journey to to their heavy ties to summer camp, the lodge “Buzz the Beard” event that raised funds for Excellence program, visit oa-bsa.org/resources/ucl- districts in the council who are integral in remains highly committed to year-round forest replenishment. Their original goal support/journey-to-excellence. implementing their program. 6 SPRING 2018 ORDER OF THE ARROW NATIONAL BULLETIN 7 common oath that transcends all day-to-day quarrels. When we say “help other people at all times”, we say it without regard to whatever personal views or differences we might have. Helping someone else doesn’t mean you have to always agree with them, it just means you have to be a friend who Let’s each recommit ourselves to helping others at every opportunity we get, even when it’s inconvenient.

is there for them when they need it. “At all Scouters and Brothers, times” is not limited to when it is convenient for us, but even when helping someone else It’s unbelievable to think that we are We are moving into some exciting times might require us to go slightly out of our way. already five months into 2018. Looking within Scouting. For the first time, starting As we move forward throughout 2018, let’s ahead, this summer promises to be one to next February, any young man or young each recommit ourselves to helping others remember. From the excitement of summer woman will be able to wake up and have the at every opportunity we get, even when it’s camp, and thrills of high adventure trips, opportunity to become an Eagle Scout. inconvenient. to the new friendships and unforgettable memories that these experiences will People often talk about the word “progress.” We hope that you have an adventure-filled create. Some use it in an attempt to push their summer, and look forward to seeing you political agenda. Others refer to progress as along the trail! Until then, today and everyday, As we gear up for the adventures to come, simply making more money or improving reach out to someone who needs it. Be a we couldn’t help but reflect on the past their personal status. The true meaning friend to them - let them know that you’re experiences that got us to the present day. of progress, however, is moving the there for them; let them know that you care. Amidst the hassles of everyday life, it’s easy entire human race forward by creating an to get caught up in the moment. It’s easy to atmosphere of inclusion, where everyone In the Spirit of Scouting, become discouraged and forget why we do has the opportunity to succeed. Through the what we do. That’s why it is so important to Boy Scouts of America’s decision to expand Anthony Peluso Michael Kipp stop and look around every once in a while; its program offerings to both young women and to appreciate everything that we have and men, we are truly setting the progress to be grateful for. When we really look at standard in regard to inclusion and equal the bigger picture, at the true meaning of opportunity for everyone. cheerful service, it becomes evident that the 2018 National Chief 2018 National Vice love we share for this organization stems In today’s society, it’s easy to feel as though Chief from a desire to be a part of something the world is becoming increasingly divided. greater than ourselves. As Scouts, however, we are united by a

8 SPRING 2018 ORDER OF THE ARROW NATIONAL BULLETIN 9 NORTHEAST WESTERN CENTRAL SOUTHERN REGION CHIEF REGION CHIEF REGION CHIEF REGION CHIEF

Hometown: Hometown: Hometown: Hometown: Lowell, MA Portland, OR Oregon, IL Oxford, MS Justin Section NE-1 Jordan Section W-1S Will Section CR-7 Zach Section SR-6 Pennacook Wauna La Wulapeju Chicksa ST. LOUIS Lodge JEFFERIS Mon’tay Lodge COOTS Lodge CALLICUTT Lodge

Interesting Fact: Over the past four years, Interesting Fact: I have bucked through lava Interesting Fact: Won the “Cutest Baby of Interesting Fact: I am a member of the Pi I have participated in a three mile swim vents of a dormant volcano. the County” Contest in 1999. Kappa Alpha fraternity and the Trent Lott across Northwood Lake in New Hampshire Leadership Institute at the University of to fundraise for local Scouting programs. Favorite Quote: “Word are just words until Favorite Quote: “Whatever you value, be Mississippi. you put them into action.” – Mom committed to it and let nothing distract you Favorite Quote: “The two most important from this goal. The uncommitted life, like Favorite Quote: “If everyone else is working days in your life are the day you are born Favorite OA memory: Providing service Plato’s unexamined life, is not worth living.” 40 hours a week and you are working 100 and the day you find out why.” — Mark Twain by chopping down trees to help repair the – Fr. Ted Hesburgh then even if you’re doing the same thing island after Hurricane Maria as a part of you will accomplish in 3 months what it Favorite OA memory: Bearing a canoe on ArrowCorps Puerto Rico. Favorite OA memory: When I was a lodge takes them a year to do.” – Elon Musk my shoulders and traversing over 175 miles, chief, one of our ceremonialists backed out during my OA Wilderness Voyage, in some Do you have any words for the Arrowmen the day of the ceremony. At the eleventh Favorite OA memory: The first time I of the most remote wilderness provided me of your region? You guys are truly hour, my brother memorized the entire got to be a part of my lodge’s ceremony a new perspective on Scouting, the Order amazing! I have thoroughly enjoyed the Nutiket part in a day and performed the team. I got to be Nutiket for the Ordeal of the Arrow, and my life. conversations that I have had with you ceremony flawlessly. ceremony and I fell in love with performing guys. I am excited to serve as your Western ceremonies. Every induction weekend after Do you have any words for the Arrowmen Region Chief and roll out our new NLS Do you have any words for the Arrowmen that I was always on our ceremony team. of your region? Scouting and the OA are a program. I would encourage to attend if it of your region? One of my big goals is to vast network of people who strive to help is in your area; the skills you learn can be lay a solid foundation for the region that Do you have any words for the Arrowmen us succeed – like the older Arrowman valuable to your lodges and chapters. will last far beyond my term. By building of your region? If something is important who encouraged you to come to your first a strong region committee structure, enough to you then even if the odds are chapter meeting. I would be willing to bet establishing a brand that truly embodies against you, you should still do it. I think this you can think of whom that someone is FOLLOW THE CHIEFS ON TWITTER the Central Region, and facilitating this speaks volumes to what a persons will and to you. Whenever you are presented with new NLS program across the midwest, we determination can do. We as Arrowmen can the opportunity to serve, I challenge you to @OANorthChief will enable youth so they can carry on the accomplish anything we put our minds to, make a commitment to be like your mentor, @OAWestChief Central Region tradition for years to come. as long as we are focused and determined. to use your time and talent to ensure that @OACentralChief No matter who you are, I encourage you to the opportunities you’ve had continue to be @OASouthChief reach out to me at NOAC, NLS, or even on available for future generations. Twitter to see how you can be a part of this.

10 SPRING 2018 ORDER OF THE ARROW NATIONAL BULLETIN 11 In early July 2010, about a dozen Arrowmen set off on a six- day trek across , TRAIL literally.

the story of The group, which ranged in age from young high schoolers to those preparing to graduate college, came from across the country. Some were experienced backpackers who lived to be in the outdoors. Others hadn’t hiked one mile with a backpack on his back until stepping foot on Philmont.

How the OA High Adventure program got Nevertheless, the group, together, with CREWstarted – almost by accident – by an ambitious backpacks loaded down with too much group of Arrowmen in 1995. food (and, due to a commissary mix-up, too many breakfasts and not enough dinners) set out for a challenging adventure that would change their lives.

The Arrowmen were among the first participants of that year’s Order of the Arrow Trail Crew (OATC), a program where OA members between 16 and 21 get to design their own week-long trek across the property in exchange for a week of work building trail and a low fee.

Instead of choosing an easy journey across the ranch’s scenic north country or bouncing around the peaks of the southern

12 SPRING 2018 ORDER OF THE ARROW NATIONAL BULLETIN 13 part of the property, the Arrowman and section chief who was Arrowmen on this trek chose to working at Philmont as a staff member in attempt to see both. The crew the early 1990’s as a way to re-emphasize had decided to attempt to hike the camping part of the OA’s goal to be the an itinerary known as ‘sash BSA’s honor camping society. and dash’, a challenge trek that would involve hiking each of A trio of young Arrowmen pitched the OA the seven trails the OA had Trail Crew idea to the National Order of built on the property. the Arrow Committee, which at the time, was led by Chairman Ed Pease, in 1994 to Over the course of six days, coincide with the OA’s ‘year of service’ in the group would hike nearly 1995. 100 miles, hiking to the summit of Baldy, climbing to Originally billed as the 1995 National OA the top of the Tooth of Time Conservation Service Project at Philmont and even walking through Scout Ranch, the program was base camp and back into the commissioned as a one-year endeavor. backcountry with two days left to complete their goal of The first year of program drew youth stepping foot on every OA- including Scott Beckett, who had just built trail on the property. finished serving a term as National OA Chief and is now a Vice Chairman In accomplishing their goal, the crew was re- tracing the history of an OA program that started almost by accident more than a decade earlier in 1995.

Now, more than two decades since that first summer of OA Trail Crew, the Order Trail Crew had in mind when they pitched of the Arrow hosts service-trek programs the program to the OA’s leadership in 1994. at each of the BSA’s four high adventure Scribbled on a lined sheet of paper ripped bases. In addition to OATC at Philmont, from a legal pad, the goals for the first on the National OA Committee, and Matt Arrowmen can attend OA Wilderness summer of OA Trail Crew were relatively Dukeman, who now serves as OA Director. Voyage or OA Canadian Odyssey at the simple and straightforward:

Northern Tier High Adventure base in the The project’s creators expected to have Boundary Waters of northern Minnesota; 1. Provide a service project – off roads/on roughly 250 participants, and only got OA Ocean Adventure at the Florida Sea trails about 130 to sign up but still considered the Base in the sunny Keys; and the OA Summit 2. Provide high adventure experience event a success. Experience at the Summit Bechtel Reserve through OA for most outstanding Scouts in the mountains of West Virginia. & Arrowmen (emotionally, physically, “Some things I liked about the OATC are spiritually demanding – MUST BE you get to make new friends from all over The popular OA High Adventure programs REWARDING) the US and doing the service because if at each of the BSA’s four high adventure 3. Identify pool of most outstanding young I come back when I am old I will know I bases have helped Arrowmen experience the people and provide a pool for Philmont helped build this trail,” one youth participant outdoors in a way they may otherwise never staff wrote in evaluating the 1995 program. have a chance to, which is exactly what the 4. Enhancement of OA’s basis

Arrowmen behind that first summer of OA The program was conceived by a youth “I think that national should continue the 14 SPRING 2018 ORDER OF THE ARROW NATIONAL BULLETIN 15 program because it teaches you a lot about summer. “I think I’ve managed to get past Two years later, in 1997, the OA would up when he was a Rayado Ranger. The yourself and the outdoors and cheerful the wishing I was there every morning, at celebrate the completion of its first trail: story I remember is that Mike was hiking the service,” the evaluation ended. least to the extent that it was becoming the Vaca Trail. It was the first of many to be saddle of Baldy or some mountain thinking, a distraction on getting my work done completed by the OA Trail Crew. And, years why can’t the OA, an honor organization of The 1995 OA Trail Crew program received here, but there is no doubt that my heart is later, it would become one of seven trails campers, actually camp and provide service similarly glowing reviews from Mike still with you and our men who are doing the group of Arrowmen would hike on their to our National High Adventure Camp - Hoffman, a former National OA Vice Chief such vital work in the molding of the next journey across Philmont in the summer of Philmont. It was a put our money where our who worked on the staff at Philmont in generation.” 2010, a voyage made possible by the vision, mouths were concept. 1995 was the “Year 1983, 1984 and 1985 and who had, at support and hard work or youth and adult of Service’ so this idea of providing service the time, recently joined the National OA OA leaders decades earlier. to Philmont was a perfect match. Marty Committee. Today, Hoffman chairs the National OA Committee.

“I thought I would take a moment to drop you a note to congratulate you on the establishment of one of the best O/A programs I have ever seen,” Hoffman wrote in a letter to the program’s director, Marty Tschetter, in July 1995. “The O/A trail crew program fills a need the Order has desperately needed for many years.”

By the time the summer had WE ASKED three of the concluded and the program Arrowmen behind the creation evaluations were tabulated, it of OA Trail Crew to reflect on The idea for OATC started as was clear the program was a their idea, the summer of 1995 success. and the legacy of service and something of a rebellion against soft high adventure that has come The short note from Philmont in the decades since. Their Program Director Frank Reigelman answers below have been beds and patch traders. to John Alline, then-Associate OA edited for length and clarity. and Mike had a basic framework and during Pease, the national committee chairman Director and staff adviser to the the National Meeting of section chiefs in whose support of the original concept for 1995 OA Trail Crew, summed up the event’s Who came up with the idea for OA Trail Dallas, we formed a sub-committee of such a project was instrumental in making success succinctly: Crew? Why? section chiefs that planned the program it a reality, kept in touch with Tschetter and “Attached are the OA Trail Crew evaluations. part of OATC. I was the only chief that the staff throughout the summer. Upon quick review, they continue to Seth Brown, a 1995 section chief who served on staff that year and served as the look strong and certainly reinforce what served on the planning committee and committee chair of that group. The section “It seems that every day, the work of you we already know – it was a success!” worked as a foreman for the first year of OA chiefs divided up responsibilities and mainly and your staff at Philmont are on my mind,” Reigelman wrote. Trail Crew: “I remember Marty talking to me planned the program part.” Pease wrote in a letter to Tschetter that about this idea that Mike [Edwards] dreamed

16 SPRING 2018 ORDER OF THE ARROW NATIONAL BULLETIN 17 Mike Edwards, a 1993 section chief whose and looked around. The view, the moment that lodge, Greg Hazlehurst, and others. idea while hiking atop Baldy while working and the paramount camping experience We were fortunate to already know on Philmont staff would eventually become motivated him mention to myself and to by association other committeemen OA Trail Crew: The idea for OATC started a couple others “What if we were able to like Ed Pease too. So when he as something of a rebellion against soft create a program to teach Arrowmen how became the national OA Committee beds and patch traders. Marty, myself, and to actually be honored campers?” (This Chairman, the new general manager a small group of other Philmont staffers is what Philmont always did well, rugged at Philmont was Bill Spice, who knew that were active in the OA mused that the adventure). Ed from Indiana. In 1995, the national “honor camper’s society” didn’t seem to theme was “A Year of Service,” so the do a whole lot of adventure camping, at “Gene Schnell was a longtime Philmont national program was earmarked at least not at the national level. “We wanted staff member and also a member of the Philmont.” national OA committee. Another longtime staffer was Steve Willis from Alabama who It was a ton of work – but absolutely received the it lived up to my expectations. to see all those shiny uniforms experience the real outdoors, because we realized our high adventure experience at Philmont was transformative.” Butler, Gene Schnell, and others were instrumental in supporting the idea.” Marty Tschetter, the first OA Trail Crew Director, who was instrumental in Marty Tschetter: ”What makes how OATC organizing the 1995 OA Trail Crew as a came to be so special is that key Scout recent college graduate: “[Mike Edwards] volunteers listened. I often point out how had his ‘vision,’ which became an inspiration easy it would have been for an adult to of sorts of what eventually became OATC. simply reply to us “Do you know how much A challenging hiking day climbing Baldy money that will cost?” The other major Mountain, he stopped to catch his breath What was the initial point – we approached developing OATC reaction when you pitched this idea? from the Philmont staff perspective. We knew Philmont inside and out, the people, Seth Brown: “Marty and Mike pitched the the system to make it work.” idea. I remember how big a support Ed Pease was. He was a major part of the What were the biggest hopes before the DSA reason this program was sustained. He OATC program started? Fears? in 1981. And the believed in the concept, in the program, ranch always brought and in us. Having a man like that behind Seth Brown: “Biggest hope was to infuse national folks, so I you really helped motivate us. I still have the the OA with the spirit of high adventure. already had a very framed quote he gave us in my office.” An “honor camper’s” society meant that positive rapport with we actually had to camp! And there is no Jack Butler. In fact, I better place to do that than at Philmont.” went to an Echokotee Mike Edwards: ”To their credit, all those Winter Fellowship “shiny uniforms” at the national level were Mike Edwards: “I wanted to make sure the in 1990 and worked enthusiastic about the idea, at least those program made sense and was something at Philmont several that came to Philmont. I don’t know what the participants would remember. I summers with an strings had to be pulled within the OA Nat’l remember Marty and I working at Camp active Arrowman from Committee Meetings but Ed Pease, Jack Bonner at a Croatan Lodge Ordeal

18 SPRING 2018 ORDER OF THE ARROW NATIONAL BULLETIN 19 developing the first draft of the ceremonies. because I realize not all parents would. I I remember knowing that a disease that We had to print it out on an old dot didn’t go to graduate school during this could kill me one day, would not define matrix printer, on green and white paper. I time, rather worked a job in Greenville for who I was. That summer at Philmont remember being under the oak trees typing, income while I worked on this program.” showed me that I defined who I was by who reading, and having good conversations I hung out with and who I learned from, and about the flow of the ceremony and how What are your favorite memories from the how hard I pushed myself.” it related to the Ordeal Ceremony that we first year of OATC? all knew. I hoped the elements, like the Mike Edwards: ”The ceremonies under the Mountaintop Sunrise impacted the guys. I Seth Brown: “I remember the Mountain Top Tooth of Time and Rayado. Awesome!” hoped they would be able to live the phrase sunrise in the saddle of Baldy. A big storm “Moments spent in thoughtful silence are rolled in that evening as we got to the peak Marty Tschetter: “My favorite memory worth more than days and days of talking” and we hunkered down as it blew in and from the program is walking our first site during the night under the stars. One of below us. We were above the storm that – the Vaca Trail. Michael, myself, and Greg the big fears was that the program would evening and when the sun rose, it was like Hazlehurst made an effort to “lead by not integrate into Philmont. Marty was we were in heaven. We were in our own example,” to work at least a day or two with key to making sure the OATC staff were version of heaven. We then walked into the crews. I can still remember working with part of Philmont staff and not separate. I those clouds. We spent the next 28 hours specific kids at certain land formations. A experience an actual program, to bond with handful of these youth other youth, to eat a buffalo at a banquet later returned on our and eating off linen table cloths.” staff, which was also satisfying.” “The first summer it was only slated for that That summer at Philmont showed one summer. After participants heard this Did the program – at least two youth, on their own initiative, me that I defined who I was by who live up to your wrote Ed Pease to explain why the program expectations? shouldn’t end. That touched Ed and made an impact.” I hung out with and who I learned Seth Brown: ”The program started as a When you first thought of or heard about from, and how hard I pushed myself. dream for one year. the idea for OATC, did you imagine it It’s still going on and would spawn the OAHA program that expanded across the exists today? high adventure bases think having Philmont guys (who were OA hiking in rain with a full meal resupply on a and beyond. OATC is an example of how Seth Brown: “I had no idea. We were guys) on staff helped integrate OATC into 28 mile hike. Needless to say logistics was one small idea can spark a huge blazing fire. trying to make a quality program for one Philmont.” good, but didn’t always listen to how many I’m still amazed that we were all in the right year. Once it kept going, it made sense. I meals we wanted at each meal restock. I place at the right time with the right folks remember talking with Marty as it expanded Marty Tschetter: “Personally I wanted to remember the satisfaction of being able to that first year as a huge OATC team.” to the OAHA program slowly. It was cool prove that our idea would work and that dry out and knowing that we just did that. to hear stories about the first year of the it could be sustained as a viable program I remember hiking through a mountain Mike Edwards: “I think so, because the canoe program and the other trail building to motivate youth to be inspired to remain meadow and watching a porcupine climb program was renewed.“ programs off BSA property.” active in Scouting. I absolutely believed that a tree. It was a noisy creature. I remember and was hell-bent to prove. I knew what the last night I spent at OATC on the trail. Marty Tschetter: “Oh man, it was a ton Mike Edwards: “I did not. I believe all of us was at stake and the time commitment We slept on the Tooth of Time beneath of work – but absolutely it lived up to thought it would be a one to two year program.“ involved. I graduated from college in the stars. About 2am it started to drizzle my expectations. Having autonomy was December 1993, worked at Philmont in and I put my head in my sleeping bag incredible, which also afforded us to Marty Tschetter: ”I will admit that I thought 1994 as an associate chief ranger in 1994, briefly. It stunk so bad from a season in the be extremely creative. The last thing a something ‘bigger’ was possible after our and was selected for the OATC director backcountry, it was easier to breath with participant expects to see in the wilds of first summers, but I wasn’t exactly sure later that fall. I’m also fortunate that my my head under my hat. I was just diagnosed Philmont is someone wearing a 1930s what. I’m touched that similar programs parents supported and encouraged me, as a Type 1 Diabetic the year before and Scout uniform, to see ceremonies, to were started at the other bases.”

20 SPRING 2018 ORDER OF THE ARROW NATIONAL BULLETIN 21 I remember watching the I am involved in OA closing show at the 2015 NOAC, and was motivated I didn’t really know what because my peers saw When I first joined the to serve my lodge in a I wanted to do in the OA in me the kind of person OA, my receiving of the new role. Whenever I until someone encouraged who would tend to the handclasp in the Ordeal think about my favorite me to try the ceremonies metaphorical fire, and ceremony was special memories, the centennial committee. Joining as I grew through my to me. I never would NOAC ranks among them. ceremonies even helped Ordeal and Brotherhood have guessed that that me in drama at school. ceremonies and my Tyler G. – Green Bay, WI commitment to service experiences in Scouting, José L. – Belmont, NH would have changed my life I saw that same person in all these years later. myself. When Hurricane Irma Mark B. – Denver, CO Matt D. – Alexandria, VA hit Florida, my council Adventure. Opportunity. executive asked the lodge Service. Leadership. Why to help clean up one wouldn’t someone want to Being able to perform at of our camps. We did join the OA? I am in the OA in order the OA powwows during to take the step into the a whole day of service George S. – Austin, TX summer camp every year unknown. Every OA trip I go and the camp was able is amazing. Everyone is on or event I do it’s always to reopen the following excited to see you dress in When I joined the OA, I a new experience where I week! It shows we truly regalia, listen to the beats met an adviser who worked learn something or meet are a brotherhood of of the drum, and dance at an accounting firm I someone new. cheerful service. around the circle. dreamed of working for. He TJ C. – Zebulon, NC Austin S. – Jacksonville, FL Alex H. – Jasper, IN ended up helping me get an internship there. It really Why do you What is your Connect taught me the OA helps in tweets The Saturday evenings your professional life, too. during lodge events, with us David W. – Wellington, KS #ChooseOA? favorite OA to the where my friends and @oabsa memory? I just relax and talk and All of the different people have a good time. Those /oabsa When thinking about why I I have met and unique editor are the best moments in am involved in the Order of stories they share is why I went to NOAC in 2015. the OA, bonding with my @oabsa the Arrow, the first thought I will always continue to I didn’t know the OA was closest friends. I have is friendship, the #ChooseOA. that big and that so many Michael W. – Oakland, CA /user/oabsa second would be giving Michael P. – Hutchinson, KS people loved it just as much back to the community. as me. NOAC is unlike oa-bsa I think of these when I anything you’ve ever been Going to Wapichi was wonder why I’m in the OA The OA is filled with all sorts to, and if you’ve never been, awesome because we were because I have made so of different opportunities it will change your life. all interested in American many good friends whom I and when I wanted to learn Gregory L. – Plainview, TX Indian Activities. The am still connected with and a new skill, the OA could powwow at the end with with those friends come help me with that. I think all the dancers was the best experiences and memories that’s something unique part. that can never be forgotten. about the OA … everyone Michael W. – Springfield, OR Jacob G. – Winchester, VA knows someone who is willing to help you. Justin R. – West Nyack, NY

22 SPRING 2018 ORDER OF THE ARROW NATIONAL BULLETIN 23 my OA story

The Order of the Arrow engages with pre-teen youth members through senior Scouters well into their golden years. Each Arrowman has their own unique stories to tell of how or why they became involved with the OA. In this edition Will Benjamin, a youth Brotherhood member of the Mowogo Lodge in Northwest Georgia, shares his story of story what being a part of the Order of the Arrow spend a week doing service work to help leaders exceeds anything else I have found in means to him. repair and clean up Hurricane Irma damage at Scouting. These experiences have made me Sea Base and Big Munson Island. When I first want to become a better leader and take on heard about it, I knew I wanted to go and help more responsibilities to help the OA and the provide service. I was the second-youngest people involved in it. participant, the only Scout from my lodge, and “Grab your gear, jump in and swim to in fact, the only one from my state. Needless Being an OA brother has given me the shore!” yelled the first mate. I was on a large to say, going alone and not knowing anyone, I confidence to do more than I thought I was pontoon boat in about 7 feet of water, off was nervous from the start. capable of. From working as an Elangomat the Florida Keys, roughly 200 meters from [an Arrowman who supervises a crew of the shore of Big Munson Island with about But that’s the great thing about the OA. Even if candidates] to becoming Vice Chief of 30 other OA members. Each of us carried you don’t know anyone, everyone treats each Membership for my chapter to going to three days worth of gear. I was caught totally other as if they’ve been friends for years. It SeaBreak in just my first year in the OA, I’ve off guard. I don’t think any of us expected gives you special opportunities to grow (even had opportunities to do things and grow this. Even as a strong competitive swimmer, if you’re shy) and pushes you to go beyond that I wouldn’t have gotten from my troop I was worried. What if my gear gets soaked? what you think you are capable of. Whether it’s alone. I know that what I learn in the OA, What if my shoes fall off? What if I can’t speaking in front of a large group of people, I will be able to bring back to my troop to make it to shore? running for a leadership position or jumping make it better and stronger. The best part is I off a boat into ocean water over your head will only continue to learn from my peers, to I nervously walked towards the edge of the with all of your gear, you always know your OA grow and improve my abilities as a leader. boat. I looked over the edge and jumped. brothers have your back. I was immediately thrown off by the cold Whatever challenges or opportunities life ocean water and struggled to stay afloat. When I first arrived at Sea Base there was a throws at you, whether it be your Ordeal, I kicked my legs and tried to use my bag small group of people waiting to figure out the path to Eagle or taking on bigger as a floatation device, which didn’t work. I what would happen next. An OA brother responsibilities in your troop or the OA, kicked faster but one of my shoes slipped named Andrew decided that it would be good face them head on and jump in. You are off. I reached down and put it back on barely for us to get to know each other while we capable of more than you think. For those staying afloat. I tried to keep my gear above waited. He asked us to introduce ourselves adults not certain if the OA is right for their water as my feet searched for the ground. and we played a game of volleyball. We got council, their district or their unit, I beseech I finally made it to where I could stand on to know each other and immediately formed you to discover its many benefits. I would my toes. I held my bag above my head as I a bond. Our group worked well together the not be where I am today if it wasn’t for the walked to the shore. Welcome to SeaBreak. entire week, and by the end of the week, we all opportunities the Order has provided me. felt like family. Shouldn’t every Scout get the chance to SeaBreak was a one time event hosted by experience that? the Florida Sea Base High Adventure Camp Welcoming experiences like this are common where a group of about 40 OA members in the OA, which is just one reason why I love I eagerly await my next OA adventure, and hope from all over the country volunteered to the brotherhood. The quality of people and that you’ll be able to have one of your own.

24 SPRING 2018 ORDER OF THE ARROW NATIONAL BULLETIN 25 The Kelly Family THROUGH Awaxaawe Lodge. Trapper Trails Council. Ogden, Utah.

GENERATIONSthe

There are moments in every boy’s childhood that he’ll never Brandon Kelly can trace his family’s forget: losing his first tooth, learning how Scouting lineage all the way back to 1911. to ride a bike and playing catch in the yard with his dad. As he described it in a recent interview, Kelly’s great grandfather, Marcus Kelly, was For some lucky Arrowmen, they will also asked to join the Boy Scouts. know the feeling of extending the family tradition in the Order of the Arrow. He liked it so much, he named his son Howard Boyce Kelly, his middle name a It’s not uncommon to see fathers help tribute to the man who created the Boy induct their sons or to watch sons take Scouts of America, William D. Boyce. part in their parent’s Vigil but there are some families who can trace their history in “My great grandpa loved scouting so much Scouting’s honored camping society even and how it helped people that wanted his further. sons to know how it made a difference for him,” Brandon Kelly explained. We tracked down two families whose involvement in the Order of the Arrow span Flash forward more than a century later at least three generations to find out what and the men who have descended from got them started, what keeps them going Marcus Kelly still have Boyce as their middle and how the OA has changed their lives. name and they still wear a khaki and green uniform.

26 SPRING 2018 ORDER OF THE ARROW NATIONAL BULLETIN 27 In fact, some of Branon Kelly’s Among Kelly’s fondest Scouting memories through (his ordeal), and my father in law favorite scouting memories involve was the chance to be with his two sons, and the last of by brothers-in-law went trips with at least three generations two daughters, wife, father and father- through, we go to every BSA event we can,” of Scouters, all of whom are also in-law at the 2010 National Scouting Brandon Kelly said. members of the Order of the . Arrow. The Order of the Arrow has helped more Not only was it a time filled with special than one Kelly come into his own, Brandon Brandon Kelly completed his memories created by multiple generations Kelly said. ordeal as a youth in 1987 and of Scouters, Kelly said, it was also a point of obtained his Brotherhood the reflection on a life filled with overcoming His oldest son, Logan, has autism. following year. He would go on to obstacles. earn the Vigil Honor in 1994 Instead of letting what most people would “When I was a young teenage I was call a disability hold him back, Kelly said his A year before obtaining the Vigil diagnosed with stage four cancer and given son has thrived over the eight years since Honor, Branon Kelly’s father, five to six months to live,” Kelly explained he was first inducted. Randy Kelly, was inducted into recently. “One of the goals that I sent was I In fact, Logan served three years as vice the Order of the Arrow in 1993 wanted to go to the 100th anniversary of the chief of Awaxaawe Lodge; a ceremony and obtained his Brotherhood BSA, which was 23 years down the road.” competitor; section secretary and section the following year in 1994. vice chief.

In addition to being recognized with the Vigil Honor, Logan Kelly has also received the Founders Award. “Scouting has just been an integral part Kelly said the Order of the Arrow of our family way back to 1912” has been key to helping his autistic oldest son, Logan—who, like his father Brandon’s father-in-law, Keith Hadley, is son grow into a young man. and grandfather carries the middle name also an Arrowman who served for years as a Boyce—completed his ordeal in 2010. His chapter adviser. “Scouting has really been his faucet brother, Baden, is also an Arrowmen who of life,” Kelly said. “It’s afforded him was recently selected to receive the Vigil In 2010, a third generation of Kelly boys to learn ceremonies, to get out of Honor. joined the Brotherhood of Cheerful Service. Brandon Kelly’s When Baden completes his Vigil, Brandon Kelly and his two sons will each have attained the highest

level of membership in the Order In fact, Kelly said, he of the Arrow. And, the proud wanted to attend the 100th father said, that’s no accident. Anniversary BSA Jamboree,

100th Anniversary World Kelly said the family has attended Scout Jamboree and everything the National BSA the 100th Anniversary Jamboree, to National Order of National Order of the Arrow the Arrow Conferences, to local Conference. He did all three camping trips with his troop, with his family by his side. chapter and lodge.

“That’s been the greatest “Every time we go camping, it’s thing. Ever since 2010 a three-generation campout,” when my son went he said. 28 ORDER OF THE ARROW NATIONAL BULLETIN 29 The Hauser Family them to do uncommon things to succeed.” Osceola Lodge. Southwest Florida Council. Kelly, who has participated in Ft. Myers, Florida. Scouting through his LDS church, said his time in the Order of the Arrow has also helped prepare him for schooling, missions and other aspects of serving the church.

If Kelly has anything to say about it, his family’s involving in the Order of the Arrow won’t stop anytime soon.

“Scouting has just been an integral part of our family way back to 1912,” he said.

Two things are certain: there will be more Arrowmen and more sons with the middle name Boyce.

his comfort zone and the Order of the Arrow has really been what’s Sean Hauser has been going to Order of the helped him to become mainstream.” Arrow events long before he was inducted.

In total, Brandon Kelly said, he is aware As the son and grandson of Arrowmen, he of 15 total Arrowmen in his family spread said he grew up going to Boy Scout and OA across four generations. events.

Not only has it made for memorable family Hauser’s family traces its roots in the Order moments, he said, it’s also helped him and of the Arrow back to roughly 1940, when the men before him and after him develop his grandfather, Ralph Hauser, was inducted into the people they are today. into Calussa Lodge.

“Now that I think about it, the skills I learned Decades later, Hauser said, his grandfather as a chapter chief and lodge officer-Chief remains one of the oldest founding changed my course and helped me to members of the current lodge. The eldest gravitate to business. Running ordeals, Hauser was honored with the Centurion helped me to build multiple businesses,” Award in 2015 for his lifetime of service to Kelly said. “It also helped me understand the Order of the Arrow. how to organize groups of people and get

30 SPRING 2018 ORDER OF THE ARROW NATIONAL BULLETIN 31 But, looking back on it now, life for Sean, even as his friends Sean Hauser recalled decades of outside of Scouting focused on guidance his grandfather lent him other things. during his time as both a youth and adult in the Order of the The Order of the Arrow’s Arrow. familiarity is comforting to the Hauser family. Sean Hauser served as a chapter chief, lodge vice chief and held “Lodge history is like family other committee positions in history,” Sean Hauser said in a his lodge. Among the tasks recent interview. he remembers most fondly was serving as the Logistics In addition to his father Committee Chairman for the first and grandfather, Hauser’s section conference his lodge grandmother is also a Vigil Honor hosted during his time in the OA. member of the Order of the Arrow. He served as her Vigil guide Hauser served as the chairman in the late 1990’s. Hauser’s uncle is and his grandfather served as his also an Arrowman. adviser. So it wasn’t much of a culture It was a grandfather-grandson duo living shock when Hauser’s son got out the family’s history of serving together inducted into the Order of the that had gone on decades before. Arrow this spring.

Sean Hauser’s father was a fancy dancer In a picture snapped at the end of and traveled across the southeast; toting his the youngest Hauser’s induction family when Sean was a child. Indian lore weekend, you can see his son was just a way of smiling, with a fresh white Ordeal sash draped across his chest, sandwiched

“Lodge history is like family history” in between his father and grandfather; no doubt proud to know the legacy will continue.

Now, there’s a fourth branch of the Hauser family tree in Osceola Lodge. Hauser hopes he’s just the latest in what will continue to be a long line of Arrowmen in the family.

32 SPRING 2018 ORDER OF THE ARROW NATIONAL BULLETIN 33 Rosa, California, received $2,100 to acquire a 3D printer for the council’s OA + STEM MakerLab. In 2017, the following OA Service Grant was awarded to help fund a STEM project at a STEM local council camp: • The Conquistador Council, The Order of the Arrow is helping local lodges outfit their headquartered in Roswell, New Mexico, was awarded $4,500 for the council camps and update programs to teach kids about construction of a pavilion/technology science, technology, engineering and mathematics – center for STEM-related programs at the Wehinahpay Mountain Camp. commonly referred to as STEM. You can find the complete guidelines for your council’s lodge to submit an OA Service Grant application online at oa-bsa. org.

Questions can be directed to Michael Thompson of the National OA Committee at [email protected] or Travis Rubelee, Associate Director of the Order of the Arrow, at [email protected].

Over the past two years, the Order of the In 2016, the following OA Service Grants Arrow has awarded OA Service Grants were awarded to help fund STEM projects at two four lodges that sought the funds to local council camps: help install or purchase technology that would aid in creating or enhancing a STEM • The Theodore Roosevelt Council, program. headquartered in Massapequa, New York, was awarded $4,120 to enhance Since 1999, the National OA Committee has the facility and curriculum for its Cub annually selected lodges from each region Scout and Boy Scout STEM and Arts to receive matching service grants. Each programs. year, the Order of the Arrow awards roughly • The , $50,000 in total grants. headquartered in West Chester, Pennsylvania, received $2,100 to provide The Order of the Arrow awarded a high speed internet connectivity for combined total of more than $12,000 STEM program offerings for Macaleer in grants specifically targeted at STEM Lodge at Camp Ware. initiatives in 2016 and 2017. • The in Santa

34 SPRING 2018 ORDER OF THE ARROW NATIONAL BULLETIN 35 The properties committee is often the of the lodge in the early 1990’s, and over Partners in Service source for inspiration for future service the past 25 year has donated more than projects at camp. The lodge is a key source $220,000 in direct support to Scouts It is not a coincidence that there are 271 local for promotion and staffing for NYLT and in need to ensure they can take part in councils and also 271 OA lodges; each council summer camping programs. summer camp. With the full support of the has an OA lodge to support its youth program. “The magic word is support. The lodge council board, this event is entirely planned, This is a perfect partnership, a youth led lodge develops youth leaders by supporting the promoted, and operated by volunteer that can serve the council, while the council council’s mission,” according to current Arrowmen, with 100% of the proceeds executive board supports the lodge’s larger council commissioner, and past lodge going to camperships. goals. In cases were both groups understand adviser, Bill Gilliland. this partnership between lodge and council, In September 2017, the first major hurricane outstanding results are achieved and sustained Two examples of how O-Shot-Caw to hit the Florida Keys in nearly 70 years over many years to the betterment of the supports the council mission are the annual made landfall just south of the South Florida entire local Scouting program. Haunted Forest, and the lodge’s response Council’s Camp Jackson Sawyer. This to devastating damage caused to camp devastating category 4 storm destroyed The partnership between the South Florida Jackson Sawyer following hurricane Irma. nearly a thousand homes, hundreds of Council and the O-Shot-Caw Lodge The Haunted Forest is an annual event businesses, and caused major damage to has exemplified qualitative excellence in held at Camp Elmore in Davie, FL, to allow the camp. As soon as the authorities had service and long term sustainability, and all Scouting families a safe and fun filled reopened the island chain to non-residents, leadership has been having the current achieved the remarkable recognition of evening of spooks and treats, while also members of the council executive board, lodge chief serve in an active role on the being awarded the Order of the Arrow’s raising money in support of the council’s along with key lodge leadership visited council’s executive board. By taking an National Service Award 16 times over the Joseph Aaron Abbot campership fund. The the camp to assess the impacts. In the active role in the council the lodge chief is prior 18 years. How has O-Shot-Caw lodge event was created by the youth leadership weeks following that initial assessment a able to speak for the youth membership, managed to persist in accomplishing this reconstruction plan was put in place, with while also learning the ins and outs of long-term success? “Empowered youth the lodge leadership working closely with council operations. “Understanding the leaders, who understand the OA, and what the council properties committee. The goals of the council board helped us to plan Scouting is all about,” according to past partnership approach ensured that repairs our lodge program, one which supported lodge adviser Ron Bell. For more than three could begin quickly, that volunteer labor those goals,” commented one past lodge decades, part of empowering the youth and talents could be utilized to their fullest, chief. and that there would be no duplication of effort. The lodge took on the task of At the same time the youth leaders of organizing the volunteer efforts, including the lodge have taken an active role in the the coordination of Arrowmen from around council, so have their advisers. The lodge the country who came to Camp Sawyer adviser has an additional role within the to aid in the rebuilding. This allowed council, often serving on the camping or the council to focus its efforts on major properties committee. The current and infrastructure repairs and fundraising. Within immediate past council commissioners had six months of the storms landfall, dozens both served as lodge adviser prior to taking of volunteers had spent a week or more in on the Key 3 role. Across the executive camp working on restoration projects. board and districts one finds past youth leaders, now leaders within the community, Brick Huffman, Scout Executive of the South returning to serve Scouting. Their youth Florida Council sums it up this way: “I truly leadership experiences prepared them for appreciate the value of the strong working service later in life. relationship between the council and the Order of the Arrow lodge. I have seen first- The hand and glove nature of council hand the dramatic impact the O-Shot- and lodge ensures that both are working Caw Lodge has on our Scouts, leaders and to support each other and the common camps, and in our communities.” goals of growing Scouting in South Florida. 36 SPRING 2018 ORDER OF THE ARROW NATIONAL BULLETIN 37 These early calls, texts, WhatsApp messages, Facebook messages, and tweets, often asked if everyone was safe, then quickly turned to what they might be able to do to help. From offers of tarps for damaged roofs to whole trucks worth of building materials, water, and food, individual Arrowman did exactly what one might expect from a brother, they took action to help those in need.

On the island of Puerto Rico “Scouting almost became extinct, even though in a lot of areas, the first group of organized aid were Scout troops: kids opening up their camp equipment and feeding entire neighborhoods out of dutch ovens” said Area 5 Director Jim Hans. LAST SUMMER’S HURRICANE SEASON was one the most active and destructive on Quickly following these informal person record, from the flooding caused by Harvey to person aid efforts, sections, regions, in Texas, to the wind and storm surge and the national organization formalized damage brought by Irma to the Florida coordinated programs to aid in the Keys, to the near total devastation of Puerto recovery. This formalized aid began with Rico by Maria. Fortunately, no Scouts Section NE-5, which includes parts of lost their lives to these storms, but many New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Transatlantic suffered significant damage to their homes, council, and the island of Puerto Rico. The schools, places of worship, and familiar section leadership took to social media Scout camps. The national high adventure with a fundraising patch sale. “We hoped Sea Base in the Florida Keys experienced to sell enough patches to raise $2,000,” major damage to its out-island property, recalled Section Chief Jeremy Bedient; by Big Munson Island, while the main base in the end of the month-long sale more than Islamorada, and the Brinton Environmental $60,000 had been raised and sent to fellow Center on Cudjoe Key were largely spared. Arrowmen in need.

mending In the wake of Harvey and Irma, Arrowmen The initial success of the patch sale led How Arrowmen volunteered in began reaching out to fellow Arrowmen Jeremy and the youth leaders of the section the recovery of Puerto Rico hope who they knew lived in the areas impacted. to believe that a larger scale project was

38 SPRING 2018 ORDER OF THE ARROW NATIONAL BULLETIN 39 possible, and that Arrowmen could do more to help and support and help normalize At the onset the task of rebuilding an entire mending hope at to support the recovery in Puerto Rico. these people’s lives in some unique way.” Scout camp seemed nearly impossible, The youth leadership team began working This was followed by Yokahu Lodge Chief yet with highly skilled adults and highly closely with Jim Hans, the Area 5 Director Edward Colberg recounting stories of the motivated youth working side by side, that SeaBreak at the and María Molinelli, the Puerto Rico Council tragedies he had seen in the days and was accomplished. Completed projects Scout Executive to identify a meaningful weeks included the restoration of electrical Florida Sea Base and lasting project they might service, structural and roof repairs to 20 camp buildings, the rebuilding of a foot The second major service project bridge which connects the two sides of the undertaken by the OA came in the camp, clearing downed trees and bamboo aftermath of Hurricane Irma. Harrison Fry from road, campsites, and trails, and the knew watching the news coverage that the construction of a new central campfire site. storm was making landfall very near the Florida Sea Base’s Brinton Environmental At the conclusion of the week Jim Hans Center, and that given the storm’s size and said “This camp has been reborn thanks to destructive power there could be significant your efforts and the Scouts that are gonna damage. Good fortune prevented the come this summer are going to experience Brinton Center from sustaining major a camp that almost looks like a hurricane damage; however, Big Munson Island, didn’t touch it at all … My faith in Scouting, which is the basecamp for the out-island my faith in people was reaffirmed this week adventure program did not fare as well. more than ever before.” following the storm, Big Munson Island suffered significant undertake. Camp and giving his personal accounts of what damage to its tree canopy, had several feet Guajataka had sustained catastrophic daily life has been like since the storm. For of sand deposited across the island; and had damage and was identified as an ideal site many Scouts this brought the magnitude all installed infrastructure heavily damaged. for a major service project. With the support of crisis into focus, allowing them to Sea Base General Manager Mike Johnson of the Puerto Rico Council, and Jim Hans, better understand the needs of the local said “Big Munson Island will survive, the the Area Director, the youth leadership’s communities and the need of their fellow topography may be different, but the spirit idea were presented to the senior Scouts to return to a more normalized way of the island lives on.” leadership of the BSA. Scouting’s leaders of life, if nowhere else at least at Scout embraced the idea wholeheartedly and camp. 42 Arrowmen answered the call to spend agreed to cover all but the transportation their spring break on the island, some chose costs for any Arrowman who wished to to sleep in tents, others under the stars, but take part. ArrowCorps Puerto Rico was they all shared a common work ethic and launched, and within a week all spots had desire to restore the island before the start been registered. of the summer camp season.

From March 11th to the 17th, 96 Arrowmen During SeaBreak, these Arrowman worked from 28 states, and 50 local volunteers more than 1200 hours on the island worked tirelessly to restore Camp restoring campsites, building tables, Guajataka. National Vice Chief Michael chuckboxes, and composting toilets, Kipp established the tone on the first day moving tons of sand, and clearing dead reminding everyone that “The things that trees and underbrush. At the end of happened to this island, to this camp and to the week this island outpost had been this community are devastating and tragic transformed once again into a functioning and I know many of us are never going to Scout camp. For more on this experience fully grasp what that’s like, but that’s not please read Will Benjamin’s account on what’s important. What’s important is that page 30. we recognize that we can all do something

40 SPRING 2018 ORDER OF THE ARROW NATIONAL BULLETIN 41 a pivotal year for the reevaluated. Beginning in early 2017, youth obstacles, and make sure their decisions lead Jeff Sedlacek and adult adviser Jason align with their personal values. Riley assembled a task force focused on National Leadership developing an updated course. Through 2018 is a pivotal year for the NLS course many conference calls, face-to-face in its new form. Moving forward, regional Seminar discussions and even a meeting at Philmont and national leadership plan to gather Scout Ranch, the task force evaluated information and data through surveys to different leadership methods and created help ensure the course stays current and The National Leadership Seminar (NLS) is new and relevant curriculum. A pilot course relevant with smaller updates every couple often regarded as one of the best youth was launched in November 2017, and it of years. With this major update now leadership training programs available. From proved to be engaging and successful. deployed, the National Leadership Seminar its inception, NLS has built confident leaders Following the pilot, updates were made to continues to raise the bar for all BSA training who are able to harness their creative skills the national Train the Trainer (TTT) event, and provide experiences and memories to and leadership personality to better their which is where the regional NLS teams last a lifetime. chapters, lodges and sections. This program are trained on how to properly implement not only helps participants positively affect the NLS program. The 2018 TTT event Scouting at home, but it also helps them was held in Houston, TX, and the new staff succeed in life. Now, with a recent update were taught how to facilitate the updated in place, participants of NLS courses should program. be prepared for an even more exciting event.

absorb information and how easy it is to work with someone with a different learning style. Table guides, now referred to as “crew guides”, are tasked with working alongside the learners and providing guidance throughout each session. Every learner will be given a trail map -- an interactive guide to take notes and fill in diagrams. The trail map also includes the learning outcomes and key points from each session so that the learners can better utilize the information once they return home.

The updated NLS course also includes much more technology in an effort to meet the needs of an increasingly tech-savvy society. Each crew will have access to a tablet that can be used to answer real-time questions on screen using Sli.do, an online Whereas the old NLS placed a higher polling application. The responses to these emphasis on lecture-based instruction, When the last NLS program was released questions can help us understand how to the updated seminar includes more in 1993, the leadership theories and constantly improve the program for the dynamic activities to engage all learning techniques used in the course’s content future. During one of the new sessions, styles. Before every course, participants, were state-of-the-art. However, more than Everest Challenger, learners work together now referred to as “learners”, complete a two decades later, the national Order of to summit Mount Everest. Essentially a learning assessment. This evaluation will the Arrow training subcommittee decided large-scale board game, Everest Challenger give the learners a good sense of how they that it was time for the program to be helps learners work together, overcome 42 SPRING 2018 ORDER OF THE ARROW NATIONAL BULLETIN 43 Many of my friends supported me in The service the lodge provides to the finishing the remainder of David’s term, and helps keeps the taking so I decided to run for a term of my own in camps in pristine condition for unit October, where I was successfully elected.” camping and summer residence camp.” 10 Minutes with Little Rock’s the lead Top Youth What do you see as your biggest challenges Do you sit on your council executive as Quapaw Lodge’s top youth leader? board?

YOUTH LEADERSHIP is an essential part “It is most definitely communications. We’re “Yes, I have a seat on the council executive of the success of the Order of the Arrow. trying to improve communication with our board. As the only youth on the board, I Through experiences, collaboration with chapters to get them rallied together. It’s provide updates on the progress of the other similar-aged leaders, and guidance hard, but we know that the better the lodge lodge and if there is anything the lodge from adult advisers, youth leaders learn communicates with the chapters, the more or chapters can do to assist any council communication, management skills and everyone will be able to succeed.” initiatives. Sometimes, the lodge is asked to abilities first-hand. By allowing the youth help with a special service project or event.” to “drive the car,” the OA empowers young How are you working on improving men to think critically, while they plan and communication with your lodge members? execute events and programs which benefit “I want to encourage every their fellow Scouts. “We recognize the need to improve our young Arrowman to strive presence on social media to engage with to want to be a part of The Order of the Arrow follows the same our members directly and to get more key 3-based organizational structure as people involved. The lodge executive leadership.” the BSA. An OA chapter generally covers committee created a new social media a same geographic areas as a district, with committee, with appointed chairman for Which lodge event is your favorite every an elected youth chapter chief and an each of the platforms: Facebook, Twitter, year? appointed adult chapter adviser, with the Instagram, etc. The results were very district-level professional serving as the successful. More people are engaged, “My favorite event is definitely our Lodge staff adviser. This same model holds true for and want to become more active on Leadership Development. It is a weekend lodges and councils, as well as sections and committees and take active leadership training event for lodge leaders (youth areas. At the regional and national levels, When did you first become involved in roles. It is very encouraging.” and adult) to work on goals and to grow the election process for youth leaders is Scouting? together as a team for the upcoming year. slightly different, with region chiefs, the How have your lodge advisers helped Everyone gets there Friday night, and it is national chief and national vice chief being “Scouting began for me when I joined Tiger during your time as lodge chief? exciting to work with the chapter chiefs, elected from the section chiefs rather than Cubs, about ten years ago.” lodge officers and committees to prepare an entirely open to all members election. “My lodge advisers are extremely supportive. for the rest of the year. We also play games What made you want to serve in a They allow the youth to run the program and go through team building exercises to During the years a Scout maintains youth leadership role within the OA? and help us make it better. My advisers help us work together more efficiently.” membership of the OA, until age 21, many have helped me find opportunities for other will seek to hold leadership roles. For some “When I was inducted into the Order, I youth, which is why I think our program is What advice do you have for a young this may be aspiring to serve as the national looked up to my friend Caleb Tubb, who good – so many youth are involved and Arrowman unsure about running for a chief, and for others it is a way to support was an older Scout. He inspired me to want want to help.” position? their local Scouting program by serving as to one day run for lodge chief.” a chapter vice chief or chapter secretary. What kind of service do you provide to I want to encourage every young One thing holds true regardless: youth How did you become the Quapaw Lodge your council? Arrowman to strive to want to be a part of leadership works. Chief? leadership. It’s a great experience in which “Every year, more than 50 Arrowmen I have greatly benefited from and to any Noah Smith, Quapaw Lodge Chief of “When David Ashley was elected to serve as attend an event called ‘Beaver Day,’ where Arrowmen who have the opportunity to the Quapaw Area Council in Little Rock, SR-8 Section Chief, I was selected to fill the members of Quapaw Lodge come and serve in a leadership position, I encourage Arkansas, tells us about his experiences in vacancy created in the lodge chief position. provide service to local council properties. them to take it! serving as a youth leader. 44 SPRING 2018 ORDER OF THE ARROW NATIONAL BULLETIN 45 of the conference experience.

The Arrowmen Press Corps, another program at NOAC, will be one of the most interesting aspects of the program. Get ready Arrowmen will get the opportunity to make names for themselves as independent journalists reporting all over NOAC. Those with an inclination towards for fun at written reporting will be able to compose articles detailing the happenings of the conference. Whoever enjoys capturing moments in photographs will get the chance to have their work showcased as NOAC they highlight all the fun moments of NOAC 2018. Videographers will get to capture the conference as it happens, preserving snippets that will allow our conference to be remembered as it happened for many 2018 generations to come. The NOAC program will be larger than life, and an experience that nobody would want to miss. Arrowmen will learn how to be It’s been three years since the brothers how much fun a week full of OA can be as successful leaders in their home lodges, of our Order last came together for the we gather to celebrate a brighter, greater will be able to live it up trading patches and national conference. While our country time for the Order than ever before. attending shows, and will get to report on and our world has changed significantly all the goings on of the conference via the since then, our Brotherhood has remained Are you a big patch trader? Get ready! Each Arrowmen Press Corps program. NOAC steadfast as a vibrant part of the BSA lodge typically creates a lodge flap designed 2015 celebrated the Order’s transition program. specifically for NOAC, and patches will into its second century. This year, NOAC be changing hands for the entirety of the will highlight the continued service of our As the second NOAC taking place in conference. Trading patches is an exciting organization and how we, as leaders, can our second century, the theme for the way to meet new Arrowmen and new step up to decide our own destiny. When conference is fittingly Decide Your Destiny. friends from all over the country. By trading asked about what he’s most pumped for, In the words of Northeast Region Chief patches one may strengthen the ties of St. Louis noted that he is ready to meet Justin St. Louis, “The Order of the Arrow is brotherhood with their fellow scouts, and in Arrowmen from across the country, all at a critical point in our history. Whether or doing so have the opportunity to gain new while engaging in top notch training, not the organization thrives for our children perspectives from different people in all watching inspiring shows, and participating and their children is entirely up to us. We parts of the country. in competitions. can choose to settle for mediocrity, or we can strive to achieve excellence. At this Do you like to learn new things? NOAC This summer, coming from lodges all across conference, we’re going to push beyond trainings will teach Arrowmen about all the nation, we will converge in the spirit of the status quo and chart the course for a things OA. From the history of the Order to Brotherhood. This summer, be prepared destiny that proves the Order’s best days are its ceremonies to how to become a better to be challenged to recommit yourself to ahead of us.” leader, all those in attendance will have a life in cheerful service. This summer, join the chance to return home equipped with us for the 2018 National Order of the Arrow Soon, as we converge on Indiana University new knowledge about our order and about Conference. for NOAC 2018, we will be reminded of themselves. Training will be an integral part

46 SPRING 2018 ORDER OF THE ARROW NATIONAL BULLETIN 47 Don’t miss a thing.

May 23-25 July 25 October 29 BSA National Annual Northern Tier OA Canadian OA Steering Committee Meeting (Dallas, TX) Odyssey Ends Meeting (Irving, TX)

May 23 July 27 October 31 OA National Committee Philmont OA Trail Crew Ends OA Service Grant Meeting (Dallas, TX) Applications Due July 30-August 4 May 27 National Order of the November 9-11 OA Ocean Adventure Begins Arrow Conference (Indiana NLS/DYLC - NER (Alpine, NJ) University) June 8 November 9-11 Philmont OA Trail Crew September 14-16 NLS/DYLC - SR (Pineville, LA) Begins SOS - NER (Alpine, NJ) November 16-18 June 10 September 28-30 NLS/DYLC - WR (Tahoe City, OA Summit Experience NLS/DYLC - SR (Richmond, CA) Begins VA) November 16-18 June 13 October 1 SOS - CR (Rochester, IN) Northern Tier OA Wilderness OA Charter Renewal Kits Voyage Begins Distributed December 27-30 National Planning Meeting June 13 October 5-7 (Dallas, TX) Northern Tier OA Canadian Lodge Key 3 Summit - NER Odyssey Begins (Alpine, NJ) December 31 Lodge Charter Renewal June 15 October 12-14 Deadline Maury Clancy American NLS/DYLC - WR (Larkspur, Indian Campership CO) December 31 Applications Due E. Urner Goodman Camping October 12-14 Award, Innovation Award July 22 SOS - SR (Memphis, TN) & National Service Award OA Summit Experience Ends Petitions Due October 26-28 July 24 NLS/DYLC - CR (TBD) OA Ocean Adventure Ends October 26-28 July 25 SOS - WR (Lake Tahoe, CA) Northern Tier OA Wilderness Voyage Ends October 29-31 BSA National Meetings (Irving, TX)

48 SPRING 2018