ISSUE 3 | FALL 2013 1 National Bulletin ISSUE 3 | VOLUME LXXII FALL/WINTER 2015

Arrowmen at the 2015 National Order of the Arrow Conference

Looking Will you Arrowmen back: #DareToDo? recognized ArrowTour with Silver INSIDE SCOOP Buffalo Award PAGE4 PAGE7 PAGE12 ISSUE 33 2 FALL/WINTERFALL 2013 2015 NATIONAL NEWS

ORDER OF THE ARROW Operation Arrow: Fueling ’s Adventure National Bulletin PRINT PUBLICATIONS LEAD Justin St. Louis PRINT PUBLICATIONS ADVISER Jeff St.Cyr PRODUCTION TEAM LEAD AJ Kelly PRODUCTION TEAM ADVISER OA staff at the 2013 National Sam Pitts Preston Marquis find fulfillment in their jamboree promises to be even more offerings from members of our COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR experience. The OA Indian Village rewarding than previous years, promotional team at upcoming Michael Shostek OPERATION ARROW TEAM serves as the hub for American based on improvements made in National Leadership Seminars, COMMUNICATIONS LEAD ADVISER In 2017, the Order of the Arrow Indian programming. Indian response to feedback received in Section Officers’ Seminars and Tony Fiori will continue its tradition of Village staffers educate Scouts on 2013. Among other improvements, section conclaves throughout the DEPUTY COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR Aaron Shepherd providing cheerful service to American Indian life by teaching staff members will have greater country. More concrete details dance, craft, song and drumming. access to onsite transportation will be unveiled by the end of 2015. CONTENT LEAD the national Scout jamboree. Todd Goldfarb More than 800 youth Arrowmen In addition to these teams, the OA to shorten the commute between Applications are already being CONTENT ADVISER will answer the call to serve in will have small exhibit, program, staff lodging and workstations. accepted to join Operation Nick Ochsner Operation Arrow by staffing one recreation and non-emergency Additionally, the jamboree Arrow. Interested Arrowmen DEPUTY CONTENT LEAD of the OA’s program areas, which medical transportation staffs. leadership is committed to can find more information on Matt Watson include the Service Corps, Trek Experienced Arrowmen will ensuring that all staff members our program areas and a link to DEPUTY CONTENT ADVISER Guides and Indian Village. steer Operation Arrow planning receive at least one full day apply by visiting http://www.oa- Jacob Schlies Each program component of over the next two years. Mackie off to explore other jamboree bsa.org/jamboree. Prospective MANAGING EDITOR Operation Arrow carries a Zewalk, a key volunteer (KV) areas. Finally, staff dining will staff members should be able to John Mazurie unique legacy of jamboree service for the unit, chapter and lodge be improved to include stronger commit to Session 1 (the full two NATIONAL BULLETIN Greg Bulger and caters to various types of support subcommittee of the lunchtime offerings and the week period), must be at least CREATIVE SERVICES Jacob Mehringer Arrowmen. The OA Service National Order of the Arrow incorporation of retail food stands 16 years old by the start of the COPY EDITORS Corps, a tradition dating back to Committee, will serve as the lead in the design of staff villages. Jamboree and must meet current Kyle Reamer, Nicholas Goldrosen 1950, provides reliable manpower adviser, ably assisted by Deputy These changes are welcome BSA membership, training and LOCAL FEATURES Andrew Lindhome support to other essential Lead Adviser Dan O’Rourke, also news for new and returning OA fitness requirements. HUMAN INTEREST Michael French jamboree programs. Service a KV, who served as Northeast staffers, who work in intense, The summer of 2017 seems like a GENERAL ASSIGNMENT Michael Kipp Corps staffers work tirelessly to Region Chief during the 2005 highly active programs. long time away, but planning for CENN. ANNIVERSARY Forrest Gertin accomplish projects, both big and National Scout Jamboree. Matt In the coming months, there the next national Scout jamboree CONTENT TEAM ADVISERS small, and exemplify the OA’s Dukeman, national director of will be several opportunities for at the Summit Bechtel Reserve Andrew Kulhmann, Kelly Rodrigue, Mike commitment to “service with the Order of the Arrow, will serve highly qualified youth Arrowmen is already well underway. Bazonis, Matt Holland, Brent Wessel, Ned as the professional staff adviser. to learn more about Operation The Order of the Arrow will Lundquist, Dylan Ellsworth, Sean McCabe, a smile.” The OA Trek Guides Darlene Scheffler, Dan O’Rourke, Dan Dick, lead units on their day-long These advisers will work with Arrow. Key leadership will look to continue to release information Joey Kiker, Jacob Schlies jamboree trek to the summit of the youth leadership elected expand its promotional presence about Operation Arrow staff BRAND & IDENTITY Mike DeSocio Garden Ground Mountain, where in December 2016 and program in chapters, lodges, and sections opportunities and how to become BRAND & IDENTITY ADVISER Matt Madderra participants spend a day enjoying lead advisers to shape Operation by recruiting Project 2013 alumni involved in the coming months. NATIONAL CHIEF Alex Call unique programming. Trek Arrow. to aid us in our efforts. There We look forward to serving NATIONAL VICE CHIEF Donnie Stephens Guides enjoy rugged, outdoor The 2017 National Scout will also be a chance to learn alongside you at the Summit NATIONAL CHAIRMAN Ray Capp adventures and help their crews Jamboree staff experience more about our programmatic Bechtel Reserve in 2017! VICE CHAIR, COMMUNICATIONS & TECH. Craig Salazar ------2015 NATIONAL OFFICER DIRECTORY ------OA DIRECTOR Matt Dukeman The National Bulletin is a publication of the Order of the Arrow. Its content and design are developed by youth Arrowmen under the guidance of adult advisers. If you have an article and/or photo (with caption) for submission, or if you’re interested in writing for the Bulletin, please email [email protected]. Alex Call Donnie Stephens Nathan Lee Joey Dierdorf Matt Bell Alex Leach @OANationalChief @OANationalVC @OAWestChief @OACentralChief @OANortheastChief @OASouthChief [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] #OABSA youtube.com/ oabsa. oa-bsa.org fb.com/ @oabsa @oabsa oa-bsa flickr.com/ oabsa oabsa tumblr.com oabsa ISSUE 33 NATIONAL NEWS FALL/WINTERFALL 20132015 3 New changes coming to 2015 CHIEFLY SPEAKING Journey to Excellence program DONNIE

that the chapter program’s STEPHENS “one size fits all” approach 2015 National Vice Chief was not in line with how chapters operate. Each lodge uses its chapters for different purposes. Brothers, In 2015, the chapter JTE program has been completely We’re no strangers to meetings in the Order of the Arrow. From chapter reworked. The program and lodge gatherings to the National Planning Meeting, we’ve locked now consists of three core down the formula to any good conference: they are guided by an agenda, requirements related to feature a number of directly responsible individuals who report on tasks membership, elections and and conclude with a list of post-meeting action items that ensure the communications: areas of success of the group or team. That’s the way we get work done. responsibility that seem consistent across almost This year, the Order of the Arrow convened its meeting of the century: Since 2012, Journey to is most important for lodge all lodges. The remaining the 2015 National Order of the Arrow Conference. Held at Michigan State Excellence (JTE) has been success. requirements are flexible University and attended by 15,000 Scouts and Scouters, NOAC was not used to help lodges evaluate Emphasis on unit to each lodge so that lodge unlike any other meeting that you or I have attended in our OA roles. their performance, plan outreach: the unit elections leadership may determine It had a meeting agenda—the daily schedule—directly responsible for the future and develop requirement has been what areas are important individuals—you and I—and finally, it came with a number of post- better, more effective changed from doing a for their chapters to execute meeting action items that give meaning to our time at MSU. Today, I’d programs. percentage of requested and design requirements like to review with you some of those key action items: JTE has been phased elections to doing elections specifically for them. into lodge program over its in the total number of units 1. Serve Scouting. I was blessed to open our conference with my keynote first three years: the 2012 in the council. Additionally, OA LODGEMASTER INTEGRATION address at the Monday show. In it, I discussed the importance of using program was optional and new requirements for the OA For the past two years, OA our energy and resources to grow Scouting in the face of some trying the 2013 and 2014 programs Unit of Excellence Award and LodgeMaster (OALM) has challenges. To do this, remember that serving Scouting is our central were left unchanged to get doing in-person unit visits been an optional way to focus as Arrowmen. If we direct our time and talent to our councils lodges adjusted to using have been added to help make submit the annual JTE and and troops, then Scouting, the OA and each of us will be successful. JTE and understanding the the lodge more visible. charter petition. Beginning 2. Gear up for our second century. The 2015 NOAC marked the first six information it can provide. Streamlining requirements: in 2015, all lodges will need to days of the next 100 years of our organization. To ensure our success This year’s program will requirements on use OALM in order to submit in the next century, we must re-energize, plan and innovate. It is only see three major changes to communications, planning their JTE and charter petition. through a renewed sense of passion for our movement and continuous the Journey to Excellence and reporting have been This move is being made both quality improvement that we will achieve a bicentennial celebration. program that all lodge consolidated to make to improve the accuracy of 3. #DareToDo. My good friend and our 2015 National Chief Alex Call left leaders should be aware of: tracking and reporting data collected through JTE each of us at the conference with a dare—a dare to do. The premise easier. (which will help provide more of the dare was simple; the goal, profound. Seek to complete one NEW REQUIREMENTS Achievement levels: valuable recommendations to small act of service for someone each day in the 100 days following This is the first year the lodge the benchmarks for each lodges) and to begin offering the conference, and post about it on social media using the hashtag, JTE requirements have been requirement have been real-time tracking tools, #DareToDo. In doing so, we can flood the world with our message of wholly revamped. Major adjusted to reflect the similar to the council JTE positivity, selflessness and love for one another. Have you committed changes include: performance of lodges over program. to the dare? If not, there’s still time. Dare to do today. No more required the past three years, and the The OALM team is available to items: lodges no longer total point values have been help lodges that need to re-enter Without action, meetings are just talk. The path to success following our need to achieve specific redone to better achieve the their information or need support historic conference is clear—it lies in serving Scouting, gearing up for requirements to get JTE ideal distribution of awards for other issues. Please email our second century and daring to do; however it’ll take a bit of work on recognition. Instead, an per the national BSA JTE [email protected] each of our parts. Good luck as you rise to the occasion! overall point value will be guidelines. and/or visit used to determine which JTE http://support.lodgemaster.oa-bsa.org With excitement to get started, level a lodge receives, and the REVISED CHAPTER JTE for assistance on OALM. All point values by requirement One piece of feedback that of the latest documents and have been adjusted to reflect the national committee forms related to Journey to a weighting of what the heard over the first few Excellence are available on the national committee believes years of JTE’s existence was national OA website. Donnie Stephens ISSUE 3 4 FALL/WINTERFALL 2013 2015 LOOKING BACK OA’s centennial celebration hit the road with ArrowTour Forrest Gertin entire tour schedule, joining CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY LEAD Unami Lodge at Resica Falls Scout Reservation in East This summer, the Order of Stroudsburg, PA. From there, the Arrow went on the road. the caravan stopped at 29 Arrowmen geared up, loaded different venues, traveling into vans and set out on an a total of 7,846 miles before adventure to celebrate the arriving at Michigan State OA’s centennial anniversary University for NOAC 2015. with as many people as Although it rained at almost possible across the country. half of the stops, 6,680 total ArrowTour, our national visitors attended. The largest centennial experience, stop in the Northeast Region brought the OA to over was at Camp Horseshoe in 40,000 individuals across the Rising Sun, MD, with 550 nation. Each region had its visitors. Camp Greenough own road crew. Combined, in Yarmouth Port, ME had the crews made 109 stops the lowest elevation of any across the country to provide ArrowTour Northeast stop: a day of program centered only 52 feet above sea level! around the Order of the The road crew didn’t just Arrow’s centennial. Each visit councils, as they also stop also provided the unique took the opportunity to visit opportunity for visitors to about the Order’s history and the Devil’s Tea Table and see reflect on, connect with and current programs. Activities the boat launch to Treasure discover the Order’s Centuries included branding, gaga ball Island Scout Reservation, of Service in a manner both and silkscreening in addition where the Order was founded. memorable and meaningful. to the programs put on by host Moreover, the ArrowTour The program at each stop lodges and councils. stop at Camp Woodland, consisted of tented displays ArrowTour Northeast located in Constantia, NY, was for visitors to discover more made the first stop on the visited by the grandchildren of Carrol A. Edson, the co- founder of the Order of the Arrow! ArrowTour South also had the opportunity to be part of a very foundational experience: the crew members participated in a call-out ceremony at Camp Powhatan in Virginia. 1,600 visitors attended ArrowTour at Camp Powhatan in Hiwassee, VA, the fourth of 20 different ArrowTour South number of stops: 33. More One stop in Albuquerque, NM, venues, making it the most than 1,000 visitors turned out featured the granddaughter of attended stop in the nation! at the region’s largest stop at , one Other unique venues in the the California State Capitol of Scouting’s forefathers: Dr. Southern Region included the Building. Over their 9,304 Julie Seton. While at that stop, USS Alabama and Texas State mile long journey, the road Seton got to see first-hand University. The road crew crew reached both the highest Scouting’s preparation and traveled 4,250 miles and, with and lowest elevations of the leadership development when 11,470 total visitors, had the entire tour. From the Rocky a strong microburst flipped a greatest attendance total of Mountain National Park, at tent and Arrowmen instantly any region. 12,183 feet above sea level, jumped in to help. ArrowTour West was a close to the San Francisco BART second with 11,420 visitors Transbay tubes, at 35 feet CONT’D ON PAGE 16 Central Region ArrowTour Road Crew overall and the largest below sea level. ISSUEISSUE 3 3 LOOKING BACK FALL/WINTERFALL 20132015 5 NOAC 2015: Bridging into a second century of service Alex Hughes of Eagles, featuring CONTENT TEAM distinguished Eagle Scouts like astronaut Mike Fossum The 2015 National Order of and NESA committeeman the Arrow Conference was the Todd Plotner. Patch traders most anticipated OA event this abounded, and the total century. It was also the largest. number of patches sold in From August 3rd-8th, 2015, at the trading post, when laid Michigan State University, Approximately 15,000 Arrowmen performing a card stunt at the 2015 National Order of the Arrow Conference. end to end, would stretch 15,104 guests, vendors, VIPs over 1.6 miles! Arrowmen and staff members from across That evening, the entire Peachock, America’s Got #DareToDo campaign. The explored The Hub, an area the nation came together conference gathered for the Talent alumni and juggler Friday show delivered that included rock-climbing to celebrate the Order’s first of four phenomenal extraordinaire, and country another inspiring message, walls, ArrowTour, spar-pole centennial anniversary and stadium shows. The singers Maddie & Tae. BSA and then ended NOAC with climbing and an enormous kick off the second century of Centennial Fire was lit for President Dr. Robert Gates, a blast of confetti, over-the- inflatable obstacle course: service. the entire conference to see, a DSA recipient himself, also top light show, and high- OAWarrior. Inside The Hub On Monday, August 3, lodge and National Vice Chief addressed the conference, energy karaoke. Arrowmen could also find the contingents arrived at MSU, Donnie Stephens addressed emphasizing the role that While the evenings were Legacy Display Tent, which where the 1,847 staff members the audience, speaking on leaders like Arrowmen will filled with the shows, displayed the hundreds of had spent days preparing the important role the Order play in shaping the future of the days were packed completed legacy projects, for their arrival. Traveling has to maintain by serving the world. with more activities than and Adventure Central, full in planes, buses and by car, Scouting for another The third show, titled “100 anyone could dream of of vendors and information Arrowmen showed up decked 100 years. The shows Arrows: The OA’s Centennial completing. Arrowmen about Scouting and beyond. out in lodge spirit, wearing for the rest of the week Commemoration,” opened attended thousands of The Hub was also the site everything from matching were equally impressive. with a talented cast relating training courses, including of the Centennial Festival, T-shirts to antlers. The largest Tuesday, the conference the impact that the OA the signature session: The Friday’s celebration of all contingent was from the recognized the recipients has had on them and Secret to Ruling the World. things OA, which featured Greater St. Louis Council, of the Distinguished their lives. This moving Other highlights of the “Starting Point” booths run with 322 Arrowmen and the Service Award, as well performance was followed conference included the by lodges from across the smallest from Maui County as Laurin Gierman, the by National Chief Alex Call, AIA Night of Champions country. Council, with only three. fifty-sixth recipient of the whose keynote address performance, the STEM The Centennial Festival The oldest Arrowman in Red Arrow Award, with a captured the imaginations activities at The Hive began, however, not in attendance was 95, while the show capped by Charles of thousands with the and the NESA Gathering The Hub but in Spartan youngest was just 11. Large Stadium, where Arrowmen or small, young or old, they completed an evacuation were in for the conference of drill as a service project for a lifetime. Michigan State University. At orientation, guests were While in the stadium, they introduced to two defining participated in a massive features of NOAC 2015: the card stunt and heard Creek theme, It Starts With Us, Stewart, host of Fat Guys and Spark, the conference- in the Woods, take the wide game. Spark allowed #DareToDo challenge. Arrowmen from across From stadium shows to the country to connect exciting competitions to at conference simply by Spark, the conference had touching a small device to everything. NOAC 2015 was checkpoints and others’ the perfect culmination Spark devices. This process, of the Order’s centennial known as the “High Four,” anniversary, celebrating it allowed individuals to share with galas and festivals and contact information and gain fun, while reflecting on the resources from trainings and OA’s legacy to help define other events that they could its future. This future truly bring home. The total number starts with each and every of Spark interactions over the one of us, as Arrowmen and course of the conference was servant leaders who create 6,661,572! A portion of the Watonala Lodge contingent present at NOAC 2015. tomorrow with action today. ISSUE 33 6 FALLFALL/WINTER 2013 2015 AWARDS & RECOGNITION 2015 Josh Sain Memorial Scholarship recipients

TAYLOR L. BOBROW KYLE M. PALMER

Taylor L. Bobrow is a Kyle M. Palmer is a member member of the Tidewater of the , Blue Heron Lodge, Council, El-Ku-Ta Lodge, headquartered in Virginia headquartered in Salt Lake Beach, Virginia. Taylor is City, Utah. Kyle is a junior a sophomore majoring in majoring in accounting electrical engineering at Old at the University of Notre Dominion University. Dame.

NICHOLAS G. DANNEMILLER BRANT J. PORTNER

Nicholas G. Dannemiller is a Brant J. Portner is a member member of the Cascade Pacific of the , Wauna La-Mon’tay Council, Kittatinny Lodge, headquartered in Lodge, headquartered in Portland, Oregon. Nicholas is Reading, PA. Brant is a a junior majoring in wildlife junior majoring in biology Pictured above: Josh Sain biology at Colorado State at Pennsylvania State University. University.

Honoring the spirit MATTHEW D. FORSTER KYLE M. RAFFENSPERGER and the memory Matthew D. Forster is a Kyle M. Raffensperger is a member of the Indian Waters member of the National Capital Council, Muscogee Lodge, Area Council, Amangamek Wipit Lodge, headquartered in Bethesda, headquartered in Columbia, of Josh Sain Maryland. Kyle is a junior double South Carolina. Matthew is a majoring in diesel & heavy equipment senior majoring in construction technology and construction & The National Order of chief of the Order of the science & management at forestry systems technology at Wake the Arrow Committee is Arrow. This scholarship Clemson University. Technical College. pleased to announce the is provided to immediate recipients of the Josh Sain past national officers NATHAN L.R. JENKINS AARON R. SHEPHERD Memorial Scholarship for and immediate past 2015. This scholarship section chiefs based on Nathan L. R. Jenkins is a Aaron R. Shepherd is was established in 1998 exceptional service and member of the Santa Fe a member of the Blue to honor the spirit and scholastic achievement. Trail Council, Mandan Grass Council, Kawida the memory of Josh Sain, The following individuals Lodge, headquartered in Lodge, headquartered a former national vice have been selected: Garden City, Kansas. Nathan in Lexington, Kentucky. is a sophomore majoring Aaron is a junior majoring in ministry at Southern in education at Morehead AWARD RECIPIENTS: Nazarene University. State University.

RICKY D. ANGELETTI MICHAEL J. KINTSCHER MICHAEL A. SHOSTEK

Ricky D. Angeletti is a Michael J. Kintscher is a Michael A. Shostek is a member of member of the Great Trail member of the Mount Diablo the Northeastern Pennsylvania Council, Marnoc Lodge, Silverado Council, Ut-In Council, Lowwapaneu Lodge, headquartered in Akron, Selica Lodge, headquartered headquartered in Moosic, Ohio. Ricky is a junior double in Pleasant Hill, CA. Michael Pennsylvania. Michael is a majoring in accounting and is a junior majoring in senior majoring in health & economics at the University software engineering at societies at the University of of Akron. Diablo Valley College. Pennsylvania. ISSUEISSUE 3 3 #DareToDo FALL/WINTERFALL 20132015 7 Challenge accepted: Will you #DareToDo?

Forrest Gertin demonstrated as we served,” Arrowman posted about his If you’re looking for These acts of kindness only CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY LEAD Call said. “The legacy of our or her daily act of service, inspiration, check out some of require a little effort but next century won’t be defined their message would reach these small acts of service: can change a person’s day A century ago, a small group by the projects we undertake millions of others. The power in a big way. It is truly the of individuals at Treasure but, rather, by the feelings of the #DareToDo comes from Kevin Montano little things that count and Island Scout Reservation we share through our the inspiration to follow the @KevinMontano everything from picking up rallied around the principles of service. It’s been 100 years example of selfless service. litter to making time for a brotherhood, cheerfulness and in the making and, now, it is Indeed, people have been friend spreads the positive service. Today, in a world that our duty - our dare - to share inspired. More than 50,000 Gave directions to some impact of #DareToDo. is ever-changing, we continue this feeling of love with the acts of service are recorded freshman today. Finding your Everyone needs a friendly to rally around those same world.” weekly! Already, over 3,000 way on the first day of classes face or helping hand; this is ideals that continue to form Alex took that moment people like the #DareToDo can be tough! #DareToDo your chance to serve. The the bedrock of the Order of to reimagine the world as Facebook page. On Twitter, challenge asks for 100 days the Arrow. Communication is one in which individuals @dareto_do has tweeted of service, 100 days where instant. Our attention is drawn strive to make others matter about almost 2,000 simple acts Mitch Leonard one gives a little so that the to the myriad happenings of of service. The #DareToDo by completing simple acts @Mitch_Leonard1 world can gain a lot. If you people and movements across of service. That is the website, Dareto.do, is covered are not sure where to start, the globe as we are bombarded #DareToDo: for 100 days, do a in service-related posts and visit Dareto.do for some easy with information from every daily good turn and then post tweets from across the globe. It’s not always big acts, ideas. Beyond that, the dare angle. Social media has about it on social media using These acts of service have appreciate the little things is up to you. It is time to become ubiquitous, and much the hashtag #DareToDo. rippled out to countries as too. Patiently waited in line join the challenge. Imagine of our time is spent crafting far away as India and Japan, One of the first things a at the store when others got a world that is filled with our virtual image. With this in Scout learns is the slogan, and thousands are recorded simple acts of kindness. mind, a group of youth leaders “Do a Good Turn Daily.” in the United States. The frustrated. #DareToDo Then, #DareToDo. came together to ask a new This spirit of service is Salvation Army has used this question: “What if social media central to both Scouting and hashtag to share its service was about helping someone the Order of the Arrow and on Twitter and companies Matt Griffis else, instead of myself?” the #DareToDo campaign like American Airlines and @mgriffis This was the genesis of is structured to share that Warby Parker have engaged #DareToDo, a challenge to message with the world. The some of the Order’s youth Picked a friend up from the leaders through social media serve that was first issued message is very clear-cut and ER after he broke his wrist at the National Order of the requires only a small amount in regards to #DareToDo. Arrow Conference. National of time and energy to spread. and brought him home. Chief Alex Call issued this Through a simple act of #DareToDo challenge to Arrowmen at service, such as something as NOAC, in a keynote address small as holding the door for that captured both those at a stranger, one can make the Kevin Gecowets Michigan State University world a better place. @KevinGecowets Accept the and others watching live from In our world, spreading that around the world. message is a job for social The Bought some gas for a “Our first century meant media. There is no more dare and something not because of visible means of sharing @SalvationArmyUS stranded motorist so he how much we served but anything than by tweeting could get home to Ohio. because of the feelings that we or posting about it. If each dares to do #DareToDo share, today. ISSUE 3 8 FALL 2013 ISSUE 3 FALL 2013 9 ISSUE 3 10 FALL/WINTERFALL 2013 2015 NATIONAL NEWS Arrowmen use OA grace to recognizes OA Trail give thanks before meals Crew’s service legacy with Silver Sage Award

Chuck Coutteau CONTENT TEAM

Philmont Scout Ranch challenges thousands of Scouts from across the country every summer with more than 214 square miles of New Mexico’s rugged northern wilderness. The ranch has a long, proud history and, for the past two decades, that history has included the Order of the Arrow. The OA’s service to Philmont actually began three decades ago, when the OA hosted a national trek in 1985 and another in 1989. Both events highlighted the fact that Philmont was an ideal location to teach leadership and personal growth. In 1994, National OA Committee Chairman Ed Pease opened dialogue with Philmont General Manager Bill Spice to explore projects that the OA could take on at the ranch. Ultimately, the two decided that the OA’s Reed Powell activities and geography, but service could have the biggest CONTENT TEAM the Order had no such prayer. impact building much-needed Thus, a small group gathered trails across the country. In Before your next lodge event, to write a grace appropriate 1995, the first Order of the Arrow you might pause for a moment for the Order of the Arrow. At High Adventure program was before each meal and recite the the National Planning Meeting unveiled: the Order of the Arrow Order of the Arrow grace. The in December 2013, Walley Trail Crew (OATC). Four section language of the Order of the submitted many proposals and chiefs, led by 1994 National Arrow grace invokes the poetry the national committee selected Chief Scott Beckett and the first of the Pre-Ordeal, Ordeal and the grace that is now in use. OATC Director, Marty Tschetter, Brotherhood Ceremonies and developed the new program for alludes to the four tests of the The Order of the Arrow grace older Arrowmen between 16 and Ordeal, explained National OA reads as follows: 20 years old. Chaplain Billy Walley. Over the last 20 years, the “The grace acknowledges the “For night alone that rests our program and its participants rest of sleep, the break of day thought, have left a lasting legacy at the or daily journey on the trail For quiet dawn that lights our ranch. Through the efforts of the At the 2015 National OA efforts of the OATC program of life or cheerful fellowship trail, OA Trail Crew program, nearly Conference, the Philmont Staff and the thousands of Arrowmen about an evening fire or food For evening fire that warms a dozen new trails have been Association (PSA) presented the who have participated in the two and our work to serve others, and cheers, forged, including the Vaca trail, Order of the Arrow with the Silver decades of cheerful service to all for which we are thankful,” For each repast that fuels our Tooth of Time, Lovers Leap, Black Sage Award. The Silver Sage Philmont Scout Ranch. The success he said. work, Horse, Lower Bonito, Chandler Award is presented annually by of the OA Trail Crew program led The prayer was written after We give thanks, O Lord.” Canyon, Flume Canyon, and the the PSA to recognize exceptional to the development of OA High members of the National newly constructed route from service or contributions of an Adventure programs at Northern Order of the Arrow Committee All are encouraged to use the Copper Park to Mount Baldy. As important and lasting nature, by Tier, the Florida Sea Base, and the realized in 2012 that all four grace before meals at Ordeals, of the summer of 2015, more than any individual or organization, Summit Bechtel Reserve, as well BSA national high adventure conclaves, fellowships and 3,000 Arrowmen have contributed for the benefit of Philmont Scout as other national service projects bases had their own mealtime other chapter, lodge, section, more than 100,000 man hours in Ranch. The Philmont Staff such as ArrowCorps5 in 2008 and prayers unique to their own region and national events. building miles of hiking trail. Association salutes the profound SummitCorps in 2011. ISSUEISSUE 33 NATIONAL NEWS FALL/WINTERFALL 20132015 11 Alex Call among youth leaders recognized The circle widens in with gift to national OA endowment the second century Preparations for another site at Treasure Island Scout century of service are already Reservation as well as the lodge underway! Last August, the legacy rocks featured at NOAC. groundbreaking ceremony for The groundbreaking was the Summit Circle - the new attended by Donnie Stephens, official home of the OA at the Ray Capp, Shane Miller and Summit Bechtel Reserve – many others. The Summit Circle took place. The Summit Circle is being made possible thanks is a ceremonial site made of to generous contributions to the materials from the original Centennial Campaign. National Chairman Ray Capp (left) presenting the certificate to National Chief Alex Call (right). This year’s centennial is a perfect way to recognize experiences for their youth. NOAC was full of surprises someone for their commitment The Legacy Fellowship is for everyone in attendance, to Scouting. These donations the Order of the Arrow’s including National Chief are a way to further recognize compliment to the James E. Alex Call. Thanks to the the time a youth has invested West Fellowship. Where the support of his home lodge as in Scouting by giving them an previous award is for gifts well as mentors and friends honor through a monetary gift. to a council’s endowment, from across the nation, Alex When a donation is made to this award recognizes gifts to was surprised to receive either a council endowment or the national OA endowment. both the James E. West the national OA endowment, However, just as your unit Fellowship Award and Legacy the donor (or group of donors) comes before the Order, so Fellowship at the national has the option of gifting the does your council. With that in From left to right are Shane Miller (C-4B Section Adviser), George Soltis (architect conference. Both fellowships fellowship to someone else mind, a prerequisite to become and former lodge adviser), Chris Grove, Matt Dukeman, Donnie Stephens, Ray Capp, are recognitions for donations or receiving it themselves. a Legacy Fellow is being a Don Miller (construction guru), Bobby Robinson (metal work) and Tony Steinhardt. to council and Order of the What separates giving to an James E. West Fellow. The Arrow endowment funds, endowment from your normal Legacy Fellowship has a few respectively. At the Section donations is that money given differences with the previous SR2-3S gathering, members of to the endowment is invested award. First, there is only one Karankawa Lodge surprised for the long term instead of level of recognition, and that is their former lodge chief by spent on immediate needs. The for a donation of at least $1,000. presenting him the James E. money spent from the national Secondly, keeping in line West Fellowship. Karankawa OA endowment is the interest with the idea of your council Lodge members donated money earned on those investments, coming first, the recognition to their council’s endowment so the gift you give to the item for this fellowship is an on Alex’s behalf and gifted endowment continues to arrowhead pin to be worn on him the award as recognition benefit the Order for years to the square knot patch received for his service to the Order. come. for the James E. West Award. Inspired by this, friends and The James E. West Fellowship Gifts to the national OA From left to right are Chris Grove, Ray Capp, Donnie Stephens and Tony Steinhardt. mentors of Alex, including Award has four different levels endowment end up benefiting Scouters outside of his lodge, of donation and recognition: phenomenal programs such as decided to recognize the bronze, silver, gold and National Leadership Seminars national chief with the Legacy diamond. In order to earn and OA High Adventure Fellowship, the recognition for each, the donation must be programs. donations to the Order of the made to the endowment fund of Whether you simply want Arrow’s national endowment a local council. For Alex, this to support Scouting or are fund. They staged their meant the money donated on looking for a great way to surprise for Alex at the Legacy his behalf benefitted the South recognize hard work and Display Tent during Friday’s Texas Council. Recipients of dedication, both the James E. Centennial Festival. this award are recognized by West and Legacy Fellowships Thanks to his lodge and a a certificate, pin and square are perfect ways to do it. For handful of dedicated Scouters, knot patch for their uniform. more information, visit the Alex Call is now both a James Councils use their endowment national OA endowment’s E. West and Legacy Fellow. funds to support a variety of website at As shown here, a fellowship programs and provide quality endowment.oa-bsa.org. The Summit Circle team prepping for the groundbreaking ceremony. ISSUEISSUE 33 12 FALLFALL/WINTER 2013 2015 AWARDS & RECOGNITION Arrowmen recognized with

Victor Hinojosa & Jasper Davidoff “The key to leadership is CONTENT TEAM how successful those you lead become.” Sirhal said Many dedicate their lives of his fellow Silver Buffalo to better Scouting and the recipients, “both men Order of the Arrow, but few are outstanding national go above and beyond enough and regional committee to warrant one of the BSA’s members.” Sirhal says he highest recognitions. Dr. continues to serve on the Glenn Ault, Bob Sirhal and Jeff national committee because Jonasen were each recognized he knows that “if we as adult with the Silver Buffalo Award leaders don’t get our hands on May 22nd at the BSA’s dirty, the program won’t National Annual Meeting in develop on its own.” He works Atlanta, GA. These three have hard to perfect everything much more in common than he works on, believing that just being some of the 2015 “we have to treat everything recipients of the Silver Buffalo like it’s a once-in-a-lifetime Award, as they are also our experience.” brothers within the OA. GLENN AULT BOB SIRHAL Glenn Ault started his Bob Sirhal had three reactions Scouting career when he was a when he was first informed that at the age of seven. he had been given Scouting’s He has now been a member Silver Buffalo Award. First, of the national committee for he says, he was surprised, almost 22 years. Ault says his then humbled, then “trying to role in the OA continues to be National Chairman Ray Capp congratulates Silver Buffalo Award recipients (left to right) Jeff Jonasen, Bob Sirhal and Glenn Ault. figure out how not to get in the exciting even after so many limelight.” Sirhal has never years of service. much more than recognition. and, currently, a vice chairman Jonasen learned how to plan been one to stay in the spotlight. “To see where we have “As with so many of us, I don’t on the National Order of the as a chapter chief, and fast, at While a vice chairman of the come from and what we have serve to receive recognition Arrow Committee. a chapter Ordeal weekend. “My National Order of the Arrow accomplished even since I like this -- I serve and receive Jonasen said his most Scouting experiences in the Committee, he started his work have been on the committee recognition by seeing the important roles have been outdoors, at high adventure at the 1992 NOAC as a member has been amazing. We are youth we work with grow ones in which he has been bases and at my own council of the training staff. He worked looked upon nationally by and develop into great adults, charged with mentoring youth camp, have provided me with there in subsequent NOACs Scouting in such a favorable leaders and citizens.” Arrowmen. practical skills, life-enriching until he was asked to be the fashion - it is truly amazing.” “The most important part of memories and a strong conference’s lead tech adviser Ault started his tenure in [being region chairman] was to conservation ethic.” in the early 2000s. Sirhal the OA as a section chief, serve as adviser to the region Upon receiving this has his plate full between among other things. He has I serve and receive chief. The adviser’s role is the award, Jonasen said he was planning the 2017 National also served as an assistant “recognition by seeing most rewarding and important embarrassed, surprised

Scout Jamboree and working Scoutmaster. the youth we work role that an adult in the OA can and honored. In Jonasen’s with grow and develop on the OA Steering Committee. His biggest accomplishment “ have” he said. opinion, “the most important Additionally, he works on while serving as a national into great adults, Jonasen chose to devote so thing the OA does is provide OA projects in the Northeast committee member is “having leaders and citizens. much time and energy to the opportunities for Scouts to learn Region as well as the contributed to developing the Glenn Ault Order because he feels that he about service and leadership, program. financial foundation of the owes a debt to Scouting and the to practice what they have Sirhal said he has been Order nationally is probably Order for all of the experiences learned and to enjoy fun and fortunate to serve in so many my greatest contribution. This he had when he was young. engaging outdoor programs. I national roles within the OA financial foundation is what JEFF JONASEN “However, if we are being was especially pleased to know because of being in the right has permitted the Order to do Jeff Jonasen joined Scouting honest, those of us who love that I would be receiving the place at the right time. He the great things it does.” when he was still a young man this program have to admit award alongside Glenn Ault, made the most of opportunities While Ault is honored to and continued in the program that we get more than we give,” Bob Sirhal and John Lea, all as they became available receive the Silver Buffalo as an adult where he went on Jonasen said. The lessons and of whom I have had the honor and places a big emphasis on Award, he said his service to to become a section adviser, skills Scouting has taught him of serving with in the Order at servant leadership. the OA and Scouting is about Southern Region chairman are, he said, too numerous. national .” ISSUEISSUE 33 COMING SOON FALL/WINTERFALL 20152013 13 NEXT: A New Century

As our centennial draws to a which will subsequently close, the Order of the Arrow empower delegates to return prepares to embark on its second home and be powerful agents of century. Arrowmen everywhere change. are asking themselves, “what’s Youth and adult leaders next?” The answer: NEXT! who attend will work with The 2016 national event, NEXT: Arrowmen from across the A New Century, will be unlike country, providing them a anything the OA has ever seen. unique opportunity to network Youth leaders from across the and discuss lodge operations. A nation will gather at Indiana member of the NEXT Experience University in Bloomington, IN Team, comprised of current from July 30th through August and former youth leaders and 3rd, 2016 to learn, grow and be advisers at the lodge, section inspired to be the driving force and national level, will guide behind the Order’s second lodge delegates, who will be century. This hands-on, high- organized into groups for the energy event will focus on duration of the event. Each membership, program and of the four days at NEXT will innovation at the local level, be focused on a different key

topic: brotherhood, program, youth, influencing their lodge’s membership and innovation. program and operations, for Together, these and other at least a year or two after the programmatic elements will event. Similarly, the associate empower the local leaders to adviser attending NEXT should shape the next century. be a part of the next generation Similar to the 2015 National of advisers in the lodge. Order of the Arrow Conference, If you are interested in participants will stay in the attending this event, talk to Indiana University residence your lodge chief and adviser halls and enjoy all-you-can- today! As of October 15th, eat meals at the adjacent 2015, contingent registration dining centers. Environmental has opened at registration. sustainability will be a notable oa-bsa.org. Additionally, aspect of NEXT, focusing on Lodge Key 3s were emailed a how simple, novel changes back contingent information kit in home can make an enormous late October, which outlines difference. key dates and other important Each lodge will be able to send NEXT information. Any three youth, its lodge chief, additional questions you may another lodge officer and one have regarding NEXT: A New additional youth member, as Century may be directed to well as two adults, the lodge [email protected]. adviser and one associate With a new century before adviser. Youth delegates who us, the OA has limitless are not lodge chiefs should be possibilities. Will you be Arrowmen who are passionate responsible for the NEXT big about their lodge and will still be thing in our history? ISSUEISSUE 33 14 FALLFALL/WINTER 2013 2015 LOCAL FEATURE Gyantwachia Lodge hosts “free, food, fun” events

Joe Donahue Gyantwachia Lodge During this two-year going to be high quality at their tails off,” noted Watkins. CONTENT TEAM Chief Brian Bonner said experiment, events held by the these events. “That’s one area “They were Elangomats and he hopes this will help lodge will cover the program people might think we’d cut Nimats and nobody asked Gyantwachia Lodge of the overcome a stigma that fees for youth participants corners but we’re not,” he them to do so.” Chief Cornplanter Council, has arisen in recent years. that are not candidates for said. The lodge’s next steps headquartered in Warren, PA, “When I was growing up, Ordeal or Brotherhood. Those Bonner noted early success are to focus on the OA came up with an interesting the OA was cool,” Bonner being inducted into Ordeal of the experiment. “We went program at Camp Olmsted, way to increase attendance at said. “I remember growing and Brotherhood do have to from having five youth at the where the lodge will host a lodge events: make them fun up looking at the folks in pay for items such as the sash, meeting prior to our spring week’s worth of fellowship and make them free. American Indian costumes flap and other incidentals but Ordeal weekend to having activities for Arrowmen and The lodge’s youth leadership and thought that was cool. will not have to pay the food over 30 youth show up to the non-Arrowmen alike. For has been challenged by the But something happened costs. Ordeal,” Bonner recalled. the lodge’s fall fellowship advisers and the council’s between then and now Gyantwachia Lodge Adviser He also noted that there was weekend, the youth leaders Scout executive to come up that caused people to not Alex Watkins was excited a spike in the number of have been challenged to with engaging activities want to be a part of that about the events but noted candidates for Brotherhood come up with something to help emphasize the anymore.” that the youth were the ones at the Ordeal. memorable to help the lodge brotherhood aspect of our The lodge had been having planning the fellowship For those not going for their regain its “cool” factor. “Kids Order. As a result of that poor turnout at events activities at the events. “We Ordeal or Brotherhood, there love our camp and they want challenge, the lodge executive for years and Bonner told them that this was their was no mandatory service an excuse to get up there,” committee decided that the said that with a lodge of program,” Watkins said. at the last Ordeal weekend. Bonner stated, “We want lodge will fund all programs approximately 150 people, “We would support them However, Watkins noted that to plan competitive games, for youth participants that they had to do something but you need to define what many youth still decided to awesome activities and things take place at the council’s to give attendance at lodge ‘fun’ is and plan it.” Watkins work anyway. “There were that will bring us closer and camp, Camp Olmsted. functions a shot in the arm. also stated that the food was several youth who worked like a family.” ISSUEISSUE 33 LEADERSHIP IN SERVICE FALL/WINTERFALL 20132015 15 OA Director Clyde Mayer to retire after 22 years of service to the Order

Justin Schimmel CONTENT TEAM

Clyde Mayer has seen many changes in his 22 years as the OA director. As his tenure comes to an end with his retirement later this year, Mayer is reflecting on the past and his final NOAC as director. A professional Scouter, Mayer joined the OA not as a youth but as an adult. He is also the first OA director who never had the opportunity to meet co-founders E. Urner Goodman or Carroll Edson. The biggest surprise is that he didn’t like his first time at a NOAC! With all of this as background, one could say that perhaps the job of OA director would not have been a good fit but that would be unfair. More likely, you could say he simply took a different path, matured in his outlook and succeeded – setting him apart in a couple of unique and honorable ways. Mayer has served longer than any other Scouting professional with the OA, reaching the 20-year milestone in 2013. Even then, when Mayer was appointed as Pictured above: Former OA Director Clyde Mayer speaking at the 2015 NOAC. OA director, he already had 19 years of professional history, one aspect of the OA Mayer. “And it really works.” many positions in his Scouting world…service is what makes Scouting experience, having and Mayer’s beliefs that has He describes his main role career, he loves and cherishes the world turn; without it, we worked as an assistant Scout remained the same are the at NOAC as one of support. being national OA director the would be empty.” executive and Scout executive OA’s values. He has tackled tasks that most. for Piankeshaw Council A reason Mayer held his most never see. Mayer’s first “Being national director is the in Danville, IL. Mayer was post for so long is that he was NOAC was at Colorado State best position for a professional The cheerfulness encouraged and sponsored to always impressed with the University in 1978 but it’s Scouter,” said Mayer. “ become a member because of Order’s ability to retain young fascinating to know now that After 22 years, Mayer is we have in the his position as camp director. people. More importantly, he he didn’t enjoy it. He only went saddened to be leaving but Order is what He went through his Ordeal said it was remarkable that to attend regional training sees a bright future for the we need in the weekend in 1974. young people could run such sessions. Order because the values of world…service

Mayer’s performance as OA an organization. The first NOAC he enjoyed brotherhood, cheerfulness is what makes director attracted attention. Mayer also liked the idea of was in 1994 at Purdue and service are timeless.

He was presented the youth learning leadership University in Indiana. Mayer “There are few organizations the world turn; Distinguished Eagle Scout skills and then putting them attended as a professional today that provide without it, we “ Award, a rare honor in and into practice in their units Scouter and was impressed brotherhood like the Order would be empty. of itself but even more rare and lodges. “Developing at the professionalism of does,” Mayer said. “The for a professional Scouter. youth into leaders is one of the youth managing the cheerfulness we have in the Clyde Mayer Aside from his own circuitous our foundational goals,” said conference. While he has held Order is what we need in the ISSUE 33 16 FALL/WINTERFALL 2013 2015 LOOKING BACK OA’s centennial celebration hit the road with ArrowTour

CONT’D FROM PAGE 4

ArrowTour Central had an even more intense experience: during a tornado, the road crew sheltered in the freezer of a Subway. The region, home to the Windy City and Tornado Alley, also hosted a helicopter at a stop along the 7,000 mile route. The tour schedule took ArrowTour Central to 27 different venues, including the BSA’s newest high adventure facility: the Summit Bechtel Reserve, home to the national jamboree. The Central Region’s host lodges put on supplemental programs ranging from a bagpipe performance to a live petting zoo. The region’s most attended stop came at Rainbow Scout Reservation in Morris, IL, where 792 people visited. One camp staffer thought the program was so engaging that she asked the road crew to stay for another day! While ArrowTour is easily reduced to numbers - 28,400 miles traveled, 28.5 gallons of silkscreen ink used and 40,262 visitors - it became much more than that. The impact of the program is found not so much in its breadth as in its depth. Each local stop showcased the best of what Scouting has to offer, and the leadership demonstrated by Arrowmen there had an enormous impact on the individual visitors. Take for example, the shy Cub Scout in Eugene, OR, who told the road crew “When I grow up, I want to be an ArrowTour road crew member.” Or the mother of two Scouts who, after her sons spent the day Northeast, road crew member day after day they displayed to reveal where the steps to Inscribed on a challenge at Central Region stop, wrote Alex Hughes raced a Cub their passion for the Order. our second century of service coin, the pledge asked each a glowing email to National Scout at Mount Norris Scout Each ArrowTour stop begin. The gathering gave person to do a good turn each Chairman Ray Capp about the Reservation and, of course, closed with the Centuries each visitor, Arrowman day, and switch the coin to experience. Not only did the lost every time. The terrific of Service Gathering, a and non-Arrowman alike, a the opposite pocket to mark visitors have a great time but energy and enthusiasm of the show that synthesized the straightforward task: take a the completion of their act of so did the road crews. In the staff was truly inspiring, as Order’s history and legacy pledge of service to others. service.