Order of the Arrow: News, next Arrowmen Meeting and NOAC 2015
What a year 2014 has been for our Troop in the Order of the Arrow. Way back in February, the troop held the annual election for new members using a secret ballot. At Ma-Ka-Ja-Wan this summer, we saw the outcome: seven Scouts and six adults gained admission to OA as Ordeal members. On Friday evening at camp, at the impressive OA Callout Ceremony, the following Scouts and adults were recognized: Ethan B, Fritz K, Nick K, Zach L, Alex Kk, Chris M, Ryan R, Mr. Joe Matthews, Mr. Craig Levy, Mr. Dave Sislow, Mr. Matthew Symonds, Mrs. Cheri Blenniss and Mr. Vyt Tamulaitis. Please congratulate them when you see them. They were fully inducted into the Order of the Arrow during ceremonies held on Saturday night.
We also had thirteen current members of the Order of the Arrow decide to take the next step and seal their membership by becoming Brotherhood members. These individuals self-elected to go to the next step. They studied the traditions and purpose of the OA, then submitted to another day of service working alongside the Ordeal candidates. New Brotherhood members: Nathan C, Andrew G, Nick G, David H, Kyle J, Nathan S, Matthew S, Alex T, Rahil V, Mr. John Boos, Mr. David Cibula, Mr. Michael Hoffman and Mr. Kevin Mack. Well done!
Finally, in closing the OA story, I ought to report that Kevin Wehde and I were selected for the Vigil Honor this year. There were 19 youth and adults selected in our Council this year. We completed our Vigil on Friday night and returned to the troop on Saturday morning. The Vigil ceremony is very special, perhaps even spiritual. I hope many Arrowmen in our troop are able to experience this as well.
All Troop Arrowmen are invited to attend our next Arrowmen meeting on August 27. The meeting will be held at the Symonds Building on Rt 120 from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm. Expect fellowship, fun and service. More details soon.
Next year marks the 100th anniversary of the Order of the Arrow. Arrowmen are encouraged to attend the National Order of the Arrow Conference in Michigan. See the article on NOAC 2015 on our website or go to our Council’s OA web page to sign up.