Elections dropped off in March, but we're anxious to get out and finish strong. If you'd like to schedule elections for your unit, please contact lakota.steve@gmail.com.
The reason that we're focusing on elections right now is that we're building up for our Fellowship on May 22-23. We're going to be helping get Camp Jerimiah Johnson ready for another summer of Cub Scout Day Camp, holding an Ordeal for our new candidates, and closing things up with a chapter feast to welcome all of our new arrowmen. If you'd like to help as staff at the Ordeal or at the feast, please contact lakotasecretary@gmail.com.
Our Call Out team is nearly ready too. They're practicing hard for the Call Out they'll conduct at the District Camporee on May 8-9 (there's more info here). This is an exciting time to be an Arrowman in the Lakota Chapter.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Friday, April 10, 2009
Interview with our Section Chief
Some time ago I asked David Petersen, our section chief, if he would answer a few questions in an interview by email. I thought his answers might help encourage our candidates and newer Ordeal members. Read on to see what David had to say, and look for more interviews in the future.
When were you elected, and what have you done since then?
David I got started in the Order of the Arrow when I was just over 11 years old. At the time I didn't know much about it. I just knew that I loved Scouting and that I wanted to continue it throughout my life. It sounded like a lot of fun. It was.
Why don't you start by telling us a little bit about your experience in the OA.
David The Order of the Arrow has been one of the best experiences of my life. It is really a life-changing program. My favorite times in the OA have been when I have been able to meet others. I love being able to get to know awesome guys. Some of the best people in the world are in the Order.
What are some of your favorite memories of your time in the Order?
David I have had some awesome memories in the Order of the Arrow. A few that come to mind include swinging off of a massive Zipline at Beaver High Adventure base, building catupults that launched water ballons for miles, and jumping out of a boat in rapids on a rafting trip (it was safe, but fun) with a bunch of fellow arrowmen and having a water fight. The OA is a ton of fun, excitement, mystery, and friendship. It's all good, clean fun. That's the best part.
What have been the most important lessons you've learned from the OA?
David The Order of the Arrow has taught me the true meaning of Leadership in Service. The most meaningful part of this lesson is the power that comes to your life from caring for others more than you care about yourself.
If a candidate were to come to you and ask if it was worth it to go through the Ordeal and become a member, what advice would you give him?
David I would tell him that if you take the stand to become a servant leader by experiencing the Ordeal that he will look back on it as one of the best decisions he has ever made. The Ordeal is not something to be afraid of. It is a really cool experience that binds us even closer as brothers. Go!Go!Go!
When were you elected, and what have you done since then?
David I got started in the Order of the Arrow when I was just over 11 years old. At the time I didn't know much about it. I just knew that I loved Scouting and that I wanted to continue it throughout my life. It sounded like a lot of fun. It was.
Why don't you start by telling us a little bit about your experience in the OA.
David The Order of the Arrow has been one of the best experiences of my life. It is really a life-changing program. My favorite times in the OA have been when I have been able to meet others. I love being able to get to know awesome guys. Some of the best people in the world are in the Order.
What are some of your favorite memories of your time in the Order?
David I have had some awesome memories in the Order of the Arrow. A few that come to mind include swinging off of a massive Zipline at Beaver High Adventure base, building catupults that launched water ballons for miles, and jumping out of a boat in rapids on a rafting trip (it was safe, but fun) with a bunch of fellow arrowmen and having a water fight. The OA is a ton of fun, excitement, mystery, and friendship. It's all good, clean fun. That's the best part.
What have been the most important lessons you've learned from the OA?
David The Order of the Arrow has taught me the true meaning of Leadership in Service. The most meaningful part of this lesson is the power that comes to your life from caring for others more than you care about yourself.
If a candidate were to come to you and ask if it was worth it to go through the Ordeal and become a member, what advice would you give him?
David I would tell him that if you take the stand to become a servant leader by experiencing the Ordeal that he will look back on it as one of the best decisions he has ever made. The Ordeal is not something to be afraid of. It is a really cool experience that binds us even closer as brothers. Go!Go!Go!
Monday, April 6, 2009
Lakota Chapter Trail Crew
I wanted to take a few minutes to tell you about a pair of related opportunities that we're working on for arrowmen in the Lakota Chapter.
We're hoping to adopt a trail (probably the Slide Canyon trail) this summer. In doing so, we'll need to make three hikes along it to perform trail maintenance and general clean-up. At this point, we're planning on going in July, August, and September. To help sweeten the pot, we're going to create a "Lakota Chapter Trail Crew" tee-shirt suitable for use as a Class B or activity uniform shirt. Any Lakota Chapter arrowman going on at least two of the maintenance hikes will get one of these shirts for free.
We need to come up with a design for the shirt though, and that's where the second opportunity comes in. It's time for another contest. Starting today, we're going to accept shirt designs from arrowmen or candidates in the chapter. We'll collect submissions until May 14th (the day before our fellowship weekend). At the fellowship, we'll announce the winning design. The arrowman who's entry is selected will win a free shirt to be awarded at the first maintenance hike.
So there you go, in addition to all the other stuff going on this year, you've got three more service opportunities (open to you and the non-OA scouts and scouters in your home unit), a chance to earn a shirt, and a chance to design the shirt. How much more can an arrowman ask for?
Don't forget, you have a chance to win a patch by commenting on the entries here at this blog. We ended up not having any comments in March, so we didn't give out any patches. In April, we'll give out two to make up for it. Please add your feedback here — who knows, maybe you'll end up winning one of the patches.
We're hoping to adopt a trail (probably the Slide Canyon trail) this summer. In doing so, we'll need to make three hikes along it to perform trail maintenance and general clean-up. At this point, we're planning on going in July, August, and September. To help sweeten the pot, we're going to create a "Lakota Chapter Trail Crew" tee-shirt suitable for use as a Class B or activity uniform shirt. Any Lakota Chapter arrowman going on at least two of the maintenance hikes will get one of these shirts for free.
We need to come up with a design for the shirt though, and that's where the second opportunity comes in. It's time for another contest. Starting today, we're going to accept shirt designs from arrowmen or candidates in the chapter. We'll collect submissions until May 14th (the day before our fellowship weekend). At the fellowship, we'll announce the winning design. The arrowman who's entry is selected will win a free shirt to be awarded at the first maintenance hike.
So there you go, in addition to all the other stuff going on this year, you've got three more service opportunities (open to you and the non-OA scouts and scouters in your home unit), a chance to earn a shirt, and a chance to design the shirt. How much more can an arrowman ask for?
Don't forget, you have a chance to win a patch by commenting on the entries here at this blog. We ended up not having any comments in March, so we didn't give out any patches. In April, we'll give out two to make up for it. Please add your feedback here — who knows, maybe you'll end up winning one of the patches.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
An Alternate to Cell Phones & iPods
Are you having a hard time prying those electronic devices—cell phones, GameBoys and iPods—out the hands of your scouts? Try replacing their tech-toys with the latest generation of land navigation tools, a GPS receiver. GPS units will enhance the map and compass skills you want your scouts to master and may become that killer device that will get your scouts hiking, exploring and navingating the outdoors rather than texting each other in their tents.Considering cell phone users may easily drop hundreds of dollars for a phone and service, or an iPod, a GPS unit is relatively inexpensive. They start at $90. They're even user friendly. I'll bet you if you place one in a scout's hand in the morning, he'll be teaching you how to use it that afternoon.
Now ratchet it up to the next level. Introduce you scouts to Geocaching and you have involved internet and social networking. Geocaching may sound hokey until you have your scouts go treasure hunting for one. It's exciting to see your scouts practice scout skills, teamwork and leadership to locate a cache. Then they get to open it and exchange trinkets and leave a message in the log book.
Have I sparked your interest? Check out Geoscouting and the recent articles in Scouting Magazine and Boys' Life about Geocaching.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Chapter Activity Feb 2009
It might have been the last day of February, but the chapter did hold its monthly leadership meeting and activity. Since a number of chapter members didn't make it, we decided to fill everyone in on what happened.
We started the leadership meeting with a review of the goals we'd set.
In our last blog post, we talked about one of these — Unit Elections. Our goal is to hold four elections each month in February, March, and April; so far, we're ahead of our goal.
We also talked about our goal to get the word out about our meetings. We're doing better at this, and thought we might see some benefits from it at the activity later in the evening.
After talking about our goals, we turned our attention to several upcoming events. Key among them is our May Fellowship. We decided not to try to form a brotherhood ceremony team at this point (we just don't have the resources). Instead, we will be working to form a call-out ceremony team.
As our leadership meeting started to wind down, two more chapter members showed up for the Activity. Since we've been hovering around two attendees, this seemed like an indication our publicity efforts have been working. After a quick opening ceremony, we talked about our calendar for March, April, and May.
In March, we're having a special Five Chapters event. One of the other Provo and Orem chapters has put together a game and movie overnighter. We'll meet at the Scout office at 6PM on Friday, March 6 and close things up at noon on Saturday. We'll also be making shirts that can be worn as part of ceremonies. We really want to see everyone possible there.
In April, the Section W2S is holding the 2009 Section Conclave on April 24-26. We're not going to hold a chapter activity this month, and hope that everyone will go to Conclave instead — take some time to register if you'd like to meet us there.
In May, we'll be holding a call out ceremony at the District Camporee on the 8th and 9th. The next week we'll be holding our Fellowship. We will be holding an Ordeal there, and if we can get things worked out, we'll hold a Brotherhood ceremony as well. If that's important to you, let us know.
After previewing the next several months, we organized our ceremony team and held a first practice for the call-out. The team will meet twice a month until the camporee to polish their parts and present the best ceremony that they can.
To close things up, we broke out the pizza and played 'Apples to Apples' while we ate. It was great to see everyone that came, but we missed the Lakota arrowmen that couldn't make it. We sure hope to see you next time.
We started the leadership meeting with a review of the goals we'd set.
In our last blog post, we talked about one of these — Unit Elections. Our goal is to hold four elections each month in February, March, and April; so far, we're ahead of our goal.
We also talked about our goal to get the word out about our meetings. We're doing better at this, and thought we might see some benefits from it at the activity later in the evening.
After talking about our goals, we turned our attention to several upcoming events. Key among them is our May Fellowship. We decided not to try to form a brotherhood ceremony team at this point (we just don't have the resources). Instead, we will be working to form a call-out ceremony team.
As our leadership meeting started to wind down, two more chapter members showed up for the Activity. Since we've been hovering around two attendees, this seemed like an indication our publicity efforts have been working. After a quick opening ceremony, we talked about our calendar for March, April, and May.
In March, we're having a special Five Chapters event. One of the other Provo and Orem chapters has put together a game and movie overnighter. We'll meet at the Scout office at 6PM on Friday, March 6 and close things up at noon on Saturday. We'll also be making shirts that can be worn as part of ceremonies. We really want to see everyone possible there.
In April, the Section W2S is holding the 2009 Section Conclave on April 24-26. We're not going to hold a chapter activity this month, and hope that everyone will go to Conclave instead — take some time to register if you'd like to meet us there.
In May, we'll be holding a call out ceremony at the District Camporee on the 8th and 9th. The next week we'll be holding our Fellowship. We will be holding an Ordeal there, and if we can get things worked out, we'll hold a Brotherhood ceremony as well. If that's important to you, let us know.
After previewing the next several months, we organized our ceremony team and held a first practice for the call-out. The team will meet twice a month until the camporee to polish their parts and present the best ceremony that they can.
To close things up, we broke out the pizza and played 'Apples to Apples' while we ate. It was great to see everyone that came, but we missed the Lakota arrowmen that couldn't make it. We sure hope to see you next time.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
OA Troop or Team Representative
Does your troop or team have an OA Representative? This position helps build the relationship between the OA Lodge or Chapter and the Unit. It also counts as a leadership position for Scout advancement requirements. If your unit doesn't have an OA representative, or isn't using him effectively, read on to find out more about what this program can do for you.
The Troop or Team OA Representative should be doing several things, chief among them: encouraging year-round camping and resident camping at summer camp, encourage unit service to the community, and providing leadership/mentoring/example to the other scouts in the unit. Remember that arrowmen are elected not just for what they've done but for what they will do — unit OA representatives help all the arrowmen in the unit give back to those that elected them.
During 2009 the Lakota chapter is hoping to provide more information and support to both OA representatives and to unit Leaders. Part of this is finding adult members in each unit to act as advisors. Another part is providing communications channels from the unit reps to the chapter leadership. We'd also like to provide hand-outs and other information for the representatives to take back to their units at each of our chapter activities.
If you're a unit OA representative, make sure you come out to our chapter activities so you can find out what the chapter can do for your unit and the arrowmen in it. If you're an adult leader and don't have a Troop or Team OA Representative yet, this is the time to get one — help us help you and your unit by bringing the spirit of the OA to all of your scouts.
The Troop or Team OA Representative should be doing several things, chief among them: encouraging year-round camping and resident camping at summer camp, encourage unit service to the community, and providing leadership/mentoring/example to the other scouts in the unit. Remember that arrowmen are elected not just for what they've done but for what they will do — unit OA representatives help all the arrowmen in the unit give back to those that elected them.
During 2009 the Lakota chapter is hoping to provide more information and support to both OA representatives and to unit Leaders. Part of this is finding adult members in each unit to act as advisors. Another part is providing communications channels from the unit reps to the chapter leadership. We'd also like to provide hand-outs and other information for the representatives to take back to their units at each of our chapter activities.
If you're a unit OA representative, make sure you come out to our chapter activities so you can find out what the chapter can do for your unit and the arrowmen in it. If you're an adult leader and don't have a Troop or Team OA Representative yet, this is the time to get one — help us help you and your unit by bringing the spirit of the OA to all of your scouts.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Election Season, a first report
To earn the quality chapter award, one of the things we must do is hold elections for 75% of the units in our district. We have 130 units (Boy Scout Troops and Varsity Scout Teams) in our district, so we would need to visit 98 of them each year. That's a little bit beyond our reach this year, so we're reaching for a goal that helps get us closer — we want to hold at least 4 unit elections in February, March, and April to lead into our May Fellowship. We'll set another (higher) goal in July, August, and September to support out October Fellowship.
It's not really enough to set a goal without reporting on it, so consider this a first report.
In January, we held an election for a Scout Troop at Klondike and elected 5 youth and nominated an adult leader. While it doesn't impact our goal, getting this election done was a good start for us in 2009.
So far in February, we've held three elections (two Scout Troops and one Varsity Team), and nominated three adults. There's also a unit election scheduled for tonight. All of this means that we met our February goal, and are set to move forward into March.
Three of our youth arrowmen and three adults have pitched in to help us meet our goals so far. We'd love to have more youth and adults involved. If you'd like to help out with elections, please send an email to lakota.secretary@gmail.com and we'll get you connected with our election team.
It's not really enough to set a goal without reporting on it, so consider this a first report.
In January, we held an election for a Scout Troop at Klondike and elected 5 youth and nominated an adult leader. While it doesn't impact our goal, getting this election done was a good start for us in 2009.
So far in February, we've held three elections (two Scout Troops and one Varsity Team), and nominated three adults. There's also a unit election scheduled for tonight. All of this means that we met our February goal, and are set to move forward into March.
Three of our youth arrowmen and three adults have pitched in to help us meet our goals so far. We'd love to have more youth and adults involved. If you'd like to help out with elections, please send an email to lakota.secretary@gmail.com and we'll get you connected with our election team.
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