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Two brothers were set apart at the June service weekend for their extraordinary contributions to Octoraro 22. Distinguished service and hard work comprised the recipients’ roles in the lodge over the past year. Although the award is called the Officer’s Award, to be eligible one must be a non-officer member of the Executive Committee. The officers chose a youth and an adult for their dedication and extensive service to the lodge over the preceding year. The recipients were: Richard Bowley & Fred Stoudt Next years Conclave will be held at Hawk Mt. Scout Reservation
and will be hosted by Kittatiny 5. The date will be in early June. Exact
date, price, and lodge quotas will be set at the C.O.C. in October. Sign-ups
will start at the September Ordeal. We want to try to achieve a 2:1 youth/adult
ratio this year, so priority will be given to youth members.
See Kyle or Clee Brun to reserve a spot or for more information (347-2282). NOAC Patch Design Contest: Winner gets 3 trading flaps and three delegate flaps- free! |
As of July 1, 1997, Octoraro 22 was no longer a part of Section NE-4B. Instead, the lodge will be part of Section NE-4A which is comprised of lodges that are mostly north and west of Octoraro 22.  Section NE-4A now includes the following lodges (and their
respective councils):
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 Did you ever think about how similar the Order of the Arrow is to college? Now, many of you haven’t been in an institution of higher learning, but the similarities are quite obvious. Both offer three different levels, with each of those levels being called "degrees". The OA is an extension of Boy Scouting, while college stems from regular education. You do not attend college as a reward, nor do you just wear the sash in the OA. In order to have a meaningful experience in either, a participant must put forth work and service. This may just be one abstract opinion, but founders E. Urner Goodman and Carrol Edson probably had a model for what we now call the Order of the Arrow. Was it college? Why not college? Most would agree that college provides interaction with others, a brotherhood of friends if you will. It also grants service opportunities and is a source to develop character. So do you just belong to a college or university and sit in your dorm room? No, probably not. So is this just something to think about? That’s for you to decide.  |
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Editors Note: This article was handed to me by brother Rich Johnson and I believe it touches upon a matter that many of us think about but seldom act upon. We all look up to the Lodge Chief and the other officers and assume that they are doing such an excellent job that there is no need for worry. But to keep ideas circulating and methods improving, new people need to participate in the lodge’s discussions and decisions. If you feel that you have a better idea on how to run things because you see a flaw in either an officer or their execution of their position… run for their office. You may say, "He’s been in office for three terms… I’ll never win." If there has never been another candidate to oppose the officer in those three years, how do you know if the people really want that person to be an officer? The answer is you do not know. This article sounds like its talking to just officers, but if you apply it to yourself you can answer the questions "Has he been a good officer?" and "Would I make a good officer?"
To say that there is a certain "image" for Lodge Officers is a dangerous statement unless it is qualified. There are certain ways that Lodge Officers should conduct themselves, but is important that the officers do not lose touch with reality or become carbon copies of each other. There is room for individualism, since it is one of the things that got them elected to their current position. If the lodge members had wanted a clone of all the past officers, they would have elected a robot. The positive image that we need to discuss is the way an officer acts, looks, and thinks about his job.
Officers should set the example by the wearing of correct uniform. Nothing looks so bad as a lodge chief who is wearing a sweat suit while officiating at a lodge event. Remember that you are setting the example for the younger members.
Another important part of being a lodge officer if your attitude toward the job, the OA, and the particular event that is under way. If you are going around with the attitude that the entire weekend is a waste of time, this attitude will carry over to the members. If you show that you are enjoying the weekend, so will the members! This is not to say that you cannot express your opinions about how the event is run, but that can wait until the evaluation meeting at the end of the weekend.
While we are on the subject of attitude, we need to mention the officers’ attitude toward "Johnny Arrowman". It is vital that you treat the members with respect and good manners. Remember, the average members elect the officers. Never yell at a member! Not only is it foolish, but it gives the members a bad feeling about you as an officer. Things will get hectic, and you will be under pressure, but do not lose your cool. If you have a disagreement with a member, be calm. DO NOT HAVE A TANTRUM! This will get you nowhere.
One of the problems you will run into is the belief that the scouts and the OA are like the Army. Nothing could be further from the truth; therefore, do not order the members around. A good leader gets the job done without ordering anyone; suggest, make them think it is their own idea. Remember that we are all volunteers.
Always listen to the member’s ideas. It does not matter if he is the youngest or the oldest. He thinks that his opinions are important, and they are! We always need new ideas. The answer "we’ve never done that before" is not the appropriate response to a new idea. Always be open to the members’ suggestions and concerns. If you do not have time to talk with them right at that moment, let them know you are interested and set up a time for later in the day. This is just good P.R.
Lastly, remember that you are an officer because the members elected you. It is vital that you stay in tune with the membership. The only difference between you and the average member is that you have more problems to deal with. Stay natural, do not become cardboard officers who are always trying to appear important. Get down and do the dirty work with the members, and they will have a higher opinion of you than if you act above the work. You have the opportunity to work with a great group of people and to learn a lot. Go in with the right attitude and you will accomplish your goals and improve our lodge.
Due to realignment, Octoraro 22 hosted the 1998 NE-4B Conclave one year earlier than expected- but the results would make any observer think may years of planning were involved. The event was held at Camp Horseshoe from June 13-15 and was attended enthusiastically by all member lodges of NE-4B, including several members from Octoraro’s daughter lodge, Blue Heron 349.
Friday night’s activities included a special screening of The Rock, a patch auction at the dining hall, an open house of the lodge building, and swimming- with all events being furnished with excellent food.
The festivities on Saturday were fast and furious. The regular training sessions educated the delegates in all aspects of OA lore and fundamentals, while powwows, dance competitions, and sports activities entertained all those who partook in them. At twilight, a special candlelight ceremony commenced at the bend of the Octoraro and concluded at the fire circle. Once the ceremony ended, the section mobilized in the campcraft area for the Fellowship Feast. They sampled different foods prepared by each lodge; needless to say, all the selections were quite excellent.
The NE-4B Section Meeting was held Sunday morning to decide who would lead the section for the upcoming year. Unfortunately, this did not have a lot of impact on the affairs of Octoraro due to the change of our section.
The overall success of the conclave was apparent in most people’s opinion but the commendations could not be dealt to anyone person or party. Thanks are due to A.J. DiAntonio, the Conclave Chairman, Bob Matje, the Conclave Advisor, the training staff of the conclave, the Octoraro work crew, the section officers and staff, and everyone who assisted in anyway, shape, or form. Their efforts caused Mike McCrea, Section Chief of NE-4B to say, "You guys throw one heck of a party!"
Of course the usual patch trading went on at the 1997
National Scout Jamboree at Fort A.P. Hill, VA. Our new patches must have
been quite an eyeful for the collector. But the OA as an entire organization
had a presentation called the Odyssey of the Law in which members would
undergo several tests to see if they understood the scouting ideals and
such. And if you win you get a patch- okay, so the Jamboree is about getting
patches.
This is a fellowship weekend- take it easy on the candidates and have some fun!  |
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