Chris Flipse: EditorNeville Austin: Chief

During last summer’s National Order of the Arrow Conference, several of our brothers attended a session on the history of the Delaware Indians, and were quite impressed with the speaker. This speaker was Curtis Zunigha, the chief of the Delaware Nation, centered in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. Several of our brothers were so impressed with the Delaware chief’s inspiring oratory skills that extensive preparations have been undergone in order to bring him to speak at our banquet.  
 
In the early eighteenth century, the majority of the Delaware tribe of Indians migrated from their ancient homeland, right here in southeastern Pennsylvania, and eventually made their way to the "Indian Territory" in Oklahoma. No Delaware has returned to the area until now, two and a half centuries later.  

Octoraro and Unami Lodges have played no small part in bringing Curtis to the area. Both lodges have split his cost of airfare, and provided him with an intense itinerary of places to visit during his stay in his ancestral homelands. He has visited many sights in the area, including Buzzards Rock, the prehistoric hunting shelter than lies in Camp Horseshoe.  

Curtis is very interested in the Boy Scouts and their interest in his own people. He will be seated near the head of the banquet hall with many other honored guests, and is quite willing and eager to speak to any and everybody. Everyone is encouraged to ask questions, or even just come up and say hello. An occasion like this only happens once in a lifetime, and we are privileged to be present. 

Out With the Old(?)  Each April, the Lodge holds an election to decide upon the officers for the next year. These officers are the main force behind the operation of the Lodge, and it is their responsibility to see that all aspects of the Lodge operate smoothly. Any member is welcome to run for an office; no prior Executive Committee experience is necessary. If you have an interest in running speak to Rich Bowley at the nominations booth, or call Neville Austin at (717) 442-9083.  Roy Cole to Retire  Roy Cole, ranger of the Horseshoe Scout Reservation, will retire effective March 31, 1997. Roy, who turned 65 last summer, had intended to retire at the end of 1997, but is retiring early to take advantage of a special retirement package offered by our National Council.   Roy came to the reservation some 21 years ago, replacing his father, who in turned replaced Roy’s grandfather, the original ranger. Roy, his wife Matleen and son Ronnie Dean will continue to live on the reservation ad be available for consultation, part time work and general kibitzing with his many friends and neighbors. Roy and his family will move to the Lane House at the entrance to Camp Horseshoe upon the completion of its restoration.  A retirement party coordinated by the Vigil Honor is being planned for Saturday, November 22 at the Rising Sun Community Banquet Hall. More information will be available as time goes on.   Fort Trailblazer Wins National Funding  The Trailblazer program is Camp Horseshoe’s first year camper program, designed to help first year scouts achieve their first class rank. The program, located in a clearing near Sherwood campsite, recently received a matching grant from National Council for the construction of an open air pavilion.       This structure, dubbed "Fort Trailblazer" received a $3000 grant, which Octoraro Lodge must match. The structure, designed by Camp Director Clarke Green, sports an unusual design that promises to add much flavor to the Trailblazer program. Two towers and a pavilion, as well as numerous side items, will make the fort an interesting and unusual building that is sure to attract even more campers to the program.   Octoraro was one of ten lodges selected for a project grant, out of a total of 52 submissions. We are very fortunate to have received this grant, as it is a very competitive selection process. Work on Fort Trailblazer will be beginning soon.   The Trailblazer program was founded in 1995 by Tom Hillhouse, and continued in 1996 by Brian Williams, who will be returning as director after a fabulously successful summer.

O/A to Work the Jamboree   The theme of the National Jamboree this year is: "Character counts; Be prepared for the 21st Century." The Order of the Arrow will be demonstrating its enormous character, serving in a total of five areas of the Jamboree program this year.   There will be a Service Corps, devoted to providing aid for the many areas of the Jamboree, staffed by 200 Arrowmen. Also in the lineup is the Outdoor Adventure Place, a showcase of the Scout Camping experience. TOAP, as it is called, will introduce scouts to new methods of camping, new ways of teaching Scout Skills and other knowledge.   The OA Extravaganza and Gathering Committee will be working on a spectacular arena show showcasing the past, present and future of the Order.  The American Indian Village is returning in the 1997, highlighting the rich Indian Traditions of the Order. The area will not only re-create an authentic American Indian Village, but will also offer a dance arbor, native crafts and culture.   The Order of the Arrow is also sponsoring a new program, the Odyssey of the Law. This program is designed to help us apply the Scout Law to our everyday lives. The program will conduct six daily shows, reaching to more than 20,000 Jamboree participants.   Over 400 Arrowmen are needed to make these events a success. If you are interested in serving on the OA Jamboree Staff, write to the Director of the Order of the Arrow, National Office, BSA, 1325 W. Walnut Hill Lane, P.O. Box 152079, Irving, Texas 75015-2079, or call the Director at (927) 580-2440 for an application.  Vigil Honor Calling Out        The Vigil Honor has made its decisions, and the long awaited Calling Out Ceremony will be held during the banquet tonight.  Congratulations to Brendon Battenfelder, A.J. D'Antonio, and Eric Baughman as the youth candidates.  Neville Austin and Robert C. Hinderliter are the adult candidates.  Not for what you have done, but for what you are expected to do!     Buy A Month to Close  The Fund Raiser for the 1996-1997 season is about to come to a close; the banquet will be your last opportunity to purchase a month of Octoraro’s seventy year history.   Money from the fund raiser will go towards funding Lodge activities, such as the construction of Fort Trailblazer. The raffle drawing for the prizes from the Contest will be held during the April Weekend.   The Buy-a-Month was Clarke Green's idea.