Lakota Lodge #175 - Adviser's Blogs

Adviser's Update
Wednesday November 10, 2010 5:50 pm

Fall is here and that can only mean one thing…...

Fall is here and that can only mean one thing…it’s time for the Haunted Hike October 22 & 23. This event gets better every year and this year will be no exception. The Haunted Hike Committee has been working for months to make this year’s event a great success. There is something for everyone at the Haunted Hike. We can use your help! Just check with your Chapter Chief or Chapter Adviser or just come out and we’ll find something fun for you to do. And don’t forget to spread the word around your troop, crew and school. Invite everyone you know to come out and have some scary fun. One of the most important things you can do to help is promote the Haunted Hike!

We are also hosting the One Day of Service at Camp Lakota November 6^th. This is a council-wide event for everyone from Tiger Cubs to members of the Council Executive Board. This is a great opportunity to give a day of service to our camp. Come out for a few hours, the whole day or even the weekend. Bring a friend. Convince your unit to come. It will be a fun day of friendship, fellowship and service.

I would like to thank all of you for your dedication. The success of the Order of the Arrow depends on its members and because of all of you Lakota Lodge is second to none!

Yours in Brotherhood,

Tim MellinLakota Lodge Adviser

Lodge Advisor- March 2010
Tuesday March 02, 2010 9:31 am
This is an exciting time to be a member of Lakota Lodge. We have the distinction of once again being recognized by the Order of the Arrow National Committee as a “2009 Quality Lodge.” We are also fortunate to have our past Lodge Chief, Richie Ferolo, elected to be the 2010 Central Region Chief.

In order to be recognized as a Quality Lodge, we must achieve a list of goals much in the same way a troop or crew becomes a Quality Unit. Achieving these goals requires a great deal of teamwork. Every member of the Lakota Lodge has a place on the team. You helped! Here are just a few of the highlights achieved to become a Quality Lodge.

Lakota Lodge experienced positive membership growth
33% of eligible Ordeal Members became Brotherhood (30% minimum required)
$6,000 contribution for FOS and Capital Improvements, cash & materials ($2400 required)
33,000 man-hours of service to our camps (3,600 required)
Conducted a successful Lodge Leadership Development

I am sure each of you can see where you contributed to this success. More importantly, where will your effort help us achieve Quality Lodge this year? We are already off to a great start! As a result of being a Quality Lodge, we are all entitled to wear the QL 2009 Pin on our flap patch. The pins will be available for sale soon.

We also have a very special “Home of the 2010 Region Chief, Richie Ferolo” commemorative Lakota Lodge flap patch. The National Order of the Arrow Committee allows the National Officers to commission a special lodge flap and we are quite proud to have this available for sale to our Lodge Members. Those of you going to Jamboree will want to have some of these for trading. The patches are available for sale now at your Chapter Meeting or at the Council Service Center.

Congratulations & good luck, Richie.

Yours in Cheerful Service,

Tim Mellin
Lodge Adviser

Mellin accepts role as Lakota Lodge Advisor
Saturday January 02, 2010 3:18 pm
As the newly-appointed Lakota Lodge Adviser, I would like to introduce myself to those of you who do not know me. However, before I do, I would like to extend my heartfelt “Thanks” to Mike Tangen, John Campbell and Jay Haack for their outstanding leadership and service to Lakota Lodge during the last three years.

Very few people really know how dedicated to Scouting these gentlemen are. The next time you see one of these men, please give them a pat on the back.

My involvement in the Order of the Arrow goes back to my induction as an Ordeal Member into the Shin-Go-Beek Lodge #334 in 1981. I was a three-term Lodge Chief and a two-term Section Officer. Most recently, I have had the pleasure of being the Blackhawk Chapter Adviser. I am truly humbled to be asked to be the next Lakota Lodge Adviser. I am also an Assistant Scoutmaster in Mount Prospect Troop 155 where my son Sean is a first year Scout nearing 2nd Class. My daughter Robin is a Girl Scout and my wife Michelle is the Troop Treasurer.

My philosophy as an adult adviser is to create an environment where the youth have an opportunity to lead. It is a great pleasure to work with some of the finest young men in our community. The satisfaction in watching them grow in their ability is truly amazing. I look forward to the challenges ahead. Fair warning to all: I do like to talk…so make sure you have a few minutes if you introduce yourself!

Yours in Brotherhood,
Tim Mellin

October Edition
Tuesday September 22, 2009 11:02 pm

“The individual plays the game; the championships are won by the team”

I really don’t know who to attribute that statement to, but it is definitely one that rings true in all aspects of life. Regardless of the situation, a person can not be successful in attaining their goals without the support and the help of a “team”.

Think about it…..the guy scoring a touchdown needs to have someone making blocks in front of him; or the person running for political office needs a team of people to help them get their message out to the voter, or CEO of a company can’t sell the company’s product without the worker making the product.

Since I became an active member of Lakota Lodge, it has been exciting to watch young men grow and mature through their participation through the Lodge. I have had several members of tell me how if it hadn’t been for the Order of the Arrow, they probably would have dropped out of Scouting or that they would never had completed their ascent to the rank of Eagle. These are also the same young men that provide leadership to their Troops. These examples have made me realize the true benefits of our Order to our Scouts, our Districts, and our Council as well as Scouting in general.

In the past few years I have had the opportunity to participate in variety of seminars or training sessions involving Arrowmen from across the country and I can honestly say that our Lodge is one of the best Lodges out there. Comparatively speaking, our Lodge is in excellent shape, carrying out OA programs and accomplishing the goals of the Order of the Arrow and the Boy Scouts of America. That is because we have an active youth lead program and have been very fortunate to have had many individuals willing to commit large amounts of their time to the betterment of Lakota Lodge.

Since you are reading this, I think it is probably safe to say that you have an interest in seeing, or helping, Lakota Lodge accomplish their goals. And you can do so by becoming more active member in the Order of the Arrow and Lakota Lodge team.
Even though there are many opportunities for service within our Lodge, not everyone can be part of all that Lakota offers……but everyone can help, or lend service, to the “ Lakota team” by becoming involved. Whether it is within a Chapter of Lodge committee; volunteering to be an Elangomat; attending a Fellowship; stepping up to participate in ceremonies or even becoming a Troop OA Representative for your home Troop…..Don’t wait to be asked!

With Lodge events such as the “Lakota Lodge Haunted Hike” and our councils “One Day of Service @ Camp Lakota” fast approaching, volunteer now to be part of those exciting events. Need to know more? Attend your Chapter and Lodge meetings and ask…..we would love to have you on board.

I thank you all for all that you do for Scouting and for our Lodge. Your time, your help and your idea’s are always greatly appreciated. That type of service, that you Lakota Arrowmen put forth, will insure that our “team” (Lakota Lodge) continues to be the champions when it comes to “brotherhood” and “cheerful service”. Come be an active part of the Lakota Lodge team.

Yours in Service and in Brotherhood, 

Mike Tangen 
Lakota Lodge #175 Lodge Adviser

“He alone is worthy to wear the Arrow who will continue to serve his fellow man” -Allowat Sakima

Lodge Adviser Blog- April 2009
Wednesday April 15, 2009 7:43 pm
Welcome to spring! At long last, it appears as though we’ll finally be getting some nice weather. And with this nice weather, it should have us all thinking about the upcoming Spring Fellowship at Camp Napawon.

The youth leadership of Lakota Lodge have many goals to obtain and obstacles to overcome this year, so in this springs issue of the Blue Goose, I would like to emphasize three things:

1. Volunteer. There are several position for youth, as well as adults, to join the leadership of our Chapters and our Lodge. We cannot have an efficient and quality Lodge program without your help.
Arrowmen, you are among the very best that Northwest Suburban Council has to offer. The sash that you wear weighs mightily, for it signifies you as a leader among your peers. Take a stand with your Chapter and Lodge Chief and step up to the challenge. Remember, it only takes one to make a difference and you are that one. And most importantly of all……please attend your Chapter meetings!

2. Participate. The Lodge and Chapter leadership have provided you with many events to participate in this year. I know that it will be difficult to make all of them, but try to make as many events as you can. Get out and enjoy the friendship and fellowship of the other members of your lodge. Check out all information and upcoming events dates on the Lakota Lodge website.

3. Brotherhood. Our lodge has taken great pride in having an outstanding Brotherhood conversion rate in the past years and we want that tradition to continue. We need everyone’s help in our drive to achieve that Quality Lodge status for this year. So, if you or any of your Troop members are eligible to complete your Brotherhood, please come to the Lakota Lodge Spring Fellowship and do so. Your Lakota Lodge Brotherhood Chairman will have Lodge members ready and waiting to help your Unit’s current Ordeal members (youth or adult) successfully complete their Brotherhood in a way that is most meaningful and fun.

It is with great honor and pleasure to serve you Arrowmen of Lakota Lodge. I look forward to seeing all of you at this years Spring Fellowship.

Yours in Service and in Brotherhood,
Mike Tangen
Lakota Lodge #175 Adviser

December 2008 Edition
Sunday December 21, 2008 2:38 pm
Seasons Greetings!

The Order of the Arrow is the Honor Society of the BSA! We all know that! Every Arrowman should take pride in the fact that someone felt YOU were deserving of that honor and selected you for membership. Remember though, they selected you because they felt you exemplified the Scout Oath and Laws in your everyday lives and that you were a person who would commit yourself to serving the needs of others. Because you accepted the honor and became a member, you thus accepted a responsibility to serve your Unit, your Community, your Camp, and Scouting in general.

Our membership is actually broken down into two categories…Youth and Adults. It is the
Youth membership’s responsibility to plan and carry out how the service is provided. It is every Adult’s responsibility to act as an Adviser for the youth when they are planning and carrying out that service. There is something for everyone to do if we are to accomplish our goal of providing service. This doesn’t mean that each and every person will be given a title or a position where they make all the decisions, but it does mean that everyone must be involved…whether that includes sitting on one of the many committees involved in planning; attending the Chapter meetings; making sure the youth members have the opportunity to participate in Lodge and Chapter events by providing transportation; acting as a project manager for one of the projects at our camps; or by just helping to carry out the decisions made by the Youth members of the Lodge.

The Lodge depends on your talents, your willingness to participate, and your desire to serve.
The Order of the Arrow isn’t all about being labor force for the Council either. Yes, we do a lot of work at Camps Lakota and Napowan each year, but we also have fun when we gather for our Fellowship activities at the Summer Fellowship. We get to see the enjoyment in the eyes of a bridging Cub Scout when our Chapter Ceremonies Teams participate in an Arrow of Light Ceremony. It is exciting when we watch a Boy Scout patrol complete the fire starter event at the Council Klondike. It is also a lot of fun to attend a National or a Section event where we experience a sense of Brotherhood with scouts not only from our Council, but from across our Nation. Yeah…it can be a lot of fun too.

But to make it work…we need you. Not just to pay your dues each year and wear the Lodge
flap on your right pocket…we need you to participate and be a part of something larger than ourselves as individuals. You can do it…that is why you were selected…someone believed in you.

Yours in service and brotherhood,
Mike Tangen
Lakota lodge #175 Lodge Adviser

“He alone is worthy to wear the Arrow who will continue to serve his fellow man”
-Allowat Sakima

October 2008 Edition
Saturday December 06, 2008 3:19 pm
Greetings Lakota Lodge.

What a busy fall season the Lodge has had. It all started at the beginning of September with the successful Fall Fellowship at Camp Lakota….excellent Fellowship, ceremonies and food were to be had. It was then on to the Section C-3B Conclave at Naval Station Great Lakes. Lakota was the host Lodge for this event and our Lodge had 60 Lodge members attend this event….the most our Lodge has ever had attend a Section Conclave. This too was another weekend filled with good Fellowship, meaningful classes, fun, and this time…..Navy food. Section C-3B elections were held at this event and our past 2 term Lodge Chief Richie Ferolo was elected to the position as Section C-3B Vice Chief….Congrats Richie!

At the end of October was our annual Lakota Lodge Haunted Hike. If you missed this year’s event, well you missed a lot. After a rough start a month prior to the hike (the campground was under 3 to 6 feet of water), we once again had a very successful Haunted Hike.

Words cannot express the gratitude that is owed to each and every one of you who put forth service to the Lakota Lodge Haunted Hike 2008. No matter what part you played or what job you served in, your efforts and work ethic did not, and will not, go unseen. In Lakota Lodge the one is no greater than the whole....we are one Lodge and four excellent Chapters. The team work, brotherhood and cheerful service was awesome....Thank you....Thank you.....Thank you all. You all are the best!

Lastly, I encourage all Lakota Lodge members to become active members of this great Lodge….Lakota Lodge. Please attend your monthly Chapter meetings and the Lakota Lodge LEC Lodge meetings….our Lodge LEC meetings are open to all Lakota Lodge members….you all have a voice. Not sure when and where on the meetings???? Ask your Troop OA Representative, check out the Lakota Lodge website calendar or contact our Lakota Lodge Webmaster or even contact the Council office for meeting times and dates.

Many thanks once again thank you for all your service to our camps and to Lakota Lodge.

Yours in Brotherhood,

Mike Tangen
Lakota Lodge #175 Lodge Adviser

"It is part of a good man to do great and noble deeds, though he risk everything"...Plutarch
"The mind is not a vessel to be filled but a fire to be lighted".....Plutarch

February 2008 Edition
Saturday December 06, 2008 3:14 pm
Opportunities to Get Involved in your Lodge

"He alone is worthy to wear the Arrow who will continue to serve his fellow man.
Allowat Sakima

The Order of the Arrow is only as strong as each individual member chooses to make it in their own lives. Becoming a member of this great and honored Order is synonymous with the development of many new and exciting opportunities for you. Youth and adults alike are always in need. Get Involved! Identify the need- feel the need. Meet the Challenge of the Order, remembering always that the ones who chose you, need you , and that you were so chosen not on the merits of what you have accomplished, but rather for what is expected of you in the future as an Arrowman. For even more ideas than those listed below, contact a lodge officer.

In the Unit...
Go camping with your Troop every month.
Share camping and outdoor skills with Troop Members.
Attend Summer Camp with your unit or be on Camp Staff.
Suggest new outdoor programs.
Serve as your unit’s Order of the Arrow Troop Representative.
Take on leadership roles in unit.
Be a living example of the Scout Oath and Law.

In the Chapter...
Get involved with unit elections, camp promotions, or service.
Volunteer and take on leadership roles such as a Chapter Officer.
Attend and participate in Chapter meetings, events, and program.
Suggest new ways your Chapter can help units or the district.
Join your Chapters Ceremonies Team.
Help staff and plan Chapter event.

In the Lodge...
Attend Lodge activities….One Day of Service, Lodge Leadership Development Seminars, Service on the Rock, Arrow Corp 5 and Winter Banquet.
Help out at Fellowship Weekends…..Spring, Summer and Fall.
Help out with the Lodge’s Annual Haunted Hike.
Take on a Lodge Leadership or Committee position.
Join a lodge operating committee.

In the Nation...
Attend the annual Section Conclave.
Run for a Section Office.
Attend a Section meeting.
Go to the National Leadership Seminar.
Go to the bi-Annual National OA Conference (NOAC).

Mike Tangen
Lakota Lodge #175 Lodge Adviser

December 2007 Edition
Saturday December 06, 2008 3:09 pm
As we come to the years end, the fine young men of Lakota Lodge remind me of a statement by Dr. E Urner Goodman that the Order of the Arrow is a "Thing of the Spirit". At this time of the year we are surrounded by things of the spirit, bringing great joy and happiness through our gifts to others and the gift to reflect and give thanks for the past year. You of the Brotherhood of Cheerful Service have the opportunity to carry this "Thing of the Spirit" in your daily lives all through the year. What better gift for mankind than to give your Cheerful Service?

As you all know throughout the year we as a Lodge tackle many projects and events, so let us remember that one who cheerfully gives his service is truly worthy of wearing the sash of our Brotherhood. Show your cheerful service by supporting your Chapter by attending your Chapter meetings. Also please remember to attend and support our OA Fellowships at Lakota and Napowan, stop by and put forth some "Cheerful Spirit" in support of our awesome camps. And lastly please attend and support the other Lodge events that are available to each and every one of you. Such as...our upcoming Winter Banquet, our Section C-3B Service on the Rock, the highly anticipated Arrow Corp Five, our Lodge Leadership Development seminars and lastly our High Adventure opportunities.

We have much in Lakota Lodge to be thankful for this year especially our youth officers at the Chapter and Lodge level. I thank you all for all your hard work this past year... from the Chiefs to the Committee Chairmen to the Troop Reps you all should be proud of what you have accomplished, excellent job! I would also like to thank our Chapter and Lodge Advisers. Your team effort and dedication to these boys, and this Lodge, is outstanding….thank you all. And lastly, to all of you who are part of this great brotherhood and this great lodge…. I thank you for all your support this past year and look forward to your continued support in 2008. You all make Lakota Lodge the best Lodge in the Order of the Arrow.

Seasons Greetings and Happy New Year!
Mike Tangen
Lakota Lodge Adviser