Lakota Lodge 175 .:Northwest Suburban Council:. (Adviser's Blog)

February 2008 Edition

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

Advisers Minute (or Two)

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