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