Order of the Arrow at Summer Camp was an amazing experience for many at our camps from Saukenauk Scout Reservation the home of Black Hawk Lodge to the home of Anpetu-We Lodge at Camp Lewallen. Many got to see the amazing callout ceremonies hosted by our lodges and enjoy some of the greatest aspects of the OA. The greatest moments at summer camp was the way each lodge incorporated the OA in their camp’s program. Not only that but how many of our other lodges visited other camps just to see their callouts. Anpetu-We and Shawnee demonstrated this well as both of their camps were visited by each other in the spirit of what the OA is really about. For many OA at summer camp is something they look forward to every year. This is what our Section Vice Chief Neil Maxwell had to say about his time with the OA this summer.
“Over the summer, there were so many fun opportunities for Order of the Arrow members! Shawnee Lodge hosted a Summer Camp Kick-Off service project at S-F where they helped prepare the Ranch for hundreds of Scouts to enjoy. At Camp Gamble and Famous Eagle, we offered a fun OA Overnight at the Shawnee Lodge Adirondacks. Scouts had the opportunity to get to know each other and talk to Lodge Officers. I was able to be there as the Pontoon Boat Driver, and it was always so fun talking to Scouts and sharing about the OA and events in Shawnee Lodge and Section G7. We also had so many enthusiastic troops that were willing to help with a bunch of service projects around camp, and the work that they did really helped to make Camp Gamble better for many years to come. I also was able to meet so many of the new candidates every week, and they are all very excited to learn more about the OA.”
OA provides many great opportunities at summer camp. If you didn’t participate or know summer who didn’t participate with the OA programs at camp then I strongly encourage you to participate next year. You will truly have a great time and experience amazing events no matter what camp you go to. I encourage every Arrowman to find some way to participate in the OA events whether it be for service, ceremonies, or even socials; the only way to truly get the best of the OA at summer camp is by finding new ways to go outside of your comfort zone.