Arrowmen,
Now that we have celebrated the first one hundred years of Scouting, I’d like you to think about where we should go in the next one hundred years. Much as the leaders of the organization back then considered a direction and purpose for our organization that still rings true today, it is our job to craft the mission of Boy Scouts of America and the Order of the Arrow for the century to come.
But you don’t need to write eloquent statements of purpose to be a part of the mission of the movement. All you need to do is get involved. Opportunities in our Order are everywhere.
Our National High Adventure programs for 2011 are one of the best ways to participate in the core of the OA: servant leadership in the outdoors. The programs are life-changing opportunities—I know this, because I participated in the OA Wilderness Voyage program at Northern Tier. You could not possibly have a less expensive, more rewarding camping experience. Sign up soon, because spots fill up quickly: http://adventure.oa-bsa.org/.
For another opportunity to be a servant leader in the outdoors, consider attending SummitCorps—The New River Experience. The program will be at the future permanent National Jamboree site in West Virginia, and, after the amazing time I had at ArrowCorps5, I can’t wait for SummitCorps. If you missed the opportunity to attend ArrowCorps5 or want to re-live the amazing experience you had, sign up for SummitCorps.
Or, if American Indian activities interest you (and I’d imagine they do, since our Section has some of the best dance, drum, and ceremonies groups in the country), attend the 2011 Indian Summer. This is a rare event—the last one was in 2003—where the best dancers, singers, and ceremonialists from around the country gather to perform, learn, and celebrate their arts. For more information about SummitCorps or Indian Summer, go to http://event.oa-bsa.org/.
Finally, our Section leadership team has begun planning for the 2011 Lone Star Fellowship. If you are interested in serving on the planning staff for the event, talk to your lodge chief and let him know that you are interested.
Thank you for your continued support of your lodge and our Section.
Jonathan Hillis
Section SR 2-3 S Chief