2019 has been a busy and successful year for Order of the Arrow Talidandaganu’ Lodge 293. We are pleased to report the following accomplishments in 2019:
- In January, we held our annual Winter Banquet at the Aim Center in downtown Chattanooga with more than 100 Arrowmen in attendance. The 2018 Vigil Honor class was recognized and two deserving members, Jordan Broadwell and past Lodge Adviser Amanda Smith were awarded the distinction of the Founder’s Award for continued and devoted service to the Lodge.
- In February, the new Lodge officers participated in the Lodge Leadership Development course held at the annual University of Scouting. Members of the Lodge’s Service Corps also provided logistical support for the University of Scouting event throughout the day.
- In March, the Lodge’s chapters conducted callout ceremonies and hosted member socials at the spring District camporees. Additionally, members of the Lodge Service Corps served meals during the Wood Badge course’s weekend 1.
- In April, 27 members of the Lodge traveled to Camp Mack Morris in Kentucky for the annual Southern Region 6 annual conclave. The Lodge came home with the first place trophy in Ceremonies and the overall win of the Quest for the Golden Arrow event.
- In May, the Lodge Service Corps once again cheerfully served during the annual Memorial Day Flag Placement event providing parking assistance, traffic control, and refreshments distribution throughout the day. May also saw the Lodge host its annual Spring Ordeal induction weekend at Skymont where 31 new members were welcomed into our ranks. The primary service project completed during the Spring Ordeal was the erecting of tents in preparation for summer camp.
- During the summer months, Lodge members stayed busy serving in a variety of camp staff positions at Skymont as well as volunteering to staff at all three of the District Twilight camps.
- In September, history was made at the annual Fall Ordeal with 27 new members being inducted including the first female youth members in the Lodge’s 62-year existence. Six members also received the Vigil Honor. Major projects included clearing and chipping dead trees, brush removal, Adirondack shelter construction for placement in various campsites, latrine repairs, and berm work at the rifle range.
- In October, the Service Corps was once again called to action by preparing and serving more than 1200 meals during the three weekends of the Council’s annual Cub & Partner events.
In the coming months, Lodge members will continue to help plan next year’s council-wide Camperall taking an integral role in the logistics support for the event. This training will springboard the Lodge’s preparation and planning for the 2021 Conclave that we will host at Skymont.
Additionally, youth and adult members continue to register and prepare for the 2020 National Order of the Arrow Conference that will be held at Michigan State University next summer.
Talidandaganu’ Lodge members continue to cheerfully serve at every level of Scouting including on camp staff, District Committees, and Council committees, as well as in Section 6 and Southern Region positions. We’re proud of our legacy of service to Skymont and the Cherokee Area Council. We look forward to and relish the opportunity to continue to serve whenever and wherever needed.
