By Sandy Edie
Congratulations to Ethan Stilson, Taliesan Cox, and Aaron Edie. Ethan and Tali became some of the newest members of scouting’s Order of the Arrow in the Mahng Chapter, while Aaron, along with his dad, Dave Edie, attained brotherhood status.
The three scouts braved the wind and rain this past weekend at Camp Hiawatha, providing service at the camp as part of their mission. The Order of the Arrow is the honor society chartered by the Boy Scouts of America.
Founded in 1915 on the principles of brotherhood, cheerfulness, and service, the order recognizes those campers that best exemplify the Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives and by such recognition, causes others to conduct themselves in such a manner and warrant similar recognition.
The Order of the Arrow seeks to promote camping and to crystallize the habit of helpfulness as a life purpose. Candidates for the Order of the Arrow are chosen not only for what they have done, but also what they are expected to do in serving others.
Scouts must have attained the rank of first class and completed at least 21 nights of scout-sanctioned camping, only seven of which can be consecutive. Candidates must then be elected by fellow Troop members before they are eligible to complete the Ordeal – a 24 hour period of self-reflection about the journey through scouting and how to better serve others. They sleep under the stars the first night then awake to perform service at the camp while receiving scant food the next day.
Some of the projects this weekend included building and improving trails at the camp, improving the boathouse and swimming area, and maintenance and improvement of campsites. The day concludes with an Ordeal feast and welcoming ceremony. Advancement to brotherhood includes not only service, but demonstrating a knowledge of the ideals, history, and workings of the organization.
The scouts are now part of the Kon Wapos Lodge, joining local scout leaders Dave Edie (Brotherhood) and Chris Cox (Vigil), and scouts from across the UP to help provide a better camp experience for all scouts.
