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Learning to be a good steward of resources and teaching service to others are lessons found throughout the Boy Scouts of America programs. They are central to the Order of the Arrow (O.A.), Scouting's national honor society that promotes outdoor programs and service to Scouting.
The Greater St. Louis Area Council has two O.A. Lodges--Anpetu-We and Shawnee Lodges. Both held fall events on Sept. 7-9 at Camp Lewallen and the S bar F Scout Ranch. Thousands of Scouts and leaders attended. Hundreds who were elected into the O.A. during summer camp completed their induction into the organization. Hundreds more sealed their membership in the O.A. by earning the Brotherhood Honor.
Members of our O.A. Lodges contribute hundreds of thousands of hours of service to our council's camps and programs each year. During last weekend's events, new members completed various service projects as part of their induction. They were joined by hundreds of other O.A. members who participated in service projects to maintain or enhance our camps.
One of the projects was clearing foilage around the low-water bridge near the Swift Base at S bar F and moving tons of rock to prevent erosion. Dozens of Scouts and leaders worked together on similar projects.
Do you remember a service project you participated in that was challenging and continues to help others today? If you're an O.A. member, do you recall the service project you completed for your Ordeal membership in the O.A.? If you just completed your Ordeal membership, can you share what the experience mean to you?
All are welcome to leave a comment below and join our conversation on service and giving back to the Scouting program.
Above, a Scout looks at tons of rock that O.A. members placed on the sides of
the low-water bridge near Swift Base at the S bar F Scout Ranch on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2012. |
