Jason, the hero of Ancient Greece, sought a very valuable prize - the Golden Fleece. In order to obtain the prize he had to overcome many challenging obstacles including a dragon that didn't sleep. There are many valuable prizes that are awarded in the scouting organization that come only after overcoming challenging obstacles such as the Eagle Scout award and becoming a member of the Order of the Arrow. To be a member of the OA, a scout must be chosen by his troop then he must attend an Ordeal. The Ordeal, a challenging 24 hours spent in service and quiet contemplation. Many boys did Ordeals at scout camp over the summer and they received the valuable prize of a white sash with a red arrow. If you know a scout who earned this please take a moment to congratulate him. Many other boys were elected by their troops to join the OA but haven't attended an Ordeal. There will be two opportunities to attend Ordeals this fall, one in September and one in October. If you have a boy who needs to attend an Ordeal have him go to the lodge website at www.elkutalodge.com for more information.
So your scout has earned the prize of a nice shining sash now what? The OA monthly activity is on the same night as roundtable and at the same location. Invite the members of your unit who are arrowmen to come with you to roundtable so they can attend their chapter activity. Also, make one of the arrowmen in your troop a Troop OA Representative. This is a leadership position in scouting that counts towards rank advancement. This person's responsibilities include attending the monthly chapter activities and keeping his fellow arrowmen informed of upcoming OA activities and to encourage attendance at these activities.
If you'd like the boys of your troop to have the opportunity to be elected to the OA please contact me to set up an appointment.
The OA sash is a valuable prize. But hopefully by being a member of the Order of the Arrow they will earn the bigger prize of learning the life changing habit of being cheerful in service.
Yours in brotherhood,
Mark Kirkham
OA Chapter Advisor
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