At the upcoming LEC:
- The upcoming Lodge Leadership Development
- The Lodge Banquet
- Reviewing Haunted Woods
- Picking up T-Shirts
- Food, Fellowship, Fun
- Fabulous prizes
Posted in News |
Do you enjoy writing articles? Do you get excited when you hear the printing of paper? Do you want to get more involved with the Lodge but aren’t sure what you can help with? If you answered “YES!” to any or all of these questions, then you may have a place on the Publications Committee! The Publications Committee is currently looking for anyone who wishes to write Scouting related articles or articles recapping recent OA events! But, these newsletters don’t print themselves! We also need people to help print, fold, and put together future Drumbeats! If you would like to get involved, please contact Joe DiGioia at (856) 630-9189 or by e-mail at publications@hunnikick76.org
Posted in News |
The NE-2A 2008 Conclave was a blast! With over 1/6 of our Lodge representing, the conclave really was a great experience for Lodge 76. After flying in from Newark, (a 3.5 hour flight) we landed in San Juan. We later arrived at our hotel, The Fajardo Inn. When everyone was settled, we went out for dinner and a night-hike at El Yunque. We listened to sounds of the Coqui, a small frog that is the national animal of Puerto Rico. We saw many other animals as well, including parrots, snakes, and tarantulas. After the hike, we saw an authentic Taino Indian Ceremony, and then got to participate in our own Taino dance.
The next day, we went out on the East Wind, a small boat, and went snorkeling and diving in the Atlantic. We all saw many beautiful sites, among them, jellyfish, coral reefs, and a barracuda! At night, we kayaked in a bioluminescent bay. The water actually glowed when we touched it! That ended Lodge 76’s two added-on days without the rest of the section.
On Wednesday, we met up with the rest of the section back at the airport. The rest included Lodges 33, 37, 71, 341, and Lodge 506, which was the Puerto Rican Lodge. Our brothers from the Virgin Islands could not come, unfortunately. Next, we toured Old San Juan, and the best part was the governor’s mansion, which used to be a fort. We then had a pre-conclave party. After that, we went and slept in a basketball stadium named after Roberto Clemente!
On Thursday, we got tours of El Yunque, met the man who started the Order of the Arrow in Puerto Rico, and went on a hike through the El Yunque rainforest. After that we went to Camp Guajataka, where the conclave would be held. Friday was cool, as we went to the Arecibo Observatory, home to the largest satellite dish in the world. Now that’s good television! Actually, it is used for looking at long distance galaxies and stars. Next, we went to ceremonial grounds of the Taino people and saw another Taino Ceremony. Finally, we went back to camp to begin the Conclave.
After the opening ceremony, a new day rose and we started the Conclave. It consisted of little learning segments, activities, and on Sunday, the elections for the new section chief, vice chief and secretary. Our very own Brian Ahrens received Section chief, a Alberto del Valle from Yokahu lodge received vice chief, and Brian Lenz from Japeechen lodge received Section secretary. Congrats to all of them. After that, the conclave finished, and we had a beach party, which everyone loved.
Finally, and to the disappointment of many people, we flew back to NJ. I know I had a blast, and everyone else probably did too. One thing is certain - if you didn’t go to the Puerto Rico Conclave this year, go to the Jersey Shore Council’s Conclave next year! We wont be NE-2A anymore, but you can be apart of the NE-5A’s first Conclave! Have a good rest of the summer!
- Sam Krakower
Posted in Drumbeats |
As an Ordeal member in the Order of the Arrow, your primary responsibility lies with your troop. Your fellow Scouts selected you to Scouting’s National Honor Society, and it is them that you must serve first.
After ten months as an Ordeal member in the Order of the Arrow, an Arrowmen can extend his commitment to the Lodge level by taking the Brotherhood Honor, which serves to strengthen your membership in the OA and reaffirm your belief in its values.
Attaining the Brotherhood Honor is something to be recognized, and shows your commitment to the Order of the Arrow, Hunnikick Lodge, and your fellow Scouts. Getting Brotherhood is not like going through an Ordeal. However, there are things you must do. The requirements for Brotherhood can be found in this issue of the Drumbeat (pg. 7), your OA Handbook, and the Journey to Brotherhood booklet that you should have received in the mail. These things are important aspects of the Order of the Arrow, and a thorough understanding of them will help you attain a higher understanding of the Ordeal.
We will do an overview of the requirements and answer any questions that you may have when you arrive before you are tested. Also, make sure to bring your Class A uniform (including sash) and your OA Handbook. The next opportunities to attain your Brotherhood will be on Saturday Sept. 20th during the Fall Ordeal and Saturday Oct. 26th during Haunted Woods/Oktoberfest.
Take the next step forward in your membership - take the Brotherhood Honor. For questions or information, please contact Paul Monroe, Hunnikick Lodge’s Vice Chief of Inductions, at vci@hunnikick76.org.
Posted in Drumbeats |
Wyoming mountain-scapes. Puerto Rican beaches. Lumberton Farm Fair grounds…Ok, so maybe not all Hunnikick’s activities this summer can be describes as scenic, but they’ve all been exciting.
As summer winds to a close, Hunnikick Lodge will resume regular meetings at 7:30 p.m. on the first Thursday of each month at the Council Service Center. Our first meeting, on September 4th, will give many of you opportunities to share experiences and give you opportunities to become involved in the lodge.
The Lodge Executive Committee Meeting (LEC) is not only serves as our business meeting, but it also allows all members of the lodge to give their input into decisions. Brothers who attend the LEC will also receive the latest news on upcoming events, latest position appointments and opportunities within the lodge or council.
For those brothers looking to get more active in the lodge, we have a multitude of opportunities. Our committees range from Culinary to Ceremonies, from Publications to Historical. All chairmen will be present on Thursday night to answer questions and sign people onto their 08-09 committees. Lodge members who attend LECs will have the first chance to sign up for service projects and special positions during events such as Elangomats, Haunted Woods Staff, and Outdoor Skills Day.
At the conclusion of the September LEC we will also hold a Broken Arrow Ceremony to honor Sean Whitley, a Hunnikick brother, who passed away this summer. A strong attendance would continue to show the lodge’s support for his family.
There are many opportunities at this and future LECs, so the officers would like to invite you to attend as many as possible. Please wear you Class A Uniform and OA sash and arrive at 7 p.m. Our meeting will be started at 7:30 and will conclude by 9. We hope to see you at the September LEC so we can start off the 2008-2009 year with as many brothers and as much enthusiasm possible.
Posted in Drumbeats |
I’m going to be honest with you: I expected to hate ArrowCorps5. I expected to toil endlessly in brutal conditions on the mountain slopes of Wyoming for a week. But, and I’m very pleased to say this, I wound up having one of the greatest times of my life.
ArrowCorps5 was the ambitious brainchild of the United States Forestry Service and the Order of the Arrow. When everything was said and done, ArrowCorps5 would be the largest service project the Scouts had performed since World War II, and the largest volunteer project that the Forestry Service had ever received. When we first heard of the project at NOAC 2006, the number 5 factored prominently into advertising. If you see anyone in one of the free Carolina blue t-shirts with “ArrowCorps5” written on it, take a look:
5 Weeks. 5 Sites. 5000 Arrowmen.
You could tell, even in that early stage, that this would be a serious project. When I went on the trip to Indiana in 2007 for the National Conservation and Leadership Summit, we learned more about the five sites that we were expected to work on the next summer. We were initially going to go to the Virginia project, but time wouldn’t allow: school was still in session when the project began. Faced with the inevitability of flying, the Lodge elected to go full-hog and choose what we were certain could be the grandest site of all: Week 5, at the Bridger-Teton National Forest just outside of Yellowstone. As the different projects were outlined, I remember hoping in the auditorium that we would get the project we would come to know as “Goosewing:” the removal of miles of old fencing that were impeding the migration of animals in one of the most remote parts of the forest. I would get my wish: we would reunite with former Lodge Chief J. Ryan Zambon on the Goosewing range. All throughout the coming year, we were warned of the magnitude of the undertaking. You might get altitude sickness. You might burn in the thin atmosphere. The temperature drops to freezing at night. You’ll be working with barbed wire. You might think that such foreboding warnings would decrease attendance, and you’d probably be right. The eternal optimist would argue that those left would be the best of the best, the ones most well-suited to the ultimate test of the OA Prime Directive: cheerful service. The eternal optimist would also be right.
When it came time for check-in at Council, we had seventeen Arrowmen who would spend a week working for the benefit of our environment and the betterment of themselves. I’ve spent a long time with the Boy Scouts, and I’ve worked with some of the most remarkable teams that one could ever conceive of. And I can say, safely, that these seventeen were some of the hardest working people I’ve ever known in my life.
We spent the next day in transit from Philadelphia to Denver to the tiny town of Jackson Hole that would be the base of operations for the entire Bridger-Teton project. Those who would work locally on a mountain biking trail would be based out of Jackson Hole High School, eating meals in the cafeteria and camping on the lawn.
We, on the other hand, spent less than two days in Jackson Hole before shipping out to the wilderness. The first thing, I’m sure, that we all noticed was the spectacular view. One of the big talking points of the Goosewing site was the view, and I know I worried that they might be over-hyping it. Believe me: they hadn’t, and I don’t know that one could possibly explain the sheer beauty of our worksite. Tell you what: there are pictures up in the Hunnikick Group on Facebook, and even those can’t really do justice to the unimaginable majesty of the whole area. But give them a look anyway.
Anyway, Sunday served as our orientation to the Goosewing campsite, and we would start working the next day. The Forest Service expected that we would take four days to finish the exclosure fencing, and kept some additional fencing in reserve just in case we go done a little ahead of schedule.
Well, at about lunchtime on Monday, a problem arose: the fence was down. There was, almost literally, nothing left for us to take down. In a quarter of the time expected, we had completely demolished the Goosewing project. The dedication of the workers, your Brothers in Hunnikick serving proudly with them, was frightening. No matter the heat, no matter the slope, no matter the weight of the fencing, we soldiered onward unrelentingly. The work was more rewarding than I would have thought possible: it was great to know that we were doing such a service to the wildlife of the area.
We were told by Ryan Zambon that the Forest Service was in a panic. There was simply no way that we could have done what we did in just one day. Ryan was worried that we had spent all of our energy that first day, but he realized that wasn’t the case: flush with success, we were even more enthused to get back to work tomorrow. Our schedule for the week wound up looking like this:
Monday: finished exclosure fencing (expected to last until Thursday)
Tuesday: finished range fencing (this was the overflow project)
Wednesday: helped the Gros Ventre work site finish their projects
Come Thursday, there was nothing left for the Forest Service to give us but handshakes. We packed up and headed back to Jackson Hole. Friday was our day of recreation, and I elected to go on the tour of the Yellowstone National Park, and despite, or perhaps owing to, the eccentricity of bus driver Buffalo Dover, had a great time. I think that, in some ways, on Saturday we were sad to leave Jackson Hole behind. But, a day after we left, we had to get ready for the next part of our journey, to the Section Conclave in Puerto Rico.
We learned during the week that Bridger-Teton was the only worksite to fulfill the lofty goal of 1000 Arrowmen. That’s not a surprise: again, I was expecting to have a terrible time. But I’m certain that every Arrowman who participated will bring back the stories of their wondrous adventures, and make next time even better.
That’s right: there will be a next time. Whenever the OA next collaborates with the Forest Service, I advise you strongly to participate. Whatever your misgivings, please make sure you go, you’ll regret it if you don’t. After all, you’d be passing up on one of the greatest experiences of a lifetime.
- Justin Dilks,
Camp Promotions Chairman
Posted in News |
My Brothers,
I’d be lying if I called this summer anything but exhausting. After a two-week marathon of Order of the Arrow events, I’m ready for a two-week nap. Although the past weeks have indeed been challenging, they has also been the most rewarding and inspiring experiences of my life. ArrowCorps5 and Conclave 2008 have exemplified the three principles of our order: brotherhood, cheerfulness, and service.
At the 2008 Conclave in Puerto Rico, I saw how incredibly strong the ties of brotherhood are in our Order. Arrowmen who live far away from each other, and have never met before had the opportunity talk, trade patches, and experience the magic and beauty of Puerto Rico together. The amazing thing about the Conclave was that we were 1300 miles from home, and yet we were not surrounded by strangers, on the contrary, we were surrounded by our brothers.
ArrowCorps5 was a remarkable event because it truly crystallized the spirit of cheerful service. Over a thousand Arrowmen from across the country came together to work tirelessly to better the Bridger-Teton National Forest. After every day of demanding work, everyone from our project site would come together, excited for what work would come the next day. I don’t think there’s any other group of people that could be that sleep-deprived, yet still be as cheerful, excited, and hard-working as the Arrowmen from the Bridger-Teton Goosewing site. Seeing such an incredible attitude and spirit of cheerful service truly makes me proud to be called a member of the Order of the Arrow.
This summer has also made me proud to call myself a member of Hunnikick Lodge. Our lodge sent more than twenty times as many people to ArrowCorps5 than any other lodge in the section. We also sent over a sixth of our lodge to conclave, another a feat not accomplished by any other lodge. Our record-breaking attendance at conclave leaves me thrilled about this upcoming year.
Your four Vice Chiefs and I have been hard at work this summer, not only planning for ArrowCorps5 and Conclave, but also for the upcoming year for Hunnikick Lodge. I am extremely excited for this upcoming year, and I hope that you are too!
Change is in the air, and I hope you’re ready for it. We have new officers, new chairmen, and big plans for the upcoming year. The Lodge Executive Committee (LEC) is changing, and we will be looking to make some amendments to the Lodge Standing Policy at the September LEC meeting. If you want to get involved, and I highly recommend you do, come on out to an LEC meeting.
At my first LEC meeting, Michael Youngkin, then the new Lodge Chief, announced to everyone in the room that one of the Arrowmen the lodge had just inducted would someday be chief. Although I’m still utterly shocked that Arrowman turned out to be me, as I’m sure most of you also are, Mike was nevertheless correct with his prediction, which truly shows the importance of the Ordeal. As an Elangomat, you have the opportunity to make a lasting impression on several young Arrowmen, just as Brian Ahrens and Nick McCloskey did as my Elangomats. Being an Elangomat is one of the most rewarding experiences, and I strongly believe that everyone should try it at least once.
In closing, I would just like to say how energized I am to be your new Lodge Chief, and I look forward to seeing you sometime this year.
Yours in the Wimachtendienk,
William B. Goehrig
Lodge Chief
Posted in Drumbeats |
This year’s farm fair was a great success. Hundreds of volunteers showed up to help out with the Council’s largest fundraiser of the year. Many of our brothers showed up to help with this event, as well as other scouts from with the council, including all of our professional staff. Unfortunately, some of our brothers were not able to help because they were on their way to ArrowCorps5 or were at their respective scout camps. Anyone who went is much thanked from all of the staff and volunteers at council. Overall, helping out at Farm Fair, whether volunteering at the main building, the pizza, lemonade or satellite stands, helping at the recruitment/popcorn area, or helping out with restocking any of these places, was a good time and very helpful for all of our council. .
- John Adam Turcich,
Vice Chief of Administration
Posted in News |
It’s that time of the year when Arrowmen and Cub Scouts join forces to help refill Hunnikick’s coffers— Haunted Woods, our largest fundraiser of the year. On the weekend of October 24th—26th, Pine Tree will be transformed into a wild west-themed spook fest and we need your help!
Arrowmen are needed to cook, run skits, serve as trail guides, and greet the hundreds of Cubs and their families who are brave enough to visit. If you are interested in helping, please contact Nick Nowak, Vice Chief of Program at vcp@hunnikick76.org .
In between set up and a night of chills and thrills, Oktoberfest is the highlight, with sleeping, football, a keg of birch beer, and more fun activities! You can pass the day relaxing, or spend extra time to make your skit that much scarier. Actually, we hope you do a bit of both!
We also need help on October 19th at (insert time here) for Haunted Woods prep day. Please come out and help make one of our most dynamic events a success!
Posted in Drumbeats |
From September 19-21 Hunnikick will host our 2008 Fall Ordeal at Pine Tree. As always, the main purpose is to induct new members into our lodge from the candidates elected from within the council’s troops.
I can assure our newer Arrowmen that Ordeals are much more than administering the four tests to the candidates. Throughout the weekend you will have chances to meet with your brothers, make a lasting impression on the camp through service projects, and celebrate the addition of new members with a feast and Hunni-palooza. Above all, you will have the reward of knowing that you worked alongside your fellow Arrowmen to transform candidates into brothers.
Ordeals constantly serve as a rededication for us as well. We may sleep on bunks instead of the ground, and eat pretty well, but in many ways we still participate in the Ordeal tests for the sake of our soon-to-be brothers and to better ourselves. Even if you’ve attended countless Ordeals, the one this September could reach you differently than all the previous ones.
There are many ways you can help at the Fall Ordeal. I would encourage any Arrowmen who haven’t already done so to consider serving as an Elangomat. It’s a rewarding experience that allows you to directly influence a clan of candidates as they transition from scout to honor camper. Many brothers in our lodge have volunteered multiple times for the experience. Those who choose to serve as Elangomats will receive free admission for the weekend as well as a t-shirt recognizing them for their service.
Though often overlooked, Service Foremen also serve in an important role during the Ordeal. They work with the Service Chairman in leading the clans in their projects on Saturday.
Other committees are sure to be looking for addition members to help them throughout the weekend including the Culinary, Ceremonies, Chaplaincy, and Properties Committees.
If you are able to make the weekend, please fill out the blue registration form in this Drumbeat and return it to the council office by September 12. If you are unavailable for part of the weekend, make an effort to come out for some portion. If you have any questions please contact me at vci@hunnikick76.org. See you at Pine Tree!
- Paul Monroe,
Vice Chief of Inductions
Posted in Drumbeats |