Smoke Signals From the Chief

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Dear Brothers,
Every year, when I see the new members experiencing the Ordeal for the first time, I can't help but remember my own induction. It seems like a lifetime ago, but one line from the ceremony has always resonated with me: "Ourselves forgetting, let us catch the higher vision." In my experiences, I have worked with people who were leaders for various reasons—the power, the title, the respect, the perks, and more—but those leaders whom I consider my biggest inspirations were those who exemplified servant leadership. 

Servant leadership means that you are putting the needs of those you lead over the needs of yourself. It means you are looking into the future and working for the long-term dream instead of short-term satisfaction. It means being optimistic in the face of problems, putting in the extra effort, and daring to try something new. It is a quality that I believe the OA has given me, and, for those of you who have just completed your Ordeal, it is a quality that I hope I can model in my leadership of the lodge and pass on to you.

WWW,
Ryan Prestil

The Chief's Thoughts on Spring Conference

It my distinct pleasure to welcome the 101 new Arrowmen and 42 new Brotherhood members to Takoda Lodge. It was a fantastic weekend (with amazing weather!) and the service that we provided to EBSR has a truly immense impact. I'd like to give a huge thank you to all who helped make Takoda's spring events come to fruition—they could not have happened without your help!

It has been a hectic, but very satisfying, Spring. I look forward to serving the Lodge as the Chief for the upcoming fall, and it is exciting to see the next generation of emerging leaders begin to take more and more ownership of our Lodge. It is also my pleasure to begin serving Takoda and the Section as the C7 Secretary. I hope you all have a fantastic summer, and I hope to see you all again at Fall Conference.    -Ryan Prestil, 2013 Lodge Chief

So...now what?

You just went through your Ordeal, and you don't know what to do from here? For all of the new members, like what was said just before the final ceremony, there is absolutely nothing stopping you from getting involved in all areas of the Lodge. We encourage you to explore all of the opportunities present in the OA. However, we realize such a complex organization takes a while to fully understand, so we have one simple request: attend chapter events. They are organized with you in mind, on a more local level, and will allow you to figure out where your interests lie. This is your charge—your "weighty responsibility"—that we ask you to fulfill.

Baraboo Circus Heritage

The Baraboo Circus Heritage Camporee is May 17-19, 2013 at the Baraboo Fairgrounds. While it's great if you're going with your troop, the OA will be running several activities and games throughout the day as well as having our own separate campsite. We will also be able to fully enjoy the camporee after the games are over with. If you're interested in hanging out with some of the most awesome Arrowmen around, performing cheerful, fun service for our council, and attending the Baraboo Camporee in general, this is a fantastic opportunity. Cost is approx $15.00 per person, and arrive by 5:00 Friday night. (If spending the weekend with the Lodge). For more information contact the Vice Chief of Events. 

Have you renewed your Dues yet?

Remember, it's time to renew your commitment to Takoda Lodge. Your dues help the lodge to provide service to our youth, troops and council. Dues are calendar year (Jan 1-Dec 31, 2013). Dues can be paid at either Scout Office or online. You can also consider becoming a Phoenix Member. For one fee, you can pay for your dues & Lodge events (2013 spring & fall conferences), and contribute to the Lodge capital development fund for the council’s three camps:  Camp Indian Trails, Ed Bryant Scout Reservation and Woodman Center. The development fund is for major projects at our camps.  Phoenix members will also be mailed a specially designed patch. Membership is non-transferable. Click Here to become a Phoenix Member

Hey, new Brotherhoods!

For those of you who have continued their journey with brotherhood, ask yourself one question: "How can I give back?" Those who chose you truly do need you, and your experiences are a valuable asset to any situation. Perhaps you can get involved on the Lodge level, serve as Chapter leadership, or assist with elections and crossover ceremonies. Opportunities exist everywhere, so don't be afraid to dive in head-first. You will be contacted regarding the interests you expressed during your interview, and we encourage you to join a Lodge Committee. Your understanding of the values of the OA is also valuable in service to your units—the importance of which cannot be stressed enough. The charge of Brotherhood is to consider your role in this organization as well as embody its tenets as you go forth.