K15 NOAC, Ktemaque Lodge #15

10 brothers from Ktemaque Lodge participated in a week of fun, fellowship, and learning as they attended the National Order of the Arrow Conference in East Lansing, Michigan from July 29-August 3. The temperatures in East Lansing were scorching, with some days hitting temperatures in the high 90s to 100 degrees. Even the high temperatures did not keep the participants from taking advantage of all the activities planned for the national conference. An important aspect of NOAC is the many training cells that contingent members attend during their week. These training cells allow arrowmen the opportunity to learn about new national programs as well as gain new skills that can be used to further the local lodge program. Some of the most interesting sessions involved learning wilderness medicine techniques, trekking, the Vigil Honor, and leadership skills. One of the highlights of the week was attending the Leadership Symposium where members had a chance to discuss leadership styles and goals with nationally renowned leaders. Some of the leaders present included Bradley Haddock, Chairman of the National OA Committee, Admiral Dan McCarthy of the U.S. Navy, and Marcia Newman of the Greenleaf Center for Servant Leadership.

In addition to the insightful training sessions, the Ktemaque lodge contingent had the opportunity to participate in outdoors activities such as the TOAP course, learn about new outdoor equipment at The Experience, or attend “Meet the Man” sessions. A few members of Ktemaque Lodge attended a “Meet the Man” session featuring acclaimed Western artist Gregory Perillo. Mr. Perillo is currently the foremost artist of Native American life and as the official artist for NOAC 2006 he was commissioned to paint the official conference portrait. This portrait titled “The Legend Lives On” was on display at this session. It features Chief Chingachgook and Uncas in front of the Legend on a large animal skin. Also present at this event was Walter Vines, the man who in 1957 painted the original Legend on deerskin. This deerskin was used in ceremonies to assist lodge members in remembering the Legend. Mr. Vines then explained the display of the original Legend which was on hand for the event. The members of Ktemaque Lodge attending this session were impressed with both works of art and found Mr. Perillo to be very honest in conversation and dedicated to his work. During other afternoons, contingent members participated in sporting competitions and continued to cheerfully serve others. On Monday and Tuesday afternoon, members of our contingent participated in Operation Service where arrowmen helped Michigan State University maintain its facilities through performing various maintenance works on campus.

The NOAC festivities continued into the evening as each night featured a different theme show. The shows included speeches by the national officers, the Chief Scout Executive as well as Indian dance and a final theme show. During another show the plans for “Arrow Corps 5” were unveiled. The OA and the United States Forest Service will work together to improve five national forests across the country. These projects will take place at various national forests during the summer of 2008. During the Awards and Recognition show on Sunday, members of Ktemaque Lodge cheered as Thomas Bain, NE-2C Section Adviser received the Distinguished Service Award (DSA). Contingent members were especially inspired by the closing show on Wednesday evening that focused on the struggles that a young man, Brandon, faced while attempting to do the right thing. In the end, the values of cheerful service to others guided him in the right direction. On Thursday August 3, the Ktemaque contingent was exhausted but glad to have been a part of NOAC 2006. Many of us anticipate attending the next NOAC. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to create memories that you will cherish for a lifetime. Hope to see you there!

	Ktemaque Lodge #15 WWW Westchester-Putnam Council, BSA