"The Order of the Arrow is a 'thing of the spirit' rather than of mechanics. Organization, operational procedure, and paraphernalia are necessary in any large and growing movement, but they are not what count in the end. The things of the spirit count: Brotherhood, in a day when there is too much hatred at home and abroad; Cheerfulness, in a day when the pessimists have the floor; Service, in a day when millions are interested only in getting or grasping rather than giving."  E. Urner Goodman

    

February LEC Date Change: Now 2/18 (Saturday) As Part of LLDC Training...

Founders Awards Highlight Annual Winter Dinner

For the third year, Illinek Lodge celebrated it's most recent year of service with a formal dinner at the American Legion Hall in Chatham on January 21st. Over 50 Arrowmen and guests enjoyed a catered dinner, along with a great time to relax and enjoy the company.

Special guests were our Section C3B officers, Chief Mike Gray and Vice Chief Stuart Krull. Chief Gray brought us up to date on the plans for the Section C3B conclave later this year, as well as this summers NOAC, and the opportunities for OA service at the 2013 National Scout Jamboree.

Those inducted to this past year to the Ordeal, Brotherhood and Vigil were recognized. The entire lodge was also recognized for it's outstanding level of volunteer service.

But the highlight of the evening was the announcement of this year's Founders Award recipients. Receiving this distinct honor were long time advisor Robert "Bob" Smith and past Lodge Chief Colin Langenfeld. Congratulations to these brothers!

2011 is Record Year for Service in Illinek Lodge

Illinek Lodge has a long history of service to our communities and our council dating back almost 73 years. So it is no surprise that 2011 was another VERY busy year for service. But even by Illinek standards, 2011 is remarkable. In fact, we set a lodge record for service recorded - 4741 hours spent by members serving others! That is an average of over 17 hours per member of the lodge; an increase of 49% over our highest previous year. A conservative model suggested by the National Park Service for the value of volunteer service equates those hours of service to a value of $94,620! In addition, we invested another $2258 in camp improvements for Camp Illinek and Camp Bunn.

For example, we have completed the extension of power to the Camp Bunn firebowl for lighting. We collected and retired 2440 US flags. We built built 30' of foot bridge and 75' of breakwater to control errosion at Camp Illinek. Four Arrowmen served on three of the OA High Adventure service crews and nine others took part in the first week of SummitCorps! We also served in support of several council events and hosted 124 Webelos at Webelos Woods.

Congratulations and thank you to each and every member for making 2011 a record year. Rest up now. 2012 is just around the corner!

Illinek Lodge "Challenge Coins" Available

We now have something cool just for Illinek Lodge members - Special "Challenge Coins"! These coins measure 1.5" and are made of heavy brass with the OA logo on one side and our Illinek Bustle logo on the other in color. These are a great reminder of what WWW really means that you can carry with you wherever you go. They are a great gift to a fellow Arrowman who you want to recognize for outstanding selflessness in their daily life as a Scout. The coins are available at any Lodge event or in the Scout Shop for only $6.00.

ATTENTION: Those Completing Brotherhood at Camp Bunn in 2010

Did you complete the Brotherhood at Camp Bunn in 2010? If so we need you to contact us. Records for the second, third and fourth weeks of camp were accidentially destroyed. So that we can properly record your completion of the Brotherhood, we need you to email your name and the date you completed the Brotherhood as soon as possible. The email is brotherhood132@comcast.net. Thanks!

December 2011 - February 2012 National OA Bulletin

The December 2011 - January 2012 issue of the National Order of the Arrow Bulletin is now available online. Check out what is going on around the country in the Brotherhood of Cheerful Service. (Click logo at left.)

2011-2012 Illinek Lodge Officers

The following Arrowmen are your lodge officers for the 2011 - 2012 year which ends August 31, 2012.