2023 was a year to remember for the Order of the Arrow; full of engaging programs for our section and lodges.
At the beginning of the year, the Council of Chiefs (COC) started planning for the 2023 conclave. In the early months, each lodge held events for their members from Tsisqan Workshop Weekend and Service Weekend, Lo La’Qam Geela Spring Fellowship, and Wauna La-Mon’tay Inductions and Ceremonies Conference. Inductions for all of the lodges were held in the spring to welcome new members into the Order.
For many Scouts and Scouters, the highlight of the summer was none other than the 2023 National Jamboree at the Summit Bechtel Reserve. This year the Order of the Arrow had a presence at the Jamboree through Operation Arrow where Arrowmen from across the country spent their time serving the Jamboree through service corps and the OA’s Summit Apex program. All Jamboree participants got to experience a full day of the program at Summit Apex, participating in activities and being served dinner. The evening of Summit Apex brought the Apex Rally where participants learned how to share Scouting stories. To top it all off, a concert from AY Young, an Eagle Scout and rapper.
After months of hard work and planning by the COC, the section put on conclave in early September which was hosted by Lo La’Qam Geela Lodge at Rogue Community College. Over 300 Arrowmen gathered for a weekend full of fun and fellowship. Excitement for this event was present with everybody. In attendance was the 2023 Gateway Region Chief Michael Whitford. The theme for conclave was “That ’80s Conclave” with a Friday night DJ party to kick off the event. A highlight was the conclave app that provided participants with a live guide to ensure they had the best conclave experience they could get. During the Saturday evening show, the section presented the Arrow of Honor to two very deserving youth; Jack Lewy and Mason Lewallen. The new section officers were sworn in to lead our section for the 2024 year as they work alongside the COC to plan for conclave at Camp Baker September 6-8 hosted by Tsisqan Lodge.
In the fall season, all lodges had their fall fellowships where they elected their new lodge officers and our section officers traveled to Chicago for the Section Officer Seminar (SOS) to learn how to better support our lodges and section.
With a year full of amazing accomplishments and meaningful programs, our section and lodges have accomplished many great achievements and more is yet to come as we look forward to 2024.