Dear Brothers of Wagion Lodge #6,
The following is an explanation and tentative schedule of events for a Community Day at the Westmoreland-Fayette Counties Boy Scouts of America Council Service Center. Please begin advertising this to your troops, packs, churches, and communities. This should be an exciting day for all.
Order of the Arrow Community Day
June 27, 2015
12:00pm-2:00pm
Westmoreland-Fayette Boy Scout Council Office
2 Garden Center Drive, Greensburg, PA 15601
Tentative Schedule of Events
12:00 pm: The Raising of the Colors
Wagion Lodge #6 Color Guard
The day’s event will officially begin with the raising of the flags of the United States of America and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. This action will be performed by the Wagion Lodge #6 Color Guard, consisting of the officers of Wagion Lodge #6 of the Order of the Arrow of the Boy Scouts of America. These members include Aaron Coffman, Michael Conroy, Nik Miller, and Conor Lydic.
12:05 pm: Welcome from Lodge Chief of Wagion Lodge #6
Caleb Maddas
The Order of the Arrow is the National Honor Society of Boy Scouting, honoring youth and adult Scouts that best exemplify with integrity in their lives the Scout Spirit, Scout Oath, and Scout Laws. Additionally, the Order of the Arrow is a youth operated organization, as much of Boy Scouting is structured, meaning youth run all the workings of the association much like a business. The organization is divided into small chapters called lodges. There is a head of the Executive Committee and entire lodge called a Chief. Lodge Officers in the form of two Vice Chiefs, a Secretary, and a Treasurer report to him. Subsequent Chairman for various committees report to the Lodge Officers.
At this time, the Lodge Chief, Mr. Caleb Maddas, will welcome everyone to the event, offer a brief overview of the schedule of events, and say a few brief words in regards to the service the Order of the Arrow has given to Scouting and the community for the past 100 years.
12:10 pm: Message from Lodge Adviser of Wagion Lodge #6
- Richard Hager
The Order of the Arrow began in 1915 under the direction of founder, E. Urner Goodman and Carroll A. Edson, in Philadelphia with the Unami Lodge. Much of the traditions of the Order of the Arrow originate from the Lenni Lenape Delaware Indian tribe. The local lodge for the Westmoreland and Fayette Counties is Wagion Lodge #6. Wagion means in Native American Lenni Lenape language “Thunderbird,” which serves as a totem or mascot for the lodge, and #6 notes that it is the sixth lodge to be formed in history. Wagion Lodge #6 has functioned for 94 years, making it the second oldest lodge in the nation.
While operating as a youth organization, adult leaders play a crucial role in the administrative process of the Order of the Arrow. Adult Advisers offer guidance and consultation to all youth in leadership positions. The Lodge Adviser is the head adult Adviser, counseling the Lodge Chief and entire lodge on all matters.
At this time, the Lodge Adviser, Mr. J. Richard Hager, will say a few brief words in regards to the rich history, values, cheerful nature, and brotherhood within the Order of the Arrow.
12:15 pm: Message from Scout Executive of Westmoreland-Fayette Boy Scout Council
Martin Barbie
The Boy Scouts of America is an organization run by volunteers, however the day-to-day administration is performed by a staff of professional Scouters. The organization has professional staffing at every level: district, council, regional and national. Scout executives are the chief executive officers of the local councils, acting also as spokesman and corporate secretary for the local council.
At this time, the Scout Executive, Mr. Martin Barbie, will say a few brief words in regards to the Order of the Arrow’s contribution to the Scouting Program and the Scouting Program’s contribution to youth development. As well, he will be introducing the guests of today’s event, the elected officials and dignitaries of the area.
12:20 pm: Proclamation Presentation from Pennsylvania State Government
Officials’ Names
The Boy Scouts of America has always been blessed by a great support from its local government and communities. At this time, the guest elected officials and dignitaries will present Wagion Lodge #6 with a proclamation to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Order of the Arrow.
12:30 pm: Closing from Centennial Celebration Committee Chairman of Wagion Lodge #6
Andrew T. M. Colebank
For the Centennial of the Order of the Arrow, a chairman was appointed to coordinate all special events that would be held in honor of the anniversary. At this time, Mr. Andrew T. M. Colebank will close the formal event by thanking all who contributed to the event and all in attendance. Lastly, he will initiate the singing of the Lodge Song.
12:35 pm: Singing of the Wagion Lodge Song
Each lodge of the Order of the Arrow has a song or chant that uniquely represents their Spirit. All in attendance are encouraged to join in singing the Wagion Lodge Song to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Order of the Arrow.
12:40-1:00 pm: Refreshments and Activities
Light refreshments, presentations, and activities will be offered for all in attendance for their enjoyment.
1:00 pm: Native American Drum and Dance Performance
Wagion Lodge #6 Drum and Dance Team
The Order of the Arrow has an interesting heritage of Native American lore. Because of this relationship, the Order of the Arrow hosts Native American Drum Teams and Dance Teams that perform styles that reflect of the Delaware Lenni Lenape Tribe. At this time, the Wagion Lodge #6 Drum and Dance Teams will perform a few selections. Commentary will be added to each segment of the performance for the audience’s information by Mrs. Darcia Kifer.
1:30 pm Native American Ceremonies Performance
Wagion Lodge #6 Ceremonies Team
The Order of the Arrow also incorporates Native American lore to its many secret ceremonies for various events happening within the lodge. These ceremonies hold symbolic concepts connected to the Scouting Spirit, guiding a member through different stages in his or her membership in the Order of the Arrow. At this time, the Wagion Lodge #6 Ceremonies Team will perform a few selections. Commentary will be added to each segment of the performance for the audience’s information by Mrs. Darcia Kifer.
2:00 pm: Farewell from Centennial Celebration Committee Chairman of Wagion Lodge #6
Andrew T. M. Colebank
Mr. Andrew T. M. Colebank will offer one final gratitude for the day and goodbye, wishing all a very, happy 100th Anniversary of the Order of the Arrow. Immediately following, all in attendance will be able to depart from the Westmoreland-Fayette Council Office. This will officially end the day’s event.