Spring Camporee and OA Call Out
April 26-28, 2024
The Buffalo Trace Council Spring Camporee will be April 26-28 at the Old Ben Campground. On the 27th we will have our annual OA call out ceremony. Make sure your unit is holding elections prior to the Camporee. If you need help running elections contact Vice Chief of Inductions, Ayden R., to schedule one, or get information about completing an election. If you would like to participate in the ceremony as a torch barer or runner, please contact your Lodge Chief, Simon C.
Lodge Chief Address
Kiondaga Lodge,
My name is Simon Conner. I have been the Vice Chief of Activities for close 3 years. However I have resigned from both the Vice Chief of Activities and SPL of my troop to take on the bigger challenge of Lodge Chief. Everyday I strive to be a better person than I was before and I want to bring that “better” spirit into the lodge. I have a vision where all of the lodge officers do the duties that they have signed up for and I will do my best to keep the whole lodge informed. My goal is to minimize the amount of miscommunication going forward.
Your Chief,
Simon Conner
2024 Kiondaga Lodge Chief
[email protected]
Renew your OA Membership: 2024 Dues
As the pillars of our esteemed organization, your commitment to the principles of brotherhood, cheerfulness, and service has been the driving force behind the success of Kiondaga Lodge. We are reaching out to you today with an important message—now is the time to renew your membership dues and continue your journey with us.
Renewing your lodge dues not only contributes to the sustenance of a high-quality lodge program but also solidifies your connection to the National Order of the Arrow. By renewing annually, you unlock the opportunity to participate in a myriad of enriching experiences, including lodge, section, and national events. These events are the heart of the Order of the Arrow, fostering camaraderie, leadership development, and a profound sense of community.
The cost for this year’s renewal is $20, a nominal fee that directly supports the activities and initiatives that make the OA thrive. This investment ensures that you can fully immerse yourself in the wealth of opportunities that the Order of the Arrow provides.
As we celebrate our Diamond Jubilee, we are excited to offer a special memento—a unique lodge flap commemorating this momentous occasion. Priced at an additional $5 when purchased alongside your annual dues, this exclusive flap is a tangible symbol of your participation in the Kiondaga’s 75-year legacy. It is a testament to the journey we have undertaken together and the milestones we have achieved as a united brotherhood.
We want to emphasize that this is a limited-time opportunity. Once the membership renewal period concludes, there will not be another chance to order this commemorative flap. It is a rare keepsake that will forever connect you to the historic milestone of our Diamond Jubilee.
Renewing your membership dues is not just a transaction; it is an affirmation of your commitment to the values that define the Order of the Arrow. It is an investment in your personal growth, leadership skills, and the enduring bonds of brotherhood that make our organization extraordinary.
Don’t miss out on this chance to renew your dues, secure your spot at upcoming events, and proudly wear the exclusive Diamond Jubilee flap. Together, let us continue to build upon the rich traditions of the Order of the Arrow and forge a path towards an even brighter future.
Rank Up
March 9, 2024
This year Rank Up was held at Angel Mounds where scouts learned a variety of things including Leave No Trace Principles and completed a compass course. During the 5 mile hike scouts completed a variety of rank requirements for tenderfoot through second class and learned to identify a variety of plants and animals.
Founders Award Recipient: Linda Schweickart
The Founders award was introduced in 1981 at NOAC to honor Arrowmen for unselfish service above and beyond their normal duties to their lodge. Linda Schweickart was recently bestowed this award for going above and beyond, cheerfully serving the Kiondaga Lodge. Linda is known to most as the OA trading post manager who procures and sells snacks, drinks and random items that scouts love to purchase. The trading post can be found at most of the council events and special Kiondaga Lodge events like spring and fall fellowship. Linda is a Vigil member and Associate Adviser for the lodge and has been awarded the District Award of Merit and Silver Beaver for her service to the Buffalo Trace Council. Thank you Linda Schweickart for the outstanding service you have provided to the lodge.
Kiondaga 75th Anniversary
2024 is the 75th anniversary of the Kiondaga lodge. The diamond jubilee was kicked off at the winter banquet with bringing in the new with the old. On display were old Kiondaga Lodge flaps and event patches. Old regalia was on display, cloth and leather along with some pass lodge t-shirts and old lodge signs that haven’t been seen in years. Be sure to mark your calendar for August 17-18, 2024 for the Kiondaga summer fun event. It will be an overnight event at the scout office. Whether you come for the day or stay the night. It will be a you don’t want to miss type of event for the 75th. This will include a Vigil gathering on Saturday.
We do not have addresses for some past members, so please pass the word.
More info to come, so make sure these dates are on your calendar.
We will finish the year “big” with the 75th year anniversary wrap up at the Winter Banquet in January 2025.
The LEC has voted that the event patches for 2024 will replicate patches from the past.
Register for lodge events this year to get your commemorative patches.
Upcoming Events
We have a lot of Events coming up! Be sure to add our events to your calendar and keep up with the lodge calendar at kiondaga.org/events.
Council Camporee and Call Out Ceremony
April 26-28 at the Old Ben Campground
Lodge Executive Committee Meeting
LEC meeting on April 28th at the Eykamp Scout Center. All members of the Kiondaga Lodge are encouraged to attend. Meeting starts at 2 p.m.
Spring Fellowship
A weekend on where we have newly inducted members complete their ordeal, and help eligible arrowmen complete their brotherhood and possible vigil. we also have cheerful service, games and fellowship for everyone . We will host this event at Old Ben on May 17-19.
Sash & Bash
This is a Fun party on June at to help show the new arrowmen that we have fun here at the OA, This will be at the Eykamp Scout Center on June 8th
2024 OA Spring Conclave and Ordeal
May 17-19, 2024
What is Brotherhood membership?
Becoming a Brotherhood member marks the completion of the induction into the Order of the Arrow. It signifies an Ordeal member’s desire to become more involved in the Order by their commitment of future service to their lodge, while continuing to serve their unit. Your next opportunity to seal your membership with Brotherhood is at the Spring Conclave and Ordeal, May 17-19 at the Old Ben Campground. Take the next step and sign up now!
Get Involved in the OA!
There are many ways to get involved in the Order of the Arrow, but perhaps the most influential way you can help locally is within our many lodge committees. Our lodge committees consist of the Rank Up Committee, Communications Team, Ceremonies Team, Elangomat & Brotherhood Conversion Committee, Unit Visitation and Election Teams, Activities Committee, Service Committee, Vigil and Awards Selection, Trading Post Staff, and Special Events Committee.
Express your interest in joining a team online at kiondaga.org/volunteer or by emailing the Lodge Secretary.
Unit Visitation and Elections
Has your troop or crew had their OA unit visitation and election yet? If not, contact the Vice Chief of Inductions, Ayden R., to schedule one, or get information about completing an election. We are prepared to conduct visits online or in person. To join the OA, a scout must be elected by his or her peers. Check out the revised OA Induction Requirements from the Order of the Arrow at oa-bsa.org/about/membership. Some requirements have changed such as long-term camping and the allowed use of digital camping nights. Schedule your election by emailing us at [email protected].
2024 Calendar & Contacts
You can always view the most up-to-date calendar and contact information at Kiondaga Lodge on the lodge website.
If you have not already, be sure to add kiondaga.org to your bookmarks!
