Spring Fellowship Recap
May 19-21, 2023
Our Spring Fellowship was fun and a huge success! Thirty members of our lodge in attendance welcomed twenty new Ordeal members to the Order of the Arrow. Eight Arrowmen sealed their membership in the OA by completing their Brotherhood. Brian Conner kept his Vigil and we congratulate him as our newest Vigil Honor member.
Lodge Chief Address
Kiondaga Lodge,
We in Kiondaga Lodge are now more than halfway through the year of 2023, and quite a lot has happened. We had a remarkably successful Call Out ceremony at Spring Camporee, with over forty Scouts called out. Not long after we had our Spring Fellowship, where many new Arrowmen learned the values of fellowship, cheerfulness, and service. Not long after we had our Sash and Bash, so that we could get to know our new lodge members and have some fun.
Before we knew it, Summer Fellowship came and went. Despite rainy weather, we were still able to squeeze in corn hole, a water balloon fight, and after – dark capture the flag. Since then, our LEC has been preparing for Fall Fellowship, where we hope to see more newly elected members. As we progress through 2023, it has been incredibly exciting seeing where the Lodge is headed and how it is growing. Here’s to keeping that energy up, and always devoting ourselves to fellowship, cheerfulness, and service.
Spook-O-Ree
October 21, 2023
On Saturday, October 21 make sure to keep an eye out for OA at the council’s Spook-O-Ree! For the 3rd year in a row, the lodge is hosting a haunted house and is setting up the trading post for everyone to enjoy. We need as many Arrowmen as possible to make the haunted house a spooky and thrilling experience. Plus, right after the Spook-O-Ree is the lodge’s Halloween party!
Feel free to wear costumes and we’ll make sure to have plenty of candy. This is a great event to bring new ordeal candidates to so they can experience the fun and culture of the lodge. We hope to see all of your scary faces, new and old members, at the Spook-O-Ree and the Lodge Halloween Party!
Summer Fun Fellowship Recap
May 19-21, 2023
Over the weekend of August 12-13th, we had our annual Summer Fun Fellowship at the Eykamp Center.
Sash and Bash Recap
March 11, 2023
Kiondaga Lodge debuted a new event this year: the Sash and Bash! Started as a method to grow in fellowship with new members to the Lodge after Spring Fellowship, the Sash and Bash was an afternoon of fun for all involved. Hosted at the Eykamp Scout Center, new Arrowmen and old joined together for outdoor games, card tournaments, and some delicious ice cream. The Sash and Bash was a great time and a wonderful way to get to know newly inducted members of Kiondaga Lodge. For those who were already members, it was an afternoon well spent with games, fellowship, and food. We are very much looking forward to having this event next year and are excited to have our new Arrowmen!
OA High Adventure Opportunities
There are High Adventure opportunities for all OA members at every one of the National High Adventure Bases over the whole summer. These opportunities include Canadian Odyssey, Ocean Adventure, Summit Experience, Philmont Trail Crew, and Wilderness Voyage. These programs are at a highly reduced price since service is given in return for the amazing experience at these High Adventure Bases. You go to these bases as an individual and are grouped with other arrowmen from across the country to come back with plenty of stories, a new high adventure experience, and lots of friends! To learn more about OA High Adventure Programs, please visit oa-bsa.org/high-adventure.
OA High Adventure is one of the best programs our organization offers nationally for every sing2le member to take advantage of. There are limited spots left for this summer, so sign up soon!
Be An Elangomat
The position of an elangomat is vital for guiding ordeal candidates through their induction weekend. Every experience is better with a guide and a friend and that is exactly the role of elangomats. Keep in mind that all members, youth or adult, male or female, are needed and appreciated for completing this great service and to make our weekend a success.
Section Conclave Recap
April 14-16, 2023
Our Kiondaga Lodge contingent traveled about 3 hours to attend the 2023 Section Conclave at Camp Kikthawenund. Despite the long drive, we were excited to participate in the various activities and events of the weekend. The 2023 Section Conclave with a Lumberjack theme was a fantastic event that brought Arrowmen from across the state together. The Kiondaga Lodge contingent, consisting of 6 members, had a great time and enjoyed all the activities.
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 for 2022 yet? If not, contact the Vice Chief of Inductions, Ayden R., or the Lodge Chief, Sam Freeman, 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].
2023 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!
Fall Fellowship this weekend!
September 8-10, 2023 at Old Ben Campground
The Fall Fellowship is often the largest event for Kiondaga Lodge, and that is no wonder with all of the amazing activities, inductions, and spirit for the whole weekend! From ordeal and brotherhood ceremonies to officer elections and patch auctions, there is so much going on that you don’t want to miss.
There will be the tradition of a day of service and tons or photo opportunities with Acorn Boy too! We especially want to see many members on the ballot for the election so if you have any interest in social media, the trading post, ceremonies, or games, complete the requisite officer petition form at kiondaga.org/forms. Finally, make sure to register online. We can’t wait to see all of you there!
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