So, when a mark is made for the boys, a true celebration is made of it. Last week, our son was at summer camp and Thursday was both visitor night and the ceremony to announce the new members of The Order of the Arrow. Wikipedia describes The Order of the Arrow like this: "The Order of the Arrow (OA) is the national honor society of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). It uses American Indian-styled traditions and ceremonies to bestow recognition on Scouts selected by their peers as best exemplifying the ideals of Scouting."
Our evening started with Scouts that study, are trained, and compete nationally in traditional Native American dance. Their attire was as impressive as their movements.
Following this, there was a bit of planned comic relief from the members of the OA (and stick gathering from our daughter), while we awaited the setting sun for the ceremony.
To start the ceremony, the boys from Camp Famous Eagle began lining the opposite side of the lake. It was one long line. Then, slowly from the right side, a set of canoes brought the M.C. (my name for him) to the center of the banks. He spoke from his canoe about the traditions of the O.A. and flames were thrown from the left side of the lake. After this, new OA members were tapped out by a few current members who walked the line with a torch. They would stop and yell out, "YOU have been chosen!"
The ceremony was quite the big deal. It really was an amazing way to watch such a large number of boys be indicated as leaders within their Troop. I look forward to watching the boys in our group continue to grow and step into honor through the ceremony in future years.
