The time for unit elections is upon us again!
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It feels like just yesterday, the Order of the Arrow was scrambling to run our twice-annual unit visits and elections. However, when I step back and look at the intervening time, I realize with astonishment that it has already been six months since I was elected as an Ordeal Candidate and became a New Arrowman. This time passed like a flash because it was jam-packed with OA adventures, valuable opportunities, and new lifelong bonds.
Now, six months later, it is time for a new generation of Scouts to have the same experience I did; to make new friends, to have fun, to further develop their roots in Scouting, and most importantly, to experience Scouting in an entirely new way through cheerful service.
Over the next few weeks, we will visit every unit within the OA Wulihan Chapter. Nationally, thousands of kids in the Order of the Arrow wake up every day knowing what impact they have had and what effect they can continue to make on their communities. As the Wulihan Chapter, our goal is to empower every Scout so that they can all have this opportunity in the future.
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What will you do during the visit?
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The visit occurs during a regular Troop Meeting and should take about half an hour, depending on how many OA-eligible Scouts your Troop has. During this visit, a predetermined Chapter representative will visit your unit to address every Scout about the Order of the Arrow, who we are, what we offer, and how being a part of the OA can benefit them. After this, we will run an election based on the names you submitted as OA candidates eligible before the visit. After choosing a visit date using the button below, please schedule around this so we can work our magic correctly and ensure the best possible experience for all involved!
If your unit has an OA Representative or a Scout in the OA who is willing to run your elections, please note that while selecting a slot so we can reach out to the Scout and help EDGE them through the process.
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Does my unit have to participate in the OA?
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The Order of the Arrow is known as Scouting's National Honor Society by official BSA terminology. We exist to recognize and honor every Scout who is comfortable enough with Troop Scouting and wants to expound upon their Scouting knowledge and impact by providing cheerful service to others. As a Scout, everybody should receive the chance to pursue this opportunity, so our goal is to visit and conduct an election for every unit, then to get 100% Ordeal completions.
However, we always emphasize that we are Troop first. We understand that a Scout's participation in the OA depends on their Troop, so we encourage our Brothers not to disrupt their Troop Scouting career based on our activities. I am active in the Order of the Arrow but am also the Senior Patrol Leader of my Troop and a Life Scout and regularly attend both Troop and OA activities, so others can do it too!
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If you have questions we did not answer above, don't hesitate to contact Chapter Chief Drew Gschwind (wulihanchief@gmail.com) and Chapter Vice-Chief Andrew J. Chen (WulihanVC@andrewjchen.com). Please remember to email both Scouts to ensure YPT compliance. If you forget, no biggie; don't reply until we get a chance to include the other in the response.
Once you schedule a visit and unit election using the button below, please ask your Scouts to Be Prepared with any questions they may have about the OA, so we eliminate any confusion.
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Yours Sincerely in Scouting,
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Drew Gschwind | Wulihan Chief
ORDER OF THE ARROW
Sakima Lodge #573
WulihanChief@gmail.com
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Andrew J. Chen | Wulihan Vice-Chief
ORDER OF THE ARROW
Sakima Lodge #573
WulihanVC@andrewjchen.com
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P.S. This email was designed and written by an actual Sakima Lodge Scout interested in graphic design and business writing. This is the perfect example of opportunities your Scouts will receive within the Order of the Arrow. Six months ago, I held no interest in the service the OA provides, but now, I attend many OA events, have made many new friends through the program, am a Chapter VC, and can send emails like this. It all began with the visit, and I am confident that many of your Scouts who get elected and complete their Ordeal will find themselves with similar serendipity.
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