Putting It All Together and Sending It Home

The Closing Gathering began with an American Indian entrance of the American Flag. Fifty Scouts stood overhead draping many more of our nation's flag from the balcony. Dancers from the week followed the flag holders down the aisle and stood by at attention. Arrowmen sang the National Anthem and recited the Pledge of Allegiance and the Obligation.

With Indian Summer 2011 coming to end, Arrowmen were reminded of how our Order was founded 96 years ago. The story began with Mike and Justin, all friends, sitting in their room. "This journal of your great, great grandfather Pilkington is great," Mike said. "Grandpa was in Troop 1 from Philadelphia and they camped at Treasure Island," Justin continued.

A flashback to a 1915 camping trip on Treasure Island introduces one of the kids, Barrett, who was sick and it was a little "messy." His friend, Billy, was helping to take care of him. While emptying his full bedpan Billy tripped and got rather messy as well. Billy jumped up with a huge smile on his face. Mr. Goodman noticed and said, "Listen to me. Anyone who could come away from that situation and find a way to be happy has got something this old world of ours needs."

As the gathering proceeded, Servant-Leadership quotes read by Arrowmen were interspersed with a performance of the Ordeal Ceremony. The quotes reinforced the Servant-Leadership attributes of our Order. "Ceremonies contain more than words," said Jonathan Hillis, National Chief. "It's the action and actually doing something with it. A great ceremony was what got me active in the Order of the Arrow."

The simple act of cheerful service from Billy in the gathering performance was what created the Brotherhood in which you currently serve. As you leave today, you should take what you learned here at Indian Summer and implement it in your lodge. "Remember, you are the Servant-Leader of your lodge," Hillis said. He asked that everyone share what they learned with those who could not attend Indian Summer 2011. "What you have learned here has the potential to inspire and teach the next generation," Hillis said.

Revised 8/06/2011