Intense Training for Ceremonies Offered

Ceremonies teams performed many of their own individual parts, but also had an opportunity to be evaluated in other categories, such as the Pre-Ordeal ceremony which was evaluated Sunday afternoon at NOAC.  According to Dylan Polk, CVC of the Inductions and Ceremonial Events (ICE) Committee, the participation at this NOAC has been among the best ever.

Brian, Andrew, Ben, and Chris, of Amangamek Wipit Lodge, performed the Pre-Ordeal ceremony on Sunday and shared some of what they gained from the competition.  They all agreed that the judges looked for the small things that made the ceremony "speak" directly to the candidate.  Movement on stage was also a key factor, they said.  In order to conduct an effective ceremony, ceremonies teams need to be able to show the candidates what they talk about with their gestures, props, and inflection, and to be able to match their inflection and words to their gestures.  Their ceremonies adviser gave Arrowmen who are part of a ceremonies teams these words to remember, "The ceremony teams are giving the candidates the story of Uncas and his father to the candidates."

Arrowmen Mike Peters and Scott Robin of the ICE Committee have worked hard to provide quality training for ceremonies at this NOAC.  "This year we have restarted a new program called  IT² --Intensive Induction Trainer Training-- to train Arrowmen at NOAC to become their lodge's inductions manager.  The ceremonies trainers here are the best from across the country." said Polk.  The IT² program has 130 to 140 registered participants in this the first year back after a long absence. Trainers explain the reasons to perform a moving ceremony, and also try and get the teams to embody the message they are delivering to candidates.  Much like the theatrical stage, dictation and clear speech are important to be heard, but teams also have to balance the overall "feel" of the ceremony.  If people do not find it appealing, they will not remember it as well.

Participating ceremonies teams are recognized in levels of mastery of Participant, Merit, and Honor.  The Honor teams are the best of the teams that performed, and receive distinguished medallions for their accomplishment. 

Revised 8/5/2006