Grown-ups going back to scouting basics

Carl Kieke
·3 min read

Two big events are coming up for youth and adult members in Scouts BSA.

The first will be this weekend when Order of the Arrow members meet at Camp Tonkawa for a fellowship weekend. Candidates who have not completed their Ordeal membership will have the opportunity to do so, and ordeal members eligible for Brotherhood can also achieve that honor.

Ordeal members only need to present themselves with the equipment they were instructed about when called out for membership. Brotherhood candidates should prepare a brief letter explaining how they intend to serve the chapter, lodge and council through their future OA opportunities.

The Order of the Arrow is an honor society within Scouting based on service and camping experience. Potential members are nominated by their fellow Scouts. Adult members are nominated through their unit, district or council. They can progress through three honors (not ranks): Ordeal, Brotherhood and Vigil.

There also will be some work projects to start getting the camp ready for summer events, as well as fun activities and good food.

Registration information can be found in the “Upcoming events” section below.

Adult leaders have the opportunity for some troop leadership training by attending Timber Tag. It begins with an evening session Jan. 31, followed by weekend sessions Feb. 12-13 and March 5-6. Cost is $55 per adult, and registration cuts off Jan. 30.

Adult leaders become 11-year-old Scouts and are trained in much the same way as Scouts of that age. Participants are placed in patrols, create lasting bonds with other members and have a great time learning necessary skills and information about Scouts BSA.

Any adult can participate. It is particularly useful for parents whose children are hitting age 11, the beginning age for Scouts BSA membership.

Registration information can be found below in the “Upcoming events” section.

Upcoming events

  • Scouts BSA Order of the Arrow weekend and Ordeal ceremonies, Friday-Sunday, Camp Tonkawa. $20 for members, $40 for Brotherhood candidates, $50 for Ordeal candidates; $10 late fee added after Sunday. Register at texastrailsbsa.org (see schedule in left-hand column). 325-677-2688.

  • Girl Scout Gold Award workshop (virtual event), 10 a.m. Saturday. For Scouts ninth through 12th grades in Texas Oklahoma Plains Council. No charge, but must register at gs-top.org under “Events” calendar. Click on the event on that date.

  • Girl Scout information night, 6 p.m. Jan. 25 (virtual event). For parents/caregivers of girls kindergarten through third grade living in Central Texas Girl Scout Council (area south of counties containing Interstate 20). No charge, but must register at gsctx.org under “Events” calendar. Click on event for that date.

  • Tot Spot, for children ages 3-5 (and an adult), 9:30 a.m. first Thursday and Friday of each month, The Grace Museum, 102 Cypress St. (Check at thegracemuseum.org under “Events and classes” for holiday scheduling.) Free for museum members, $5 for non-members. Reservations required; 325-673-4587 or thegracemuseum.org.

Deadlines

  • Friday for Scouts BSA Tarleton State Merit Badge Seminar Feb. 11-13, Stephenville. $43.50 per Scout, $33.50 per adult. Information at texastrailsbsa.org; open the event in left-hand column to register. 325-677-2688.

  • Jan. 30 for Timber Tag (Scouts BSA adult leader training) beginning Jan. 31 at council office, 3811 N. 1st St., Abilene. $55 per person, with other costs later. Two-weekend course; information at texastrailsbsa.com or call 325-677-2688. Register at council office.

Contact Carl Kieke at 325-673-3552; or kiekec@suddenlink.net. Deadline is Monday for publication the following Monday.

This article originally appeared on Abilene Reporter-News: Grown-ups going back to scouting basics