MISSION &
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Buckskin's origins date back to 1923, with the founding of The Buckskins of Wauwepex, an organization with an interest in Indian lore & tradition. The goal of which was to promote rank advancement, comradery, and instill scout spirit in scouts, who had to be at least a third-year camper & had achieved the rank of First Class or higher. Beginning in the late 1920s, The Buckskins of Wauwepex became a service-based organization, now The Buckskin Sons of Wauwpex. Rooted in deep Native American culture & tradition, the Buckskin Sons worked together with Theodore Roosevelt Council, and Nassau County to provide service to Camp Wauwepex.
The founders, ‘Chief’ Howard F. Covey and Irving ‘Southy’ Southworth were inducted into the Order of the Arrow during the 1930s, beginning talks of a new era for the Buckskin Sons. 29 years later in 1949, twenty-four Buckskin Sons were inducted into the Order of the Arrow, and Buckskin Lodge was born. Our Lodge being born from tradition & culture still keeps the original tab, which distinguishes Buckskin Brothers from any other Lodge in the country. A pine tree representing trustworthiness, service & self-reliance encases a wolf's head, which also represents self-reliance. A royal blue neckerchief also is still kept to this day, denoting an arrow and bisecting line. The white bisecting line which is also still embroidered into our neckerchiefs denotes humbleness across a red arrow. As a Lodge, we are backed by the tradition of cheerful service, and that tradition has been our backing for 75 years. Our lodge continues to provide cheerful, unquestioned service to Nassau County, and both the John M. Schiff Scout Reservation and Onteora Scout Reservation, without hesitation. Our dedication to service is shown best in our brother's commitment to the staff and campers at Onteora Scout Reservation, where year after year brothers from Buckskin dedicate 8 weeks to pass on wisdom and better the camp for those to come in the future. |