Buckskin Lodge Restructuring Plan
You have probably heard of the lodge restructure or the council moving from Districts to Unit Service Areas, but what is actually happening?
Starting September 1st, 2023, Buckskin Lodge will be transitioning from 4 Chapters (Amangi Wulit, Iroquois, Matinecock, & Wulihan) to 2 Villages serving Eastern & Western Nassau County. As the Theodore Roosevelt Council (TRC) implements its new structure, consisting of Unit Service Areas, this will allow the OA to better serve Arrowmen in their communities. Each Village will be comprised of the Unit Service Areas; the Service Area of your unit will determine which Village you are a part of. It is important to the Lodge Officers to maximize the local youth leadership opportunities offered by the Order of the Arrow. Similar to the Chapters, the Villages will be lead by 3 youth officers: Village Chief, Village Vice Chief, and Village Secretary. With the loss of six Chapter-level youth positions, there will be a greater emphasis on youth leadership roles in the Lodge Committees with Committee Representatives from each Village. The Villages will work with an emphasis on program to motivate and excite Scouts to be active Arrowmen within Buckskin Lodge, Order of the Arrow. Please direct all questions to Lodge Chief, Mike Cataldi and Lodge Adviser, Phil McCabe. |
Frequently Asked QuestionsIS RESTRUCTURING THE OA NECESSARY?
In life, change is a constant. We are NOT the only lodge who has seen a similar change where the realignment of their officers and structure change as councils shift their district’s borders as membership and other dynamics change. With such a significant change in Scouting, in society, in demands on everyone’s time, considering a restructuring was prudent. The Lodge wants to be best positioned to continue serving the Arrowmen in the Theodore Roosevelt Council. When will these changes be implemented?
The new Lodge structure will take effect on September 1, 2023. While the Council structure won't take effect until January 1, 2024, the Lodge program year starts in September and the new structure will be in effect for the full year instead of switching mid-year. Are the villages going to be the same as chapters?
The Villages will operate in a similar manner of how the Chapters operated. Villages will hold events every other month alternating with Lodge Executive Committee Meetings and focused on fellowship events i.e. bowling, mini golf, etc. I am currently a chapter officer or planned on running, will i still have an oa leadership opportunity?
Absolutely! It is important to the Lodge Officers to maximize the local youth leadership opportunities offered by the Order of the Arrow. Similar to the Chapters, the Villages will be lead by 3 youth officers: Village Chief, Village Vice Chief, and Village Secretary. Current Chapter Officers are eligible to run for a Village Officer Position. Elections will take place at the Lodge Kickoff BBQ on August 30th. With the loss of six Chapter-level youth positions, there will be a greater emphasis on youth leadership roles in the Lodge Committees with Committee Representatives from each Village. Please contact a Lodge Officer if you are interested in serving on a committee. Will i be notified on what village i'm in?
Yes. Within the next few weeks, all members of Buckskin Lodge will receive an email announcing what Village they are a part of. Your Village is based on the Service Area of your unit. |
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