Feature Archive
| Chippewa and Migisi Opawgan youth leaders prep D-bar-A for NLSChippewa and Migisi Opawgan youth leaders and members worked together October 10th to get D-bar-A facilities ready for the National Leadership Seminar event the following weekend. Projects included an all around spectacular cleaning of the Wyckoff Lodge interior and grooming of its exterior grounds. Cabins and other areas received attention too. Following the service event, lodge leaders met with Mr. Reesor, Scout Executive, and Dr. Chris Groves, Central Region OA Chairman, to continue discussions about the “New Lodge” in our future. It was a good weekend for all - and all went home with a sense of accomplishment (and tired too).
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| 2010 Centennial Rendezvous celebration has key OA presenceMigisi Opawgan and Chippewa Lodges opened the 2010 Rendezvous celebration at Willow Metro Park with flag presentations and leading participants in the Scout Oath and Law. At the OA tent, Lowanue Kuwe’s drum and dance team entertained guests with three presentations during the day. The Chapter also coordinated the assembly of 250+ choker necklace kits for Scouts to assemble at the tent. Scout are shown here working on their necklaces. The lodge also supported the Thomas Trainor Scout Museum exhibit in another tent.
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| Adirondacks ready for weekend funThe three new Adirondack shelters at D-bar-A Scout Ranch are ready for rental. Located on the west side of the old Camporee area, there is a refurbished latrine, new fire ring, picnic tables, and cedar flag pole on site. Water is a short hike away. Campers will park some distance away and hike to the site with their gear. Deer can be seen each morning and evening from the screened in shelters. Funded by the Order of the Arrow and Tony Adams Fund, the site will be formally be known as the “Bird Watcher” campsite after Mr. Adam’s given Vigil Honor Indian name.Check out the photo gallery for this event. |
| Jack Lord Fire Bowl seat installation startsFall Ordeal OA members started installing seating posts at the new Jack Lord Camp Fire Bowl located on Lockwood Lake. Posts were trimmed on one end to fit in the head of an air jack hammer and then pounded in the ground. The lodge approved an additional $4,000 to continue development on this project to ensure it is ready for the 2011 summer camp season.Check out the photo gallery for this event. |
| Summer CampEach year Migisi Opawgan lodge selects arrowmen to serve as camp chiefs at Cole Canoe Base and D-bar-A Scout Ranch. This year's chiefs were Jake Eccleston and Josh Eggen. Both did a bang up job of promoting the Order of the Arrow, conducting elections, and holding ceremonies. In addition to that, they are often called upon from some additional duties as pictured at left. Our thanks to Jake and Josh for a job well done.Check out the photo gallery for this event. |
| Ice Cream Social a Hit!Members of the Migisi Opawgan lodge converged on D-bar-A Scout Ranch on June 30th for the annual Ice Cream Social during the Trail to Eagle Program. In addition to serving up cream, our lodge, in combination with Chippewa lodge, gave those attending Trail to Eagle the chance to seal their membership in the Order by completing the requirements and becoming Brotherhood members.Check out the photo gallery for this event. |
| Wsigau Chapter donates fire ring to Mt. Hope Congregational ChurchMt. Hope Congregational Church provides their facilities for a number of Wsigau Chapter and Lodge events including Brotherhood ceremonies, picnics, Christmas parties, and leadership meetings. The church wanted to create a campfire site for their youth program; so Wsigau Chapter purchased and installed a new campfire ring behind the youth center. Pictured here are chapter members after installing the fire ring at their June picnic food feast.Check out the photo gallery for this event. |
| Eagle Scout tackles overgrown cemeteryAlexander Quick, 18, recently became an Eagle Scout, and had a unique experience at our state capitol. He had an opportunity to job shadow in Lansing with state Senator Raymond Basham (D-Taylor). Alexander is pictured with Senator Basham being introduced on the Senate floor while it was in session. A member of Troop 825 as an assistant Scoutmaster, he is a Brotherhood member in Mahican Chapter. Congratulations Alexander!!
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| Jason Smith receives Dan Ling Service AwardThe Dan Ling Service Award is Section C2A's highest recognition for outstanding leadership and service to the Order of the Arrow at a section level. Eligibility is based upon being an OA member in good standing and provided at least two years of service to the Section at the time of selection. During the May 19th Lodge Executive Committee meeting, past Lodge and Section Chief, Jason Smith, was presented the Dan Ling Award. As Lodge Chief, Jason was a valued member of the Council’s Camping Committee and Executive Board where, along with other responsibilities, he ensured the Scout Executive was up-to-date on our lodge events and projects. Jason also had a great influence as Section Chief and helped shape the path that C2A has taken in recent years to more closely bond the lodges in Brotherhood. Congratulations Jason!
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| Migisi Rocks Conclave with "Say Anything" ShowMigisi Opawgan Lodge scored a big hit with its Say Anything Show at this year's Section. Hosted by Dylan Medina and conceived primarily by Jake Eccleston, Say Anything was definitely the best part of the collaborative show.Members of all ages had a great time as the 6 Lodge Chiefs, Section Chief, and National Chief tried to write down the answer to a question posed by one of their peers. Our thanks to North Star Games for their kind donation of 8 copies of their game, one of which was awarded to each of the contestants to use in their own lodge. Check out the photo gallery for this event. |
| Adirondack shelters appearing at D-bar-A Camporee siteThe first new Adirondack shelter is under construction and will act as the model for two additional shelters yet to be constructed at the D-bar-A Camporee area. The Lodge Executive Committee approved funding to support the construction of three Adirondacks along with refurbishing an existing on-site latrine. The Tony Adams Fund is also helping with a substantial financial donation. The shelter and two others will be finished at the April Ordeal event and May Mix Fix event. A fire ring and flags pole are also scheduled for installation.Check out the photo gallery for this event. |
| Cheerful ServiceProving once again that they will undertake any service, no matter how arduous, in support of the Great Lakes Council, a number of Arrowmen participated in the Good Food for a Good Cause promotion at Famous Dave's. Their cheerful service earned 10% of their check for the Council's Campership Fund and got Retz a surprise birthday party. Other scouters were also on hand at the Novi location where these pictures were taken and there were four more locations participating.Check out the photo gallery for this event. |
| Winter Fellowship had extreme sledding at the Migisi Opawgan Yacht RaceThe S.S. Fluffy cardboard and duct tape yacht proved its worthiness as arrowmen jumped in repeatedly for thrilling rides down the sledding hill behind Wyckoff Lodge. The Yacht Club race officials recognized the S. S. Fluffy with the Clark Griswold Cup for Best Decorated; Wsigau Chapter with the Rube Goldberg Cup for Most Unique; and, Mahican Chapter with Retzbach Cup for Farthest Sailing.Check out the photo gallery for this event. |
| Gabriel Church receives Founder’s Award at Court of HonorThe OA Founder’s Award was officially presented to Gabriel Church, Lodge Treasurer, at Troop 793’s February Court of Honor. Gabriel was taking a final and therefore unable to attend the December lodge annual dinner meeting where he was announced a recipient of the national award. Attending the event was VCA Associate Adviser Eric Behrmann, who did the presentation. Congratulations Gabriel.Check out the photo gallery for this event. |
| Was it a fun Fellowship weekend?Ask these arrowmen.Check out the photo gallery for this event. |
| January LEC meeting left few chairs emptyAttendance at the first LEC meeting of 2010 left few chairs available for seating. All officers and chairmen, except one, were present as new Lodge Chief, DC Wheaton, kicked the meeting off with the OA Obligation. New committee chairs Josh Howell, Brotherhood; Dane Nowasatko, Communications; Tim Oxley, Elangomat; and, Alan Highe, Unit Services were introduced. The meeting was upbeat and ended on time.Check out the photo gallery for this event. |
| Vice Chief of Activities recognized for 2009 serviceJacob Eccleston, VCA, was recognized at the January LEC meeting with the presentation of a limited edition figurine depicting the OA Ordeal ceremony. Scout Executive, John Reesor, approved the presentation to Jacob noting he exemplifies the qualities of an outstanding arrowman. Lodge Adviser, Joe Retzbach, did the presentation.Check out the photo gallery for this event. |
| Two new OA officers - Wheaton, Lodge Chief, and Lichota, National ChiefDC Wheaton III (l), 2010 Migisi Opawgan Lodge Chief, and Brad Lichota (r), 2010 National Chief, recently participated in the January C2A Council of Chiefs meeting at the Great Lakes Council’s Waterford office. “DC” became Lodge Chief last December at our annual dinner. Brad, from Chippewa Lodge, was the Section C2A Chief until the December OA national meeting where he was elected OA National Chief. If you see DC or Brad, please wish them well on their new OA positions.Check out the photo gallery for this event. |
| Signs of Change ContinuedLost Lakes Scout Reservation has now updated their main sign to show our new council. We don't have a picture, but the Cole Canoe Base sign has also been changed to show Great Lakes Council.Check out the photo gallery for this event. |
| Seasons Greetings from D-bar-A Scout RanchWe have much for which to be thankful during this holiday season; especially our four great camps - Lost Lake Scout Reservation, Camp Agawam, Cole Canoe Base and D-bar-A Scout Ranch. Let this photo be a reminder about which we are all working; to provide great camps, programs, and memories for our youth through exceptional leadership and service.Check out the photo gallery for this event. |
| First trees harvested at Migisi’s TreesEthan Rein, Harold Hanna and Sharon Teran were the high bidders for the first trees to be harvested at our Migisi Tree stand at D-bar-A Scout Ranch. Ranger and Staff Adviser Dave Morosky (l) and Harold Hanna (r) are shown preparing to cut Harold’s tree. The funds collected will be used for fertilizer, trimming tools, and purchasing replacement seedlings. Thank you Ethan, Harold and Sharon for believing in Migisi Trees.
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| Signs of ChangeChange has already come to D-bar-A Scout Ranch. The sign over the main entrance has been changed thanks to the efforts of our ranger staff and a number of talented volunteers.
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| Harold Oatley Arrowman of the Year Award recipients are Rosiek and EliasCongratulations to Kyle Rosiek and Mark Elias for their selection as lodge Arrowmen of the Year. Over 220 guests attending the lodge’s annual meeting dinner banquet were on hand to congratulate the 2009 recipients of this, Migisi Opawgan Lodge’s highest, award. The national OA Founder’s Award was presented to Gabriel Church and Corey Curtiss at the dinner. Please great them with cheer and a strong handshake of congratulations when you see them.Check out the photo gallery for this event. |
| Be the First in History to have a Migisi TreeWe will be conducting a silent auction at the Annual Dinner. There will be three different lots: first, second, and third choice of a tree from Migisi's Trees at D-bar-A Scout Ranch.The trees, which have been an ongoing project for nearly a decade are finally ready for us to have the first few harvested. Don't miss out on your chance to display a piece of history in your home!
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| 2009 Vigil Honor class recognized at breakfast eventThe Vigil Honor class of 2009 was recognized by 70+ Vigil Honor members at a special breakfast event at D-bar-A Scout Ranch during the Fall Fellowship weekend. Recipients include: Charlie Bertram, Andrew Curtiss, Jacob Eccleston, Josh Herrmann, Dylan Medina, Joshua Popp, Shaun Range, Kyle Rosiek, Jack Chandler, Corey Curtiss, Sandra LeBron, Mark Rosiek Sr., and Matt Toenniges. Not pictured is Brian Meissner, Sr.. Please congratulate these arrowmen with a hearty Migisi Opawgan handshake and smile.Check out the photo gallery for this event. |
| Lodge members install stone riprap along D-bar-A roadsAugust rains left many D-bar-A roads impassable with ruts feet deep including the road between the Martin Building (registration) and the Elliott Family Campground. After weeks of extensive filling, road grading, seeding and straw covering, lodge members gathered on Saturday, October 3rd to install rock riprap in the road gullies to reduce rapid water flow and control erosion. Over 25 lodge members and guests worked on a largely rain-free day to install the rock. Heavy and light equipment delivered the rock where it was positioned by hand to ensure proper coverage.Check out the photo gallery for this event. |
Migisi Opawgan welcomes John Reesor, new Scout Executive, at Fall OrdealSaturday night dinner included a special treat with the introduction of Mr. John Reesor, our new Scout Executive and OA Supreme Chief of the Fire. Mr. Retzbach (r), Lodge Adviser, did the introduction at the request of Executive Vice Chief, Ethan Morlock. John has an extensive background in scouting with his last assignment as Deputy Regional Director/Operations in the Western Region of the BSA and prior to that as Scout Executive in Jacksonville, FL. Please give John a hearty Migisi Opawgan Lodge welcome when you meet him.Check out the photo gallery for this event. |
| Camping Promotions Logo DebutsOne of the suggestions we received from the NOAC judges was that our website could use more graphic impact. We are making an effort in that area by adding more committee logos. We're also going to start adding those logos to other parts of the site.We would love to have a logo for each committee and chapter. We have logos for Camping Promotions, Service, Communications and History. We would love to get logos for the rest, so if you have the talent, we would love to hear from you. Check out the photo gallery for this event. |
| "Trail to Eagle" OA Ice Cream Social an event highlightWednesday night, despite some rain and cool weather, the OA sponsored Ice Cream Social for Trail to Eagle proved as popular as previous years. Gallons of ice cream were consumed along with toppings and other fixings. The evening also included a Brotherhood ceremony where six Migisi Opawgan Lodge arrowmen sealed their members in the Order as well as a spectacular fireworks show. Thanks to everyone who contributed to the success of this annual event.Check out the photo gallery for this event. |
| OA Disc Golf Course opens on scheduleOur new OA 18-hole disc golf course officially opened on July 1st with a late afternoon ceremony led by Andrew Curtiss, Lodge Chief, and Dave Morosky, Lodge Staff Adviser. Mr. Morosky spoke about his recall of the project vision formed last summer and how in 10 months, with the help of retired Captain Tom "Bozo" Peek, course designer, the course is now officially open for play at D-bar-A Scout Ranch. Andrew is pictured here officially cutting the red ribbon signifying the opening of the Order of the Arrow Disc Golf Course at D-bar-A Scout Ranch.Check out the photo gallery for this event. |
| OA 18-hole disc golf course opens in JulyIt’s hard to believe, but 10 months ago at summer camp, an idea to attract more Scouts to camp was born and 11 months later, our 3,682 foot, par 69, 18- hole disc golf course is opening this July. The course was designed by camp friend and retiree, retired police Captain Tom Peek, who has his own personal course at his house. The lodge contributed nearly $9,000 toward the property clearing, seeding, fertilizing, signs, and disc golf baskets and more. The course opens during Trail to Eagle week the same day as the OA Ice Cream Social and fireworks show Wednesday night. Pictured here are Dave "Tiger" Morosky (l), Camp Ranger and OA Staff Adviser, along with Lodge Adviser, Joe "Happy" Retzbach (r), at the course welcome sign. By the way, it takes about six hours to mow the course if you are interested.
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| Summer Ordeal candidates and staff ready Jack LordOur summer Ordeal at D-bar-A’s Jack Lord Camp in June had 69 candidates and 79 members working on projects and program to ready the camp for summer. Here, candidates and camp staff members move wood chips to the perimeter of the Hay Dining Pavilion. In the background, the new OA supported Foosball Rink can be seen. With 69 new members, our lodge membership is 1,324 - just five shy of year-end 2008 - and we still have our September fall Ordeal event. An additional 22 Brotherhood conversions occurred Saturday night at the fire camp bowl.Check out the photo gallery for this event. |
| Lodge and arrowmen recognized at Council Award DinnerLodge Chief Andrew Curtiss, shown here with Section C2A Section Adviser Dave Offerman, represented Migisi Opawgan Lodge at the Detroit Area Council’s annual Recognition Dinner. Andrew received a plaque for our 2008 performance and achieving Quality Lodge. Several arrowmen were also recipients of the distinguished Silver Beaver Award that evening including Mr. Hanson Lee, Lowanue Kuwe Chapter Adviser and Mr. Joe Kelly, Lodge Communications Committee Adviser. Congratulations to all recipients.Check out the photo gallery for this event. |
| D-bar-A Scout Ranch 18-hole disc golf course greening up nicelyOur new 18-hole disc golf course at D-bar-A Scout Ranch is greening up nicely according to Dave Morosky, Ranger and Lodge Staff Adviser. Cool days and evenings along with May rains have contributed to good fairway grass growth. The new hole baskets will be installed in June along with course and fairway signs. Shown here is the 8th fairway and our goal is to have it open by the Trail to Eagle event in July.Check out the photo gallery for this event. |
| 2009 Section Conclave – Totally AwesomeGood times were had by the 80+ Migisi Opawgan Lodge arrowmen who hosted the 2009 Section C2A Conclave at D-bar-A on May 1-3. National Chief, Jack O’Neill, and Central Region Chief, Michael Beckman, along with guests from Section C2B joined Section C2A Chief Jason Smith and nearly 200 arrowmen from the five lodges of southeast Michigan for a fun weekend.Check out the photo gallery for this event. |
| Spring Ordeal brings the lodge 125 new membersNearly 260 Scouts and Scouters gathered at the Spring Ordeal at D-bar-A Scout Ranch; which included 125 candidates. Projects ranged from work in the kitchen and dining hall; to traditional fence line painting. To moving picnic tables for the Section C2A Conclave; to painting signs and seats at Migisi Fire Bowl. Ten holes of the new disc golf course were also raked, seeded and overlaid with straw to protect the seed. The weekend also included 31 arrowmen sealing their membership by becoming Brotherhood members.Check out the photo gallery for this event. |
| NCAA Final Four service project a huge successCongratulations to over 400 arrowmen, Scouts, and Scouters who placed seat cushions on more than 70,000 seat at Ford Field in Detroit for the NCAA Men’s Final Four games. The project financially benefits our Council and the lodge. A special thanks goes to Mr. Martin Church who helped coordinate 27 work teams while also working with the Council Activities Committee and BSA professionals. Congratulations to the Michigan State Spartans who made it to the Final Four championship game.Check out the photo gallery for this event. |
| Williamson recognized for leadership and supportDave Morosky (L), Lodge Staff Adviser and Joe Retzbach (R), Lodge Adviser, present G. Richard Williamson, Council Scout Executive and Lodge Supreme Chief of the Fire, a recognition on behalf of the arrowmen of Migisi Opawgan Lodge. After four years of active leadership and support in our lodge, Rick and his wife, Mary Jo, are heading for the BSA Western Region where he will be an Area Director. Thanks Rick for everything you did for us!Check out the photo gallery for this event. |
| 2009 LLD kicks off with "Trainer's E.D.G.E."Seven lodge and chapter officers and chairmen attended the popular "Trainer's E.D.G.E." event on Feb 28th as part of our 2009 Lodge Leadership Development (LLD) curriculum. Many other youth and adult arrowmen also participated in the all day event where participants learned skills to deliver an effective training program. The staff included six arrowmen from Migisi Opawgan and Chippewa Lodges.Check out the photo gallery for this event. |
| 2009 Lincoln Pilgrimage sumo wrestling eventOver 300 guests and members participated in the celebration of Abraham Lincoln's 200th birthday. Following the opening ceremony and rededication of the Lincoln statue at D-bar-A, guests visited multiple program areas throughout Saturday. One of the most popular was the sumo wrestling event next to the Trainor Museum.Check out the photo gallery for this event. |
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| Seasons Greetings from D-bar-A Scout RanchWe have much for which to be thankful during this holiday season; especially our two great camps - Cole Canoe Base and D-bar-A Scout Ranch. Let this photo be a reminder about which we are all working; to provide great camps, programs, and memories for our youth through exceptional leadership and service.Check out the photo gallery for this event. |
| Curtiss and Smith receive Oatley Service AwardMr. Corey Curtiss and Jason Smith are the 2008 recipients of the lodge’s highest award for service - the Harold Oatley Arrowman of the Year Award. The presentations were done at the lodge annual dinner meeting on December 3rd. Jason, former Migisi Opawgan Lodge Chief, is now Section C2A Chief. Mr. Curtiss is the lodge Brotherhood Committee Adviser.Also, recognized at the dinner were David Genevich and Mr. Retzbach who received the national OA Founder’s Award. Check out the photo gallery for this event. |
LLD arrowmen know how to have funWho says it's all work and no fun? Here arrowmen attending the November Lodge Leadership Development event show off the airplanes they designed and competitively flew in the Dauch Scout Center lobby. Everyone was a winner! Along with other team building events, the focus was on leadership skills and identifying ways to continuously improve lodge operations and understanding responsibilities. LLD is open to all arrowmen.
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| Nine new Vigil Honor members recognizedWill Gagnon, Michael Fox Sr, David Genevich, Pawel Jarosz, Hanson Lee, Perry Leong, Tim Leong, Ethan Morlock, and Joseph Roberts were recently recognized as our newest lodge Vigil Honor members during the Fall Fellowship weekend celebrations. Please congratulate these nine arrowmen when you see them for receiving our highest honor.Check out the photo gallery for this event. |
| Lodge equipment trailer at D-bar-A becomes realityMr. John MacDonald of Martin Control Services of Farmington Hills donated a beautiful 14 ft. trailer to the lodge. John wanted to give something back to Scouting as a "Thank You" for his time as a Scout years ago. The trailer, complete with work benches and lighting, will be updated and used as a work site trailer with all Migisi tools stored in side. Special thanks also goes to Mr. Behrmann who worked with Mr. MacDonald on this donation. Pictured here are Mr. Behrmann with Staff Adviser, Dave Morosky.Check out the photo gallery for this event. |
| Fedoronko presented Medal of MeritMr. Bill Fedoronko was presented the Medal of Merit for his outstanding service in implementing Scouting skills and ideals. Bill, a Vigil Honor member of Wsigau Chapter, rescued an exhausted man who could not upright his capsized jet ski during chilly weather, high winds, and heavy waves on a lake in northern Michigan. The presentation was done by Detroit Area Council Scout Executive, Rick Williamson at a BSA National Court of Honor. Bill is pictured here with Rick Williamson (l) and OA Executive Vice-Chief Adviser, Eric Behrmann (r) at the presentation.Check out the photo gallery for this event. |
| Ceremonialists perform at record fall Ordeal eventCeremonial teams were center stage at the fall Ordeal where they inducted 114 new members into the Order to bring our lodge membership to 1,334 arrowmen. They also converted 47 Ordeal members to Brotherhood in a spectacular Michigan star lit ceremony. Here, ceremonialists from Mahican and Wapaneu Chapters gather before their evening induction ceremonies.Check out the photo gallery for this event. |
| Arrowmen provide service to the Michigan State Fair GroundsConverging on the Michigan State Fair Grounds the weekend after the annual fair closure, lodge arrowmen worked on a number of projects. Benches and picnic tables were stacked for fork-lifting to winter storage. Live stock pens were dismantled and the whole first floor of an exhibit hall was emptied of tables and A-frame stands. After lunch, the day wrapped up cleaning the coliseum floor.Check out the photo gallery for this event. |
| Migisi ImprovementsMigisi Campsite at D-A, which was adopted by our lodge in 2007, just keeps getting better. This summer the scouts of Trroop 732 of Livonia spent a week there and decided to put in some erosion steps to help keep the campsite looking it's best.The Ranch staff, also looking to improve the site, erected a giant Migisi sign over the driveway. Unlike most camp signs, this one is red and white and really stands out. It just goes to show that whatever efforts you put in to make something better can inspire others to help improve it even further.
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| OA TTE Ice Cream Social a HUGE success!Thursday night not only had a Brotherhood ceremony, but the traditional OA ice cream social. This year it was held at the Trout Lake pavilion at 10 pm and topped off the evening with a great fireworks show for arrowmen, guests and participants of Trail to Eagle.
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| Brotherhood for seven arrowmen at TTESeven Migisi Opawgan Lodge arrowmen sealed their membership in the Order during the Trail to Eagle (TTE) event at D-bar-A Scout Ranch. Lodge officers from Chippewa Lodge 29 participated in the ceremony and one of their TTE arrowmen also became a Brotherhood member. Lodge Chief Andrew Curtiss (L) is pictured with the seven celebrating Migisi Opawgan arrowmen.
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| Arrowmen play a huge role Cole Canoe Base fix-upEven with gasoline at $4,10 a gallon, nearly 90 members and candidates attended our Summer Ordeal at Cole Canoe Base on May 30-June 1; the same weekend as the CCB Mix-Fix. Arrowmen focused on getting trails rejuvenated from the winter; setting up staff housing; general cleaning; working on new latrines; and much more. Friday night proved exciting with some rain, thunder and even a bit of lightning; but it did not dampen the spirits of the 43 candidates joining the lodge. Following their induction ceremony, everyone feasted on steak, potatoes, corn, rolls, candied pears, carrots, celery and more. Welcome to all our new members and thanks to everyone for your great work!Check out the photo gallery for this event. |
| Andrew Curtiss takes the helm as new Lodge ChiefAndrew Curtiss was inducted as our new Lodge Chief at the Cole Canoe Base Summer Ordeal. He was selected by the lodge leadership to complete the term of outgoing Lodge Chief Jason Smith; who was elected Section C2A Chief in early May. Andrew's replacement is Daniel Ghastin, who was also chosen by the lodge leadership for the Executive Vice Chief position. Please congratulate all three arrowmen on their new leadership endeavors.Check out the photo gallery for this event. |
| Lowanue Kuwe dancers play part in success of Council Rendezvous!The Lowanue Kuwe dancers played a key role in the success of this year's 2008 Rendezvous event at the Willow Metropark south of Detroit Metro airport. While there were many lodge arrowmen present supporting other programs at the event, the Lowanue Kuwe Chapter and its dancers provided three 45-minute shows on Saturday. When they were not dancing, music was provided by talented arrowmen and a team of volunteers helped youth and adults make Indian chokers as momentos of the Rendezvous and the OA. Great job!!Check out the photo gallery for this event. |
| Section C2A elects Jason Smith 2008-09 ChiefCongratulations to the new 2008-09 Section C2A Chief, Jason Smith. He was elected Section Chief on May 4th during the Section Conclave business meeting held at Camp Agawam near Lake Orion, MI. Jason has done an outstanding job since becoming Migisi Opawgan's lodge chief in December 2006 and will be a great leader for the Section. Our next lodge chief, who will be selected at the May 21st Lodge Executive Committee meeting, has a solid foundation from which to work thanks to Jason's hard work. Please congratulate Jason when you see him! It's the Migisi-way.Check out the photo gallery for this event. |
| Arrowmen honor Jeff Lang with James E. West AwardOn April 30th, Mr. Jeff Lang, Chapter Adviser for Mahican Chapter, was recognized by our lodge youth members for his numerous contributions to the Order with the presentation of the James E. West Endowment Award. The surprise presentation was done at the Council Annual Recognition Dinner held at the Dearborn Inn. Present for the presentation were Lodge Chief, Jason Smith (l) and Immediate Past Lodge Chief, Chris Szybisty (r).Check out the photo gallery for this event. |
| Cheerful Service Prevails at Spring Ordeal!Members old and new converged on D-A the weekend of April 25-7 for the Spring Ordeal. Many projects were completed including fence painting, roofing, raking and seeding two expanded campsites, preparing the dining hall for summer, painting totem poles and planting trees.Check out the photo gallery for this event. |
| Wyckoff Lodge kitchen gets special cleaningArrowmen recently gathered at D-bar-A's Wyckoff Lodge to do a thorough cleaning of the kitchen facility and garage to get it ready for the 2008 program season starting with Spring Ordeal later in April. Way to go team!Check out the photo gallery for this event. |
| 422 attend Lincoln PilgrimageThe 2008 Lincoln Pilgrimage participation exceeded all estimates with 254 youth and 168 adults at D-bar-A Scout Ranch on February 9th. The opening ceremony at 9:50 am kicked off five hours of outdoor and indoor fun. The 13 inches of snow also helped with sledding, snow fort and igloo building, and the snow man contest.
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| Arrowmen support Trainor MuseumOur lodge plays a major role in supporting the Thomas D. Trainor Museum at D-bar-A for maintenance and repairs; to financial contributions and obtaining Scout memorabilia. They also provide weekend hosting so Scouts, Scouters, parents and guests to D-bar-A can learn about our Council history, its camps, and programs. Be sure to drop in and say hello to our lodge hosts and enjoy the exhibits.Check out the photo gallery for this event. |
| Annual Dinner 2007Migisi Opawgan Lodge held it's Annual Dinner on December 5, 2007. During the dinner, we celebrated our past and prepared for our future. Many Lodge members were recognized for their outstanding contributions to making Migisi Opawgan Lodge a Quality Lodge in 2007.
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| Panera Bread donates eight tents to Troop 698On behalf of the Panera Bread Company, Achowalogen Chapter Chief, Leo LeBron V, and Lodge Associate Adviser, Eric Behrmann, presented eight dome tents to Troop 698's Scoutmaster and Scouts during a Motor City District Roundtable. Used by Panera Bread for a multi-store team building activity during a regional meeting, they requested the tents be placed with a City of Detroit Boy Scout troop. The Order was contacted to the help with the placement.Check out the photo gallery for this event. |
| TEN MIGISI ARROWMEN RECEIVE THE VIGIL HONORGabriel A. Church, Nicholas Fedoronko, Leo T. LeBron, V, Jason Medina, Jason Smith, Martin Church, Chuck Cheek, Sidney Keeler, Shannon Medina, and William "Kim" Terry are the newest Vigil Honor members of Migisi Opawgan lodge. They were called out at the Fall Conclave and inducted during the Fall Fellowship at D-A Scout Ranch. Their induction was celebrated at the annual Vigil Honor Breakfast held during the fellowship event.
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| Fall Ordeal was spectacular!Fall Ordeal at D-bar-A was spectacular - and it wasn't just the weather. Dozens of projects were completed by members and candidates at all three sub-camps. Ninety-nine new members joined the lodge and 40 members converted to Brotherhood. Ten Vigil Honor candidates were called out and our lodge membership grew to 1,392 arrowmen.
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| Annual Dinner Tickets Sales Completed!Our annual dinner meeting is Wednesday, December 5th, at the Troy Marriott Hotel, 200 W. Big Beaver Road, just east of I-75. Hosted by Lowanue Kuwe Chapter, fellowship begins at 6:00 pm and dinner starts at 6:35 pm. Your 2008 Lodge officers, Chapter Chiefs and their advisers will be sworn in and we will also celebrate our many 2007 accomplishments. No tickets will be sold at the door. If you missed buying your ticket this year, we hope you will join us at next years annual meeting dinner in December 2008.Check out the photo gallery for this event. |
| Lodge Key 3 and Others Attend NCLSOur lodge's Key 3 leadership and two executive committee members attended the leadership track of the 2007 National Conservation and Leadership Summit (NCLS) at Indiana University in late July. Brotherhood Adviser, Corey Curtiss, attended the conservation event track. During NCLS, our leaders were introduced to the OA 2008-2012 Strategic Plan and 2008 ArrowCorp5 program with the National Park Service. More details on each of these are forthcoming.Check out the photo gallery for this event. |
| Ice Cream Social 2007!The July 3rd Ice Cream Social at Trail to Eagle was a huge success. The waiting line was long for ice cream and fixings, but everyone was served - even seconds if you wanted. The butter pecan ice cream was especially poplular. Immediately following the Social, 74 Brotherhood and Vigil Honor members from Chippewa and Migisi Opawgan Lodges welcomed 11 new members to the Brotherhood (Chippewa Lodge had 6 and Migisi Opawgan had 5). We want to thank the Chippewa Lodge officers and members for attending and supporting their Trail to Eagle participants with this opportunty.Check out the photo gallery for this event. |
| Largest Summer Ordeal welcomes 66 new membersThe 2007 Summer Ordeal event will go down as the largest ever OA event at Cole Canoe Base with 106 registered participants (66 candidates and 40 members) and over 30 more members participating in the Mix Fix weekend. The event generated over a 1,000 service hours to the Council camp. Be sure to check out our Photo Gallery of this event and thanks to everyone for making the weekend a huge success.Check out the photo gallery for this event. |
| Szybisty and Morosky Honored at C2A ConclaveThe entire lodge would like congratulate both Chris Szybisty and Dave Morosky for being recognized with the Dan Ling Service Award at the 2007 C2A Conclave. The Dan Ling Award was conceived in 1976 in honor of Dan Ling, a former Area Adviser. The award is presented to arrowman who serve the Order beyond their Lodge.Check out the photo gallery for this event. |
| Spring Ordeal 2007The new Migisi campsite at D-A has been an ongoing project for our Lodge since last fall. At the Spring Ordeal, candidates were involved in the final cleanup, raking and seeing of the new site.Members and candidates also painted fences, worked on the timberland improvement project in Jack Lord subcamp, worked on the dining hall, planted 500 trees, repaired cots and performed countless smaller tasks to help get D-A ready for summer.
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| DeCourcy ResultsThis picture was taken just before our Executive Vice-Chief presented the case for Migisi to win the 2006 DeCourcy Award. Will he be looking this happy when the recipient is announced? Come to Section and you can be among the first to find out!Check out the photo gallery for this event. |
| April Service DayMembers of Migisi Opawgan Lodge, led by a large contingent of Wapaneu chapter members, gathered for a day of service at D-A on April 14. They were put to work in the new timberland improvement area. The area, located near the Jack Lord Waterfront, was designated and marked by the local forester.Lodge members cut, stacked, and chipped brush and trees which had been removed as part of the improvement project.
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| Lincoln Pilgrimage: Sold Out!Members of the Migisi Opawgan Lodge met at D-A the weekend of February 9-11. On the schedule was fun, fellowship, and the Lincoln Pilgrimage. The Pilgrimage is an annual one day event where our lodge plays host to local units from Cubs to Ventures. This year, the attendance was roughly 350.
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| 2007 Chief Takes Over LeadershipAt our December annual dinner meeting, new Chief Jason Smith takes over leadership from 2006 Chief Chris Szybisty. Under Chris' leadership, the lodge grew another 16%, achieved 37% Brotherhood conversions and delivered over 17,000 hours of camp and community service while achieving Quality Lodge. Jason expects 2007 will be another good year for the lodge with the help of all arrowmen in the lodge. Congratulations to each of these distinguished leaders.Check out the photo gallery for this event. |
| 30th Annual Winter Camp Provides ServiceOver thirty arrowmen attended Mahican Chapter's 30th Winter Camp event at D-bar-A Ranch. While having fun between Christmas and New Years is a major theme, arrowmen also provided service by clearing and disposing of brush at a new campsite on Lockwood Lake just east of Johnstone cabin. Others worked on projects at the main shop and at the Baden Powell House where they did tile and grout work in some of the bedrooms. In the end, 227 hours of service were completed at this years Winter Camp.
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| Migisi supports Thanksgiving half-Time show!The Miami Dolphins beat the Detroit Lions 27-10 on Thanksgiving Day at Ford Field in downtown Detroit, but the half-time show was outstanding thanks to the support of a number of Migisi Opawgan Lodge arrowmen. This is the third year a team comprised of arrowmen from the lodge supported the United Way Half-Time Show. Thanks to all the arrowmen for a job well done and a special thanks to Mr. Mark Elias, Wapaneu Chapter Adviser, who took this photo and also coordinates their participation each year.Check out the photo gallery for this event. |
| Fall Fellowship Rocks!Fall Fellowship 2006 was a rousing success. It started off on Friday night with the chapter potluck, where Lowanue Kuwe made frybread for everyone and Mahican came up with pizza. The big focus for many members on Friday night was the Vigil and Saturdary morning saw our lodge greeting 12 new Vigil members at the annual Vigil Breakfast.The day was spent in indoor and outdoor activities, with a big game event in the afternoon. Our afternoon event was supported by four different game companies and there were more than thirty games on hand. That evening we elected our 2006 officers: A good time was had by all!
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| Twelve Vigil Honor candidates selected for 2006Congratulations to youth members Aaron Ankiel, Joseph Kulwicki, Jason Licht, Geoff Polan, Daniel Swan, and Andrej Walilko; along with adults Michael Ankiel, Bill Fedoronko, Adam Jewell, Kenneth McCormick, Earl Moorhouse, and David Oakley. These candidates will complete their Vigil requirements and be recognized at the October 28th Vigil Honor breakfast (invitation only) at D-bar-A Ranch. Please congratulate them and make sure they are wearing their Vigil Honor totem.
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| Migisi Opawgan Rocks at NOAC!Migisi Opawgan Lodge came to NOAC ready to have fun and show the rest of the nation what our Lodge is all about. We brought a dedicated and spirited contingent and we earned the award to prove it. Along the way, we got to attend training, great shows, TOAP, Founder's Day and a lot of other cool events. Our Lodge was one of only eighteen lodges nationwide to take home the coveted NOAC Spirit Award. Earning the award took leadership and dedication, two things our officers and members have in plenty.
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| Ice Cream Social Success!Every year Migisi Opawgan sponsors an Ice Cream social during our Council's very successful Trail to Eagle summer camp program. This year was no exception with more than a dozen arrowmen on hand to serve ice cream to our Council's future Eagle Scouts.
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| Dr. Sam Prisk Receives Silver Buffalo!Migisi Opawgan congratulates one of its brothers, Dr. Samuel J. Prisk, on his receiving the Silver Buffalo award for distinguished service to youth. It is presented by the BSA National Council to those who give noteworthy and extraordinary service to youth on a national scale. Dr. Prisk is only the twelfth person from the Detroit Area Council to receive it. He received this prestigious award at the 2006 B.S.A. National Meeting held in Washington, D.C. with 11 other distinguished citizens, including Donald H. Rumsfeld, U.S. Secretary of Defense, and Vice Admiral Richard H. Carmona, U.S. Surgeon General.On behalf of Migisi Opawgan, congratulations, Dr. Prisk!
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| Wischixn Award Winners!At this year's C-2A Section Conclave our Lodge was proud to bring home the Wishchixn award.
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| Lodge helps Friends of Belle IsleOn a glorious Saturday, members of the lodge worked with other service groups on Belle Isle to get the island ready for spring and summer visitors. David Genevich was the youth leader in charge this day and provided guidance to all the other participants. Mulch piles at two pavilions were distributed around picnic tables, swing sets and jungle gym sets.David's leadership attracted others on the isle that day including a number of ladies. Check out the photos! Lowanue Kuwe Chapter earned the $100 Chapter credit for participation in the event. Congratulations.
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| DQ Hand Tool Challenge Met!For the Spring Ordeal, our Lodge issued a challenge - every member who brought a long-handled tool to camp would receive a coupon good for $3.00 at Dairy Queen. With the gauntlet thrown, many members of our lodge answered the challenge and more than 40 hand tools were donated to D-A.
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| The Eagle SpeaksWe've launched a new feature on our site for those members who would like to subscribe to our news via podcast or listen to the news on their computer. The Eagle Speaks is our first podcast. You can check it out on the site at http://www.migisi.org/podcast/. You can either click on it there and save it or play it directly or you can subscribe to it through Itunes. This is a new feature and feedback is welcome and encouraged.Check out the photo gallery for this event. |
| Lincoln Pilgrimage 2006This year's Lincoln Pilgrimage was even bigger than last year's!. With more than 300 people in attendance, the event was a great success. Nearly 250 guests enjoyed a fun-filled program put on by the 89 Lodge members in attendance. Packs and troop should make plans now to reserve a cabin (or just come out for the day) and attend Pilgrimage 2007!
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| Mahican holds 29th Winter CampSince the seventies, members of Mahican chapter have come to D-A for a "weekette" of fun, fellowship, and service. The event is part reunion, part service, and all fun.This year's theme was "Around the World in a Weekette" and members engaged in themed activities while consuming a ridiculous variety of interntational cuisine. A good time was had by all. To learn more, check out their website at www.wintercamp.com
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| Lodge Leadership DevelopmentLodge members convened at the Dauch Service Center on Saturday, November 20. Apart from training our new officers, we also ran Oroder of the Arrow University which offered training in ceremonies, dance, and the induction process among other things. You can find even more pictures in the YearbookCheck out the photo gallery for this event. |
| One Day of Service 2005Lodge members young and old from throughout the Council helped at the collection centers for their districts and with the collection of food for Operation Can Do. The final numbers aren't in yet, but the pictures show we did a lot of work. You can find even more pictures in the YearbookCheck out the photo gallery for this event. |
| Lodge Member Receives Dan Ling Service AwardBrian Chrzanowski, OA Section C2A Section Chief, presented Mr. Amos Grissett of Migisi Opawgan Lodge the 2005 Dan Ling Service Award at the Vigil Honor breakfast on Saturday, October 29th. Amos is a Vigil Honor member and serves as the professional staff adviser to Section C2A's five lodges in southeastern Michigan. Congratulations Amos!!
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| Congratulations New Vigil MembersThis past weekend at D-A Scout Ranch, our Lodge held it's annual Vigil Induction. This year we had 12 members go through the induction and all of them were up for the challenge. These members were selected by a youth committee for their exceptional service to Scouting and the Lodge. The Migisi Opawgan Lodge Vigil class of 2005 are: Matt Elias, Ryan Lang, Tyler Coleman, Mike Ploucha, Chris Corbin, John Suarez, Mark Elias, Kevin Fox, Bill Jarosz, Jerry Freyberg, Eric Behrmann, and Gary Leach. The Vigil Honor is the highest recognition that can be bestowed on a member in the Order of the Arrow. Approximately 2% of all scouts that become arrowman are honored with the Vigil membership. When you see them, Please congratulate these remarkable arrowman for this great accomplishment!
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| 2005 Vigil CandidatesThis past weekend at the Fall Conclave, the Vigil committee, led by chairman Jamie White, conducted this years Vigil Call Out. Matt Elias, Mark Elias, Eric Behrmann, Tyler Coleman, Kevin Fox, Ryan Lang, Jerry Freyberg, Bill Jarosz, Gary Leach, Chris Corbin, and John Suarez were called out as candidates for the Vigil Honor. They will take the challenge of the Vigil Induction at this years Fall Fellowship in October.These brothers were recognized for the exceptional service they have been providing to Scouting! At the Call Out, a Vigil totem or "cookie" was placed around each arrowman's neck to be worn at all Scout events until their induction. If you see them, please wish them Good Luck on their journey towards Vigil. (And make sure they are wearing their cookies!) Again, Congratulations to those selected and Good Luck! Check out the photo gallery for this event. |
| OA Service Corps at WorkHundreds of Arrowmen are attending the National Jamboree as participants, leaders, and staff. A select few are members of the OA Service Corps. Even fewer got to carry the American Flag while leading the delegation to the opening flag raising. As this picture, which was "borrowed" from the Jamboree website, shows, they seem to have chosen wisely - former Migisi Chief Ethan Rein.Check out the photo gallery for this event. |
| Lodge Hosts "Trail to Eagle" SocialEach year at the Council's "Trail to Eagle" event, our lodge hosts the ice cream social on Wednesday evening for ten participating troops and their staff. The evening kicked off with dinner where all arrowmen were encouraged to wear their OA sash. Presentation tables on the OA; Indian events; and, regalia were available for Scouts to see and ask questions. At 8:15 p.m. the ice cream social kicked off with an abundant number of Scouts and Scouters digging into bowls of ice cream, syrup, whip cream and nuts while the Green Troop provided live entertainment. At 9 p.m., the lodge held a Brotherhood conversion ceremony where 10 arrowmen sealed their membership in the Order. Check out some of the social photographs.
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| Cole Canoe Base - Ready for summer camp!Our June 3-5 Summer Conclave (ordeal) at Cole Canoe Base (CCB) was a very different event than Spring Conclave at D-Bar-A ranch where, only six weeks earlier, Mother Nature delivered nearly 14" of snow. The CCB event weather was great for 30 candidates and 45 members who did a number of camp projects including fence painting, hundreds of feet of wood chip spreading on the trails, and installing a "Migisi Opawgan Lodge 162 Proudly Supports Cole Canoe Base" sign on the camp road. The Ordeal weekend was coordinated with the Council's CCB MixFix weekend where a number of other significant projects were undertaken by skilled tradesmen.Check out the photo gallery for this event. |
| Spring Conclave 2005 - A Huge Success!Our April 22-24 Spring Conclave (ordeal) at D-A Scout Ranch will be more likely be remembered as a Spring "kloncave" weekend. By Sunday afternoon, nearly 14" of beautiful white snow fell on the ranch; but that did not deter the Lodge's 118 new Ordeal candidates and 130 members from cheerful service to the camp and our program.Numerous indoor and outdoor projects were completed including cabin cleaning; window and screen work at Wyckoff Lodge; cot and equipment repairs for the Jamboree contingent units; and, planting over 1,000 new trees. Shown here, candidates and members worked the handicap bridge behind Frishcorn cabin, while others sought some shelter from the snow on Saturday while planting trees.
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| Lincoln Pilgrimage 2005Since 1959, Migisi Opawgan Lodge has hosted the annual Lincoln Pilgrimage event where Boy Scouts, Cub and Webelos Scouts, parents and leaders join for a Saturday of fun and good spirit. A morning ceremony honoring Abraham Lincoln, 16th President
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| Community Service in ActionPhil Kurdunowicz, Secretary of Mahican Chapter, recently led Troop 1721 in a community service project for Children's Hospital of Michigan. The wagons are delivered unassembled and the scouts had to assemble them, then make a few custom modifications. They added reinforcement on the corners, seat belts, and IV poles to each kit.The wagons are purchased with funds donated by community organizations. Troop 1721 actually purchased these two, the other nine were donated by other community groups. After they dropped off these eleven, they took eleven more for their next project. Phil and the troop are headed for special mention in the hospital's magazine About Children's. The Child Life Specialiast at Children's is Laurie Dayton (313-745-5364) and she has more wagons and other projects in mind if you're looking for a Chapter project to help with Leadership in Service requirements. Check out the photo gallery for this event. |
| February Service WeekendMembers of Migisi Opawgan Lodge arrived at D-A in force on February 5. They completed more work on the handicapped bridge near Frischkorn and hung a new sign on the Pedro Trail. At left is the new sign as seen from the Lockwood Lake darn. Sadly, camp staff interviews slowed attendance and Sam Stocker escaped with his hair intact.
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Cheerful Service at D-AMembers of the Mahican chapter were joined by Lodge Chief Dan Swan and the D-A Ranger Staff for some cheerful service during Winter Camp. Campers worked on the interior of the Baden-Powell House, putting up drywall and wainscote. A larger group worked on a new bridge behind Frischkorn cabin. By the time the day was out they'd driven almost a quarter mile of nails through wolmanized lumber to complete nearly 75' of the planned 121' of bridge. Ranger (and Staff Adviser) Dave Morosky was very happy with the results and promised us another chance to serve next Winter Camp.
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