Servant leadership and cheerful service were exactly what Hunter Scott, former Section W-1E section chief, had in mind when planning his conclave. Having the event held at a local community college allowed him and the council of chiefs a perfect venue to demonstrate their spirit to give back to the community and show new Arrowmen what it really means to be a servant leader in the Order of the Arrow.
“If we go to a place like this, we want to make sure we leave an impact so they will want us to come back next time,” said Hunter.
It is easy to focus on anything but service, but it is important to remember why Scouts look forward to attending OA events in the first place -- to enjoy fellowship in the company of their brothers. Hunter said that by creating an environment of fun and brotherhood throughout the weekend while performing service make for an exciting and fun event. “Scouts have a chance to work together with chiefs and new Arrowmen alike to be a part of something larger than themselves to better a location used by Scouting,” according to Hunter.
To organize this kind of large-scale project for the conclave, Hunter first looked to the lodge chiefs in his section. Working together, they developed a plan to coordinate and execute the project. The conclave service lodge would take point on the initiative by coordinating with the college where the event was held and would then determine the expectations of work. The council of chiefs would decide on how to best mobilize the Arrowmen while also making sure adequate adult supervision would be present. Hunter noted that it can be better for the lodge chiefs to delegate to another dependable Arrowman an aspect of the project to lighten this burden.
Planning an event like this takes time, preparation and communication to find the exact parameters of the project and to find all of the tools and equipment needed for the project, he said. Hunter closed by mentioning that service projects can go a long way in adding a sincere moment to a fellowship event and demonstrate servant leadership to newer Arrowmen.