By Michael French
In early September, the Order of the Arrow reached a new milestone in the Centennial Campaign. Ground was broken on the first project of the campaign, the Summit Circle. Construction began at the project’s site at the Summit Bechtel Reserve (SBR) in the following days. The project is made possible by the Centennial Campaign, which was established by the National Order of the Arrow Committee as a way to raise money to preserve the past century of Scouting while building upon a new second century.
The path to the Summit Circle will begin with the new national reflection trail. The base of the trail will feature the Legacy Lodge Plaza, which contains the legacy rocks from former lodges that no longer exist. After passing through the Legacy Lodge Plaza, the trail itself will feature the fifteen columns of fire which will house the lodge rocks donated at NOAC as a part of the centennial anniversary. The end of the national reflection trail will open into the Summit Circle. This will contain the original ceremony circle for the Order of the Arrow that was relocated from Treasure Island Scout Reservation in Philadelphia, PA.
Although this project may seem as a big undertaking, it is only one part of the whole Centennial Campaign. Other projects funded through the Centennial Campaign will be carried out across the country. One such project will take place in Dallas, TX at the National Scouting Museum. New Order of the Arrow exhibits are being created that will feature a more in-depth look at the history of the Order of the Arrow. SBR is also not the only national high adventure base undergoing a Centennial Campaign project, either. Northern Tier, the Florida Sea Base and Philmont Scout Ranch will all have permanent displays constructed highlighting the OA’s connection to outdoor service.
The Summit Circle is set to be finished by April 16th, 2016. This will also be the date members of the National Order of the Arrow Committee, Centennial Campaign donors and Arrowmen from across the country will gather for the dedication ceremony of the ceremony circle itself.
Currently, the Centennial Campaign is only $500,000 shy of its goal of $1.2 million. Scouts, Scouters and Arrowmen can help this effort to make sure that the legacy of Scouting is preserved for the second century of service. Several lodges have inquired about giving a gift to the Centennial Campaign. Lodges may do so as long as they both donate to the local council and the local council’s Scout executive approves the Centennial Campaign gift. Sections are also encouraged to donate if they so wish to do so. All contributions to the Centennial Campaign remaining after the projects are complete will be donated to the national OA Endowment fund.