By Austin Pauling
The Order of the Arrow was founded 100 years ago and the first lodge of our then-young order was Unami Lodge. Earlier this spring, Unami held its centennial celebration, marking together their first century of service as a lodge and as an Order.
The Unami Lodge centennial celebration took place at Resica Falls Scout Reservation in East Stroudsburg, PA following the conclusion of the NE-5B Section Conclave. In addition to being the lodge’s celebration of its first 100 years, the event also had the unique honor of being the first ArrowTour stop. The celebration featured dynamic and unique events as human foosball, gaga ball, a meet the man session with the current national officers, walking tours of Resica Falls Scout Reservation and a museum named the Goodman Center for OA History. A highlight of the day included re-enactments of the original Ordeal ceremony. In addition to the activities in which all Arrowmen took part, past and current Unami and Delmont Lodge chiefs reunited to reflect on the lodge’s long-standing legacy of service and fellowship.
Following the day’s activities, the Arrowmen gathered for a banquet and show. The centennial show recognized the many former lodge chiefs from both Unami and Delmont Lodges, as well as a star-studded cast of National Chief Alex Call, National Vice Chief Donnie Stephens, Northeast Region Chief Matt Bell, Northeast Region Chairman Bob Black, national committee members Ken Davis and Mark Chilutti, then-OA Director Designate Matt Dukeman and many others.
Unami Lodge Chief Tim Reppert noted that this event was a celebration of all that the lodge has accomplished over the past one hundred years, and it also acted as motivation for the newer Arrowmen to continue this tradition of excellence. Unami Lodge’s centennial celebration was more than a mere celebration; it was a milestone for the lodge and our Order.