By Gabriel Martinez
Formed out of a merger, the new Saklan Lodge now encompasses what was two councils geographically separated by a steep mountain range. The new layout of the lodge has caused some difficulties, but under the guidance of lodge chief Ashton Mills and his advisers, Saklan Lodge has moved forward in this great undertaking.
Ashton’s major problem was the geographical separation of the northern and southern halves of the lodge. Ashton and his advisers could not move mountains but what his leadership team did do is establish a rigorous communications network between youth and adult leaders.
“We mitigated the harsh geographical problem with constant and effective communication, although it was an issue at first with participation in the south,” said Mills. “After establishing our communications, we have seen an exponential increase in activity with our brothers in the south,” he added. Above all, Mills said key communication in chapter meetings contributes to the lodge’s overall effectiveness.
Communication was only the first step, though, as lodge-level events then faced the same problem. In addition to the problem that the mountain range caused, the merger left a sense of “sectionalism.” This left some Arrowmen feeling devotion to the past lodges. With this in mind, Mills utilized his fellowship weekend to bring together the Arrowmen in the north and the south to help curb this sectionalism. After a successful spring fellowship, lodge leaders planned this year’s fall fellowship which acted as a bonding tool for all Arrowmen.
Although the mountains will always provide an obstacle for Saklan Lodge, the brotherhood has been effectively strengthened for the next year. With multiple Ordeals planned, as well as additional fellowships, this new lodge continues to pave the way for its Arrowmen to become further united in the Order’s centennial year and beyond.