By Taylor Bobrow
For the past several years, Thal-Coo-Zyo Lodge has organized a Service Corps to work within their camp and local community. At Camp Arrowhead, at least five Arrowmen volunteer each week to serve as the support staff for the camp. When they are not working at camp, these Arrowmen render service to their community with projects such as the Ohio River Sweep and Public Lands Day.
All members of the Service Corps are essentially members of the camp staff but work for free. Whether clearing fallen trees, building campfires, or delivering water coolers, the service corps acts as the go-to team for the camp's director. Mitch Mullins, Thal-Coo-Zyo lodge chief, said the idea grew out of a need at the camp. "The Order recognized a need for a logistical support team at the camp," Mullins said. "The OA Service Corps has been one of the best resources our camp has had available… we like to be able to render that kind of service."
Mitch Mullins is often reminded of the positive role the Order plays as he reflects upon memories from this past summer. One memory in particular exemplifies this. While at camp, a young Scout approached him while he was volunteering and asked why he worked for free. Mullins proceeded to educate the Scout on the Order's tradition of cheerful service. Through the Service Corps' interactions with campers, the program has received a lot of praise from unit leaders since its inception.
Twice a year, the Service Corps brings anywhere from 50 to 100 members out to participate in the Ohio River Sweep and Public Lands Day. The lodge also encourages local units to join them in their service rendered to the local community. Each participant receives a special patch for participating, and the program has been featured in the local paper.
Thal-Coo-Zyo has big plans for the future of the Service Corps program. Representatives of the Service Corps recently met with a neighboring lodge to discuss with them how to implement this at their camp. Representatives have also visited the neighboring camp to help them practice the program in real time. Back at home; Mullins says he and his lodge aren't done yet. "We hope to grow the Service Corps program and continue to be an integral part of servicing our council."