It was the start of J.J. Conklin's term as lodge chief of Portage Lodge, Heart of Ohio Council, when he led an LEC meeting on a Saturday night with his lodge leaders. As discussion was underway for the planning of future events and activities for the lodge, Scout Executive Brad Bodoh informed the team of news that a chemical spill had occurred in West Virginia. This emergency situation forced many as 300,000 state residents to boil water prior to drinking it for almost a whole week. The LEC immediately took action and, with just a few emails sent and action plans made by Conklin and his team of Arrowmen, Portage Lodge went to work.
In the end, support was overwhelming. Over 23,000 bottles of water were collected, equating to nearly 1,100 tons of water! Many Scout leaders, troops, packs, and local citizens contributed throughout the day, surprising Conklin.
"I felt great that our lodge was able to begin the year with great service and I hope that the success continues," Conklin said.
What is most impressive, though, is the speed with which the LEC of Portage Lodge immediately acted upon the water collection for West Virginia. By the end of Monday, all the cases of water were loaded into two large box trucks. Five drivers, including council Scout Executive Bodoh and lodge staff adviser Kevin Fox, drove the cases of water down into the neighboring West Virginia council. The residents were overwhelmed with joy in what the Boy Scouts and the Order of the Arrow had done to help them.
"What a great thing for the lodge to do," said Rich Geyser, the incoming lodge adviser. "What's even better is that the youth came up with this idea entirely on their own. It's amazing to see them work and succeed together."