1973 DSA Recipients

The Distinguished Service Award (DSA) is presented to those Arrowmen who have rendered distinguished and outstanding service to the Order on a sectional, regional, or national basis. The following were presented the DSA at the 1973 National Order of the Arrow Conference - Jack C. Biltz, John F. Blodgett, David J. Boshea, Ray Capp, Randall Cline, Charles R. Copeland, Michael Feigenbaum, Douglas Fleury, W. Shirell Fox, Charles C. Gibbs, Michael Goldware, Kenneth Hayman, Carl E. Kramer, Kent Lamoreux, John McLaughlin, Wesley K. Morgan, Paul Pruitt, Ronald Rupp, David W. Snyder, Mark Torbeck, H. Thomas Trotter, James Widmaier, Donald L. Wylie and Gregory Ziegler.

3, Awards, OA, Scouting

1975 DSA Recipients

The Distinguished Service Award (DSA) is presented to those Arrowmen who have rendered distinguished and outstanding service to the Order on a sectional, regional, or national basis. The following were presented the DSA at the 1975 National Order of the Arrow Conference - Joe B. Alexander, Robert B. Alvis, Alden G. Barber, Roger D. Billica, Lonnie L. Bone, John T. Cox, Sterly G. Dossmann, Carl X. Forrester, Clarence A. Graves, Greg A. Guy, Donald J. Hansen, Clifford D. Harmon, A. Camp Hopkins Jr., Dennis J. Kohl, Ned C. Krouskop, Delbert W. Loder, Willie J. Long Jr., Steven L. McMurtry, James R. Neidhoefer, Richard J. Sanders Sr., Daniel T. Segersin, Ronald J. Temple, Thomas J. Webb and Noel K. Zakin.

3, Awards, OA, Scouting

National Leadership Seminars Begin

Regional training conferences in the 1960s laid the foundation for the eventual establishment of the National Leadership Seminar (NLS) program. Formal planning for the NLS program began in January 1976 when an idea by youth National Chief Brad Haddock under the mentorship of Chairman Geoge Feil was presented. The primary focus would be on the lodge key three, with section officer involvement. Lodges would be able to participate at least once every three years. It took two years of planning to complete the seminar syllabus and administrative guide.

The program was announced at the 1977 NOAC and was introduced in 1978.

A total of nine seminars were held in almost all of the regions during the first year and it was very apparent from the beginning that NLS would have a tremendous positive impact on the operation of lodges. By the end of 1979, the program was in full swing with over 1,800 Arrowmen from 354 lodges having participated.

Though the format and training topics would change over the years, this signature training course has proven to be one of the most significant programs as a vehicle for cohesion and raising the standards of the Order.

3, OA, Scouting

1971 DSA Recipients

The Distinguished Service Award (DSA) is presented to those Arrowmen who have rendered distinguished and outstanding service to the Order on a sectional, regional, or national basis. The following were presented the DSA at the 1971 National Order of the Arrow Conference - Louis J. Boggio, George D. Carr, Maury M. Clancy, Harry J. Deyo, Thomas J. Doran, Bernard M. Drock, Thomas E. Fielder, Alan S. Gaynor, George E. Harvey, Mark T. Kempenich, Francis J. Maguire Jr., Thomas J. McGuire III, Russell M. McKinney, Edward A. Pease, Raymond C. Petit, Dennis Prefontaine, Gerald L. Schomacker, J. Steve Taylor, Donald E. Wilkinson, William D. Winder and Larry A. Young.

3, Awards, OA, Scouting

E. Urner Goodman Camping Award Created

At the 1968 National Planning Meeting, a proposal was made to create a camping award to encourage camp promotion. The plan was approved and it was introduced at the 1969 National Conference as the E. Urner Goodman Camping Award.

The E. Urner Goodman Camping Award is designed to be both a tribute and testimonial to E. Urner Goodman’s commitment to Scout camping and summer camp. The Award’s purpose is to encourage and challenge Order of the Arrow members and lodges to increase their effectiveness in promoting and increasing Scout camping in their council. Awards are presented to two outstanding lodges in each region annually.  For a lodge to be eligible for consideration, it must have achieved at least the bronze level of Journey to Excellence performance. 

2, Awards, Goodman, OA, Scouting

First Youth OA Leader Passes

In May of 1970, George Chapman passed away. Chapman was inducted August 13, 1915, a charter member of Wimachtendienk. During the first membership meeting of the WWW, Chapman as a youth became chairman of the constitution subcommittee as well as the overall organization committee. He became the first chief of Wimachtendienk in 1916, helping to lay the foundations for the Order of the Arrow (OA).

Chapman became the eighth Vigil Honor recipient on November 5, 1921; his Vigil Honor name “Netami” translates to “The First” as a tribute to his place as the first chief and first youth leader of WWW.

On December 27, 1942 Chapman was appointed to the post of National Vigil Honor Secretary, responsible for keeping all Vigil Honor records. H

e served in this position until December 31, 1952.

George 

Chapman received the Distinguis

hed Service

 Award (DSA) in 1946 and served the National OA Committee for decades.

3, OA, Scouting

Campership Fund Created

The Maury Clancy Indian Campership Fund was created in 1971 to assist with funds to those American Indian Boy Scouts who wanted to attend resident camp. This fund was subsequently named in memory of long-time National OA Committee member, Maury Clancy. Mr. Clancy contributed significantly to the Order by emphasizing the significance of our nation's American Indian culture and he worked to encourage the preservation of our American Indian heritage.

Campership funds provide up to 50% of the cost of one week at an accredited Boy Scouts of America long-term camp. To be eligible, a youth must be recognized as being of American Indian heritage. The application must be filled out and signed by the Scout Executive by March 31^st of each year. The campership is funded by donations from lodges that may also contribute through their section. Additionally, donations are often taken at section conclaves and region National Leadership Seminars.

2, Ceremonies, OA, Scouting

Onward Arrowman Plan

Mindful of our High Tradition we, as Arrowmen assembled for our Golden Anniversary National Conference, hereby resolve to dedicate ourselves, our lodges, our areas, and national organization to the following quests in cheerful service:

The above was the preamble to the Onward Arrowman Plan announced at the 1965 NOAC. The plan was divided into four quests, the first letter in each quest spelling the word “PLAN”.

Personal Quest – What was expected of each Arrowman.

Lodge Quest – What each Lodge should strive to complete.

Area Quest – Called for Area Conferences, training conferences and more.

National Quest – Spelled out the goals of the National OA Committee.

Today the Onward Arrowman Plan is partially divided into the National Standard Lodge / Quality Lodge program and the national OA Strategic Plan.

3, Awards, OA, Scouting

1967 DSA Recipients

The Distinguished Service Award (DSA) is presented to those Arrowmen who have rendered distinguished and outstanding service to the Order on a sectional, regional, or national basis. The following were presented the DSA at the 1967 National Order of the Arrow Conference - Alma D. Banks, Harold W. "Hal" Cairney, William R. Clary, Judson "Jud" Compton, Michael S. Costello, Roger J. Frey, John R. Miltner, Bruce A. Moore, Walter W. Nappa, James J. Petro, Robert H. Schley, William E. Slesnick, Harris M. Tanner, Gary A. Waldorf and Arthur B. Wood.

3, Awards, OA, Scouting

Onward Arrowman Plan II

Based on the success of the Onward Arrowmen Plan implemented in 1965, an Onward Arrowmen Plan II was announced at the 1967 National Conference. It included a two-year focus by the Order in four main areas: a Personal Challenge, a Lodge Challenge, an Area Conference Challenge and a National Challenge.

As presented in the winter 1968 national bulletin, it read as follows:

   ONWARD ARROWMEN PLAN II

   With hearts and wills united, let us strive to meet these challenges:

   PERSONAL CHALLENGE

   Each Arrowman will strive to:

- Be more aware of his spiritual commitment.

- Seal his bond in the Order by attaining the Brotherhood Honor.

- Accept his obligation as an Arrowman and a Boy Scout or Explorer today – as a Scouter tomorrow.

- Advance in Scout rank, or as an Explorer, fulfill his responsibilities in his post program.

- Recruit one new boy or adult into Scouting annually.

- Promote the correct wearing of the uniform through personal example.

   LODGE CHALLENGE

   Every lodge, in cooperation with council camping and conservation committees, will strive to:

- Improve its support of the council camping and conservation program.

- Perpetuate our American Indian culture and traditions.

- Develop a training program for new lodge and chapter officers and advisers.

- Promote leadership among younger members.

- Assist with promotion of outdoor and camping skills by:

1. Providing visual aids for camping promotion.

2. Compiling an up-to-date “Where to Go Camping” booklet for Boy Scout troops and Explorer posts.

- Improve communication through regular publication of lodge bulletins and newsletters.

- Conduct annual Order of the Arrow membership elections in every eligible Boy Scout troop and Explorer post.

- Maintain complete and current membership and financial records.

- Implement revised membership requirements through the lodge program as they become effective.

   AREA CONFERENCE CHALLENGE

   Area training conferences are held at least every other year for the purpose of training lodge and chapter officers and advisers. Emphasis will be placed on:

- Camping promotion and service to camping.

- Improving interlodge relationships in the spirit of Brotherhood.

- The national Order of the Arrow training program.

   NATIONAL CHALLENGE

   The National Order of the Arrow Committee, together with the camping and conservation service, will aid Arrowmen, lodges, and areas by:

- Maintaining national standards for lodge organization and administration.

- Providing training aids and information.

- Encouraging total lodge participation in a nation-wide Order of the Arrow camping and conservation promotion program.

- Promoting professional Scouting as a career.

3, Awards, OA, Scouting

National Standard Lodge Created

In 1957 the lodge re-charter process and forms were changed from an information device to a “policy compliance” agreement.

Questions regarding ceremonies, membership, administration, rules, adults, and funds were incorporated, requiring a “yes” or “no” answer, thus establishing the first “standards” for lodges. In 1960, a total of 16 questions were developed as part of a lodge training effort. These questions were listed for “appraising the operation of an Order of the Arrow lodge” and became the first formal set of standards provided to lodges.

In 1968, based mostly on the 16 questions, a formal National Standard Lodge (NSL) program was established. In the initial rollout, only three lodges earned NSL status, largely due to the 50% Brotherhood requirement, which only eight lodges achieved. By 1970, 71 lodges (out of 488 total) were National Standard Lodges. In 1978, the program was replaced with the “Lodge Achievement Program” and then later the National Quality Lodge Program.

In 2006, a Quality Lodge pin to recognize the efforts of Arrowmen was introduced with proceeds from the Quality Lodge pin sales going to the Order’s Endowment fund.

2, Awards, OA, Scouting

Wes Klusmann Retires

In 1962 longtime BSA Director of Camping Wes Klusmann announced his retirement. Klusmann had played a pivotal role in the integration of the Order of the Arrow into the BSA, serving as the professional in charge of oversight. It was Klusmann who had hired Norman C. Wood and J. Richard Wilson as National Secretaries when it was a part time job and it was Klusmann that expanded the role of his next two National Secretaries, Phillip Robins and Martin Mockford.

In total, Klusmann had served the Order for 16+ years. Among Klusmann’s greatest contributions to the Order was his love of camping. He always insisted that the OA remember its roots in the council camp and camping. Klusmann was beloved by Arrowmen. He truly loved camping and he knew the well the Boy Scout and OA programs. He worked alongside volunteers and youth with ease. He is perhaps best remembered by a generation of Arrowmen for leading each National Conference in singing his favorite song, “The Happy Wanderer.”

3, OA, Scouting