Momentum: Discover – Momentum | Order of the Arrow, BSA

Message from the National Chief

John Segebarth — Sat, 24 Apr 2021 23:30:00 +0000

Scouts and Scouters,

Thank you for attending Momentum: Discover! This has been a fantastic weekend, and I hope all of you had a great experience as we rediscovered our love for the outdoors together. Nature and the outdoors are an integral part of Scouting and the Order of the Arrow, and I am excited that we all got a chance to reconnect with the outdoors this weekend. Now, I challenge all of you to experience the outdoors to its fullest! Tomorrow, or sometime next week, go out to your favorite local park or trail, and make sure to take the time to reflect on your outdoor experiences in Scouting, and how they helped make you the person you are today.

In brotherhood,

Derek Porter
2021 National Chief

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Momentum Musings – Self-Discovery

John Segebarth — Sat, 24 Apr 2021 23:30:00 +0000

by Melody Fewx

When life is too busy to bat an eye,

No one seems to care,

Opportunities are passing you by,

And kindness is rare

Nature is there in sturdy truth

Holding strong to its will

Reminiscent of past youth

But a reminder of the future to fulfill

You look upon yourself to find

The missing pieces in your soul

The lingering mishaps in your mind

All you wish is to feel whole

Upon the lake in early light

The sun is bright but not yet dawned

Just like you trying to find your right

Not yet dawned but just beyond

In the dark, lit only by pin-prick stars

You look over the valley

Remembering all the scars

Yet, you still feel happy

In the vast blue sky

In the rolling green plain

It is not easy to deny

So you release all you restrain

Here is where you find yourself

Because here is where you’re free

Where all you are is felt

And you have no reason but to agree

That you are good

And you are right

You are as you should

And a bright future awaits your invite

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Host Camp Spotlight

John Segebarth — Sat, 24 Apr 2021 23:30:00 +0000

by Nick Prins

Camp Strake

This weekend, Southern Region Chief Nick Morey has spent his time at Sam Houston Area Council’s Camp Strake. A camp with over 2,800 acres of land in Cold Spring, Texas, Strake features a STEM center, 28-acre lake, a zipline, 32-foot-tall climbing tower, a pool, ATV program, and so much more! In addition to being described as the perfect place for Scouts to come and make irreplaceable memories for years to come, Camp Strake is also the home of Colonneh Lodge, the Southern Region’s Momentum: Discover host!

We had the opportunity to talk with Jake W, Colonneh Lodge Chief, and asked him if there was anything that he would like to say to Scouts and Arrowmen across the nation. He said “I want to challenge all Scouts and Arrowmen to not give up and continue to give back… even when we feel like we are on the home stretch, this fight is not over, and our communities will need us for years to come. Our communities rely on us for all of the amazing things we do, and we must continue to strive to always find new ways to give back.” During Momentum: Discover, Colonneh Lodge will be hosting their annual spring fellowship with troops that are attending summer camp at Camp Strake, so they all can have a fun-filled weekend with plenty of time to grow in fellowship. We also asked Jake why he camps. Jake said, “I camp because Scouting taught me how to love nature and enjoy going out and immersing myself in the wilderness.”

Peaceful Valley Scout Ranch:

This weekend, Western Region Dakota Morosi has spent his time at Peaceful Valley Scout Ranch of the Denver Area Council. Situated on over 3,300 acres of land outside of Denver, Colorado, Charles S. McNeil Peaceful Valley Scout Ranch is home to a premier mountain biking course, natural rock climbing areas, and two exciting themed outpost camps! In addition to being an exciting Scouting destination for Scouts in Colorado and across the nation, Peaceful Valley is home to Tahosa Lodge of the Order of the Arrow!

Today, we had a chance to speak with Carissa S., lodge chief of Tahosa Lodge. This weekend, she’s running a lodge executive committee retreat to work on fellowship planning and training with her vice chiefs. When we asked her about why she personally camps, here’s what she had to say: “I camp because of the opportunity to make new friends and strengthen current relationships.”

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A Thing of the Outdoors

John Segebarth — Sat, 24 Apr 2021 23:30:00 +0000

by Joey Fletcher

“The Order of the Arrow is a thing of the outdoors rather than the indoors. It was born in an island wilderness. It needs the sun and rain, the woods and plains, the waters and the starlit sky.” –E. Urner Goodman

These words from the founder of the Order of the Arrow are just as meaningful today as when they were written. But they also apply to Scouting as a whole. As Scouts, we learn to love the outdoors as we spend time in it. Although nature isn’t always kind to us — sometimes we may have to hike through rain and mud, or take shelter in strong summer storms — ultimately it helps us reflect on ourselves and our surroundings.

Imagine that you’re walking through the woods on a warm spring day. The sun is beginning to shine through the trees, and its warm glow illuminates the grass that you walk through. You begin to contemplate and reflect. Maybe you remember walking by this spot years back with a friend or mentor. Spending time outdoors helps us foster these kinds of personal reflections.

“Nature reminds us of what we are, and makes us self-reliant.” –Polestar: Induction Leadership Training

Nature is at the soul of Scouting. It’s easy to plan indoor meetings and activities, and just rely on those all the time, but that wouldn’t truly be Scouting! Through rainstorms and sunny afternoons, the outdoor element of Scouting gives us the opportunity to learn from experience and become better campers, affording us the opportunity to become the best version of ourselves.

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Weekend Recap

John Segebarth — Sat, 24 Apr 2021 23:30:00 +0000

by Jacob Ball

What an amazing weekend we’ve shared together! In total, over a thousand Scouts and Arrowmen from across the nation joined together to celebrate our roots in nature, and it is because of you that this event was possible, so thank you! Let’s take a look back at some of the highlights from this event:

We started off Friday with our national leadership team welcoming us to Momentum: Discover at the opening show! A mood of peaceful serenity was set as we learned how to rediscover our passion for the outdoors together. After meeting with the national chair of the Boy Scouts of America, Dan Ownby, we closed off Friday night with a fireside chat with national officers, where they shared stories and experiences about the OA, as well as answered some of the questions regarding our order.

Today started off with two training sessions: Proficiency in the Outdoors, which helped us brush up on our outdoor skills, and Thriving Together, which helped us find the meaning of a successful team. Afterward, our region chiefs competed in Region Chiefs Vs. The Wild to discover which of our region chiefs has what it takes to survive in the wilderness! Following an informative question and answer session with the national chairman and advisers, we learned how the Order of the Arrow and nature can work together at Discover Your World and how we can get the most out of Scouting in Soaking Up Scouting.

Later on, each of the four region chiefs was paired with a lodge leader to compete in a series of exciting challenges! After many obstacles and puzzles, region chiefs Garrett Donais and Terry Hendriex and their host lodge teammates Stephen G. and William D. tied for 1st. Afterwards we learned about an exciting new national initiative, Thrive Connect, which will help coach lodges across the country to find greater success! During Capturing the Adventure, we found out how to improve our photography skills, and at Better than Ever — OA LodgeMaster we learned about the brand new induction module!

In the late afternoon and early evening, we learned about how the Order of the Arrow can give back to Scouting and our communities in cheerful service, and how lodges across the country are reemerging after COVID-19! During Furthering Your Impact, we learned about how we can work alongside our Lodge Executive Committee to provide outstanding cheerful service and get involved with our council summer camps. In the final region chief challenge for Momentum: Discover, each of our region chiefs competed in the OA Cookoff, where one of our region chiefs will be crowned champion!

We hope that you join us tonight for Momentum: Discover’s late night talk show, The Discovery Show and help us close off the weekend on an inspiring note at the Closing Show!

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Heart of the Campfire

Ben Bishop — Fri, 23 Apr 2021 23:55:00 +0000

Imagine that you’re at your favorite campsite, circled around the campfire with your friends, listening to the fire crackle and pop, smelling the campfire smoke as it wafts to and fro. It’s been a long day — maybe you’ve been canoeing on the lake, or just finished hiking on a trail to the summit of a tall hill. Or maybe you’ve spent a leisurely day at your favorite camp, walking around to the places that hold so many memories. You may or may not be exhausted, but, either way, you’re not ready to sleep yet!

Campfires are a common tradition both in and outside of Scouting. As far as history goes back, we know of friends and families gathering together around the warmth of the fire and enjoying each other’s company. But what’s so special about the campfire? Why is it that everywhere you go, you can always find people sharing time with each other around the fire? What is at the heart of a campfire?

You might have already guessed it! There’s nothing inherently special about the fire itself. It gives warmth, of course, and light, but beyond that there’s not much to it. What matters is the people you share time with around the campfire! Think of the time you share with your friends and family around the campfire, as you grow closer together. This last year has been hard on all of us. Being isolated from our friends and relatives isn’t easy. Yet we have persevered, and found new ways to connect with each other virtually!

So tonight, as we gather with Scouts and Arrowmen from across the nation, picture that you’re at the campfire together — but remember that the fire itself isn’t what matters, it’s the people you share it with.

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What to Look Forward to on Saturday

Ben Bishop — Fri, 23 Apr 2021 23:55:00 +0000

After tonight’s inspirational opening show, fireside chat, and conversation with BSA National Chairman Dan Ownby have concluded, we hope you’re as excited as we are for a day full of training sessions, challenges, and entertainment tomorrow!

Here are a few sessions to look forward to:

Proficiency in the Outdoors: Brush up on your wilderness and outdoor knowledge as we cover some of the need-to-know skills every Scout should have in an outdoor adventure!

Region Chiefs vs. The Wild: Do our region chiefs have what it takes to survive in the wilderness? Tune in to see who has the most polished outdoor skills, with commentary from our National Chief and Vice Chief.

The Arrowman Challenge: Redemption time! Each of our region chiefs will be paired with one lodge leader to see who can navigate their way through a series of challenges. There will be obstacles, puzzles, and more to see which of our regions comes out on top!

The OA Cookoff: In our final challenge for the weekend, our Region Chiefs will go head to head to see who can make the best dish with the unique ingredients they are given, in just a short amount of time. Can they use the outdoor cooking skills they’ve learned to get the best overall score and be crowned the champion of the OA Cook-off?

The Discovery Show: Join National Chief Derek Porter as he hosts “The Discovery Show,” a late-night talk show featuring local lodge leaders and prominent Scouting guests.

For these exciting events, and much more, make sure to check out the Momentum: Discover website at https://event.oa-bsa.org/events/momentum/!

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Host Camp Spotlight

Ben Bishop — Fri, 23 Apr 2021 23:55:00 +0000

Naish Scout Reservation:

Surrounded by Bonner Springs, Kansas, one may find a jewel of wilderness hidden away. It is here, at Theodore Naish Scout Reservation, that Central Region Chief Terry Hendriex will spend his time at Momentum: Discover. In addition to the picturesque landscapes and countless campers every summer, Camp Naish also is the home of Tamegonit Lodge, one of the largest lodges in the Order of the Arrow.

This weekend, as Arrowmen from around the country tune in to Momentum: Discover, Tamegonit Lodge is holding one of their memorable induction weekends. Keep an eye out for brand new Arrowmen in the background!

Amidst the Arrowmen buzzing about in the background, Tamegonit Lodge Chief William D. had a few moments to speak about his love for camping. William speaks for many Scouts in our program when he says that camping “is an escape from the craziness of normal life. It’s nice to unplug and simply enjoy nature from time to time,” and believes that the Order of the Arrow and summer camp are intricately linked: “without summer camping, Scouting loses part of its foundation. Scout camp is one of the best parts of our program, and it is our best recruiting tool.”

Camp Sequassen:

Northeast Region Chief Garrett Donais will be spending his time at Camp Sequassen in New Hartford, Connecticut. Located on the shores of beautiful West Hill Pond, Camp Sequassen is home to an exciting summer camp program every June and July, as well as weekend camping year-round! In addition to its exciting programs and year-round camping, Sequassen is also home to Owaneco Lodge of the Connecticut Yankee Council.

This weekend, Owaneco Lodge will be holding a fellowship event, followed by an awards banquet in the evening. At the banquet, the lodge will recognize Arrowmen for their outstanding service to Scouting!

We had a few moments to talk to Stephen G., Owaneco’s lodge chief, about how camping and the outdoors is an integral part of Scouting and the Order of the Arrow. “By promoting Scout camping and our camps,” Stephen says, “we are able to promote one of the core aspects that defines every Order of the Arrow member and every other Scout around the country.” We asked Stephen about why he personally camps. “I personally camp, probably like many others, because it gives me a sense of enjoyment. Being able to go out in the fresh air, sleep under the stars, listen to the birds, it gives me the opportunity to get away from all the distractions we have now.”

We asked Stephen if he had anything to say to Scouts across the country. “As an Arrowman going into my senior year of college and about to turn 21, the best advice I could give to Scouts around the country is to do what you want to do in Scouting and in life.”

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Momentum Musings – Tranquility

Ben Bishop — Fri, 23 Apr 2021 23:55:00 +0000

Everyone has a peaceful place

Where stress and pain can’t keep pace.

Easily said, this is nature’s grace.

Gentle breezes blowing by,

Bliss the feeling of to fly

Amongst the clouds in the sky.

Gurgling creeks rolling through,

Over stones of crystal blue

Fresh the water, mountain true.

Gem green leaves dapple fresh grass

Shading glowing flower flats,

Smiling faces that have passed.

Warming silence creeping in

With strong worn hands onto kin,

Softly blushing starry skin.

Ever tall trees swaying still,

Bring upon an unknown will,

One only nature can fill.

Put your mind at tender ease,

Find your place among the scenes

And experience the truth of tranquility.

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What Will You Discover?

Ben Bishop — Fri, 23 Apr 2021 23:55:00 +0000

What can you discover? Reflecting on this helps us see what our capabilities are, along with our limitations. From school, to profession, to Scouting, to a soccer game, recognizing our abilities is critical to finding our purpose in life. One way to do so is through self-reflection in the great outdoors, which provides a sense of calm and peace that may not be found in other environments due to the intrusions of daily life. With the outdoors, we shift our focus from “how can I complete this project by the due date” to “how can I improve myself and focus more on making others matter?”

The freedom we find in the outdoors contributes to our capacity to think and self-reflect. This independence shifts our focus from irksome tasks and weighty responsibilities to where our efforts should really be placed. Nature and the outdoors resonates in the depth of our souls. Without the distractions of everyday life, we can turn inward and focus on our own purpose. With the freedom of the outdoors, we have more opportunities than we have during our “regular” routine. When you are next in the great outdoors, what will you discover?

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