OA Northern Tier and Philmont Trail Crew 2002 Reunion

Members of the OA Northern Tier and Philmont Trail Crews met on Tuesday for a reunion. The purpose of the reunion was to unite old and current members of each national program in fun and fellowship and to promote the programs for the coming years. Many complete crews were in attendance for both programs. Friendships made during the participants' journeys were rekindled. It was a very fun event.

Northern Tier - Charles L. Sommers High Adventure Canoe Base

The National Order of the Arrow is offering  the opportunity to join Arrowmen from across the country in cheerful service and the formation of lasting brotherhood on the pristine US/Canadian Boundary Waters. Under the direction of the United States Forestry Service, experienced Charles L. Sommers staff members with strong Order of the Arrow backgrounds lead participants on a two week voyage into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). What makes this program unique is that it is a continuous 14-day trek through the Canoe Base, unlike the Philmont Trail Crew Program, which consists of the breaks along the journey in base camps.

In order to participate in this program, you must:

• Be at least 16 years old the day your program begins, but not yet 21 by its conclusion.
• Be strong and robust (Charles L. Sommers height and weight guidelines will be strictly enforced.)
• Be a registered member of both the BSA and a local OA lodge.

This Northern Tier 2001 Crew, as was representative of the reunion,  was united. They reminisced on their journey together at the Charles L. Sommers High Adventure Canoe Base  located in Ely, Minnesota, as well as caught up on their experiences since then.

During the Northern Tier reunion, various presentations were made including a presentation to the current National Western Region Chief.

All Arrowmen are encouraged to attend this program. More details regarding this program can be found at the Northern Tier Website.

Philmont Trail Crew - Philmont Scout Ranch - Cimarron, New Mexico

The Order of the Arrow is offering you an opportunity to join other Arrowmen in cheerful service and the formation of lasting brotherhood on the trails of Philmont Scout Ranch. Under the direction of the Philmont Conservation Department, experienced Philmont staff members with strong Order of the Arrow backgrounds will lead participants on the two week trail crew and trek.

The program is a fourteen day experience. The first week focuses on trail construction and maintenance under the guidance of Philmont trail crew foremen. The second week is a seven day backpacking trek that is designed by the participants. The program is not simply building trail and hiking; the OA Trail Crew is ultimately a journey that challenges Scouts mentally, physically, and spiritually.

• Be at least 16 years old the day your program begins, but not 21 by its conclusion.
• Be physically fit, able to lift and handle materials up to 50 pounds. (Philmont height and weight guidelines will be strictly enforced.)
• Be a registered member of both the BSA and a local OA lodge.
• Scouts from the same unit, or otherwise acquainted, will be placed in separate crews. No Exceptions!

All Arrowmen are encouraged to attend this program. More details regarding this program can be found at the Philmont Trail Crew Website.

Revised 7/30/02