For every Eagle, there was a Scout; for every Summit, a Venturer; for every Quartermaster, an Apprentice. Every accomplishment in Scouting America has a starting point. For the Order of the Arrow, that point is the induction.
Each of us was called by many others. Each of us faced the tests the principles set before us, and succeeded. And yet, we did not do it alone. Alongside every candidate, there was an Elangomat.
Being an Elangomat is hard work. Many Arrowmen see it as a challenge, and many lodges have difficulty finding new Elangomats. But staffing an induction is one of the most important things we can do as Arrowmen, and it helps strengthen the ties of brotherhood between us.
Even if you can’t be an Elangomat or ceremonialist, being a friend is just as important. Participating in service and fellowship helps support the lodge in countless ways, and helps provide an atmosphere of acceptance for new members.
Each induction needs full teams of Elangomats and ceremonialists. Reach a hand in service to those who chose you. Be the reason why Scouts want to stay in Scouting.
I can still remember my Elangomat. He was devoted to spending the day in reverent silence, and only communicated with the other Elangomats with charades. He would always offer to fill peoples’ water bottles, and would take the hardest job at every given opportunity. I don’t think I ever saw him take a break from service. To this day, when I imagine service to others, his example is one of the first things that comes to mind.
I can picture my ceremonialists, too. They all sounded so stoic, and I remember listening to every word like it was a cliffhanger, wanting to hear more. I remember how excited I felt to be a part of something so established.
Finally, after my induction, I remember being invited to play games with some of the other new members. That invitation sparked friendships in the lodge, some of which still remain four years later.
Inductions would not happen without the selfless staff who are willing to face scant food to make an impact. Both those who staffed my induction and attended it are still affecting my Scouting journey today. The service an Elangomat or ceremonialist provides to others can be the reason someone comes back or not.
Are you willing to take this next step of your journey?
This year, our section has lots of opportunities for members to serve on an induction staff:
Wauna La-Mon’tay Lodge has four inductions scheduled:
- May 16-18 at Camp Meriwether
- May 30-June 1 at Camp Baldwin
- June 13-15 at Camp Pioneer
- Sept. 19-21 at Camp Lewis
Lo La’Qam Geela Lodge has two inductions scheduled:
Tsisqan Lodge has three inductions scheduled: