An Elangomat’s View of Spring Induction Weekend 2019

Post date: May 7, 2019 1:44:12 AM

By James Webb

“Great Scott!” – Doc Brown

Erielhonan went “Back to the Future” to see and experience many firsts! It was our Lodge Chief’s first Induction weekend. Erielhonan invited and received the first 27 new Erielhonan Ordeal candidates of the year (and then made them members). Our first female youth were inducted into the lodge. These are just a few of the firsts that created a weekend of fun times.

The Lodge Chief had a lot on his hands this weekend. Chief Evan did a fantastic job and delegated and enabled Owen, Vice Chief of Program, and Spencer, Ordealmaster, do their jobs. The Lodge Chief also saw his mother become a new member of the Lodge as she was a candidate this weekend…that is a first for Erielhonan and very rare event from our historic lodges and the Order of the Arrow’s 104-year history. It was great to see the Lodge Executive Committee work together and have a successful event.

“The way I see it, if you’re gonna build a time machine into a car, why not do it with some style?” – Doc Brown

A beautiful sunrise greeted us Saturday morning. Not knowing much of what the day had in store for the 27 candidates, the day started pretty early. There was wildlife that scurried throughout camp and into the night starting about 2:30 AM—the first irksome item that some experienced. This caused most of the members to be up and going about 6:00 AM, or about an hour earlier than required. We were at least treated to a beautiful sunrise…for those of us that were awake. After breakfast, the work began.

“If you put your mind to it, you can accomplish anything.” – Marty McFly

It was interesting to see the work detail breakouts. Some of the tasks were very irksome and not just for the new members but also for the Elangomats and members of the lodge that were left with a little extra white paint on gear and uniforms. All remained positive and tasks were completed for Firelands Scout Reservation.

Erielhonan welcomed our first three female youth into our Lodge this weekend. They are the first few of many more to come this year and in the future! Welcome! It was an honor to serve as your Elangomat. I hope the experience is one you will not forget. Continue to remember the teachings, continue to practice them and grow from them. They will serve you well in your Scouting adventure and in future career paths.

“Whoa, this is heavy!” – Marty McFly

“Look! There’s a rhythmic ceremonial ritual coming up!” – Doc Brown

We held a Brotherhood ceremony to conclude the official events of Saturday. This was a first for eight new Brotherhood members. It was not a first for the Ceremonialists, though, who did an outstanding job! Even though this was not a first event for these members, it was a first Brotherhood event for them. A little rain moved it under a pavilion but the ceremony was still an amazing induction. Welcome to the Brotherhood! Continue to serve Erielhonan Lodge and others!

To wrap up the weekend event, we went “Back to the Future” movie watching! It was a great event. It was great to see old friends and make new ones. Here is to achieving “1.21 GIGAWATTS!!!” (Doc Brown) and making it to the Summer Induction at Beaumont Scout Reservation! See everyone there!!

Congratulations to Jordan S. on being presented the Founder’s Award!