Vigil Honor; Original lodge member

[troutmaster]

This past weekend I was privileged to be able to attend our lodge's annual Vigil honor weekend. While these events are always true rejuvenators of OA and scout spirit, this one was extra-special. A few years ago, our troop held a reunion family campout at the camp for past members of the troop, as well as current family. One of our earlier Eagles (1945)attended with his wife and renewed his camp involvement. He had served on staff in the war years and been one of the founding team for our lodge in 1944. But he had not been to the camp in over a quarter century, as he lived out of area. His reunion with the camp was dramatic, and he and his wife began a series of extensive major personal projects to improve the camp and honor past family scouters and friends. He also renewed his OA membership. This past weekend, at 80 years old, he officially completed his Vigil Ordeal, in cold temps, wind, and light rain. His example and dedication was noted by all, but appeared to especially inspire the youth members and younger adults.

 

The Spirit of the Order is always apparent in our traditional pre-Vigil Circle. And his window on the past, with dedication and enthusiasm in the now, only reinforced this for us all.

 

Events such as these are what keeps many of us involved, and certainly helps when we find ourselves feeling the occasional frustrations and doubts that can come up over time.

 

Just wanted to share.