2026 Events 

2026 Winter Banquet

The Lodge Annual Banquet was held at First Presbyterian Church, 70 Union Street. The evening featured a catered meal, several awards and recognitions, and a review of the lodge’s accomplishments over the past year. Over the past year, the lodge welcomed 90 new members, sealed 40 Brotherhood members, hosted 8 lodge events, and completed 2,522 hours of service. These milestones reflected the lodge’s continued growth and commitment to cheerful service.

The 2026 officers were announced as Arnesh A., Caleb S., Anastasiia I., and Jaden B.

Several awards were presented:

• Curtis R. and Cole S. were named 2026 New Arrowmen of the Year.

• Anastasiia I. received the Leonard G. Schenck Arrowman of the Year Award.

• Ava S. and Richard Waddell were recognized as James E. West Fellows.

• Logan H.and Tony Crowley received the Founder’s Award.

• Jerry Helms was named Charles Kerley Adviser of the Year.

The 2026 lodge theme was revealed as “Rewind: The 2000s.”

2026 iLead

The 2026 iLEAD took place February 20th–22nd. It was Itibap’s annual lodge leadership development event, designed to challenge and grow the next generation of lodge leaders. This year’s training team featured Arrowmen from three sections across the Eastern Region, including six current or former section officers and six lodge chiefs. A total of 30 Arrowmen were trained, with 11 out-of-lodge trainers participating. Attendees represented four states and three sections.

Trainers included:

• Nickolas W. – Record, Reflect, Lead!

• Preston K. – Beyond the Ordeal

• Madelyn W. – Why We Show Up

• Dominic W. – Modernizing Communication

• Dyl B. – Interconnectedness

• Reed C. – Activities to Attract

• Lynn F. – The Leader’s Journey

• Jarvis H. – How to Be a Leader

• Griffin D. – Lodge Culture

• Jackson L. – Overcoming Obstacles in the OA

• Connor D. – Strong Leadership and the Lodge Merger Process

Spring Ordeal

Spring Ordeal was held from March 13 to 15, bringing together 90 Arrowmen for a weekend full of fellowship, cheerfulness, and brotherhood. Of those, 25 new Arrowmen joined our Order by completing their Ordeal. They took on projects like trail maintenance, cleaning the ranges, and improving the chapel, along with many other efforts that made a lasting impact on Camp John J. Barnhardt and the Central North Carolina Council.

Additionally, 25 members sealed their membership by earning Brotherhood, marking an important step in their journey in the OA.

After the day’s work, both new and experienced Arrowmen came together for an afternoon of fun and fellowship. The field was full of energy as Arrowmen competed in games and even tracked down the elusive Snipe that had been roaming around camp.

The night wrapped up with karaoke, patch trading, and plenty of laughs, making for a memorable end to an already great day. Overall, the weekend was a fun and meaningful step forward as we continue working to kindle a stronger flame.

Ordeal Candidates/ New Members 

Congratulations on being selected by your fellow Scouts. Your next step toward membership in the Order of the Arrow is completing the 2026 Spring Ordeal on March 13–15 at Camp John J. Barnhardt.
All registration details, packing lists, and arrival instructions are included in the letter. Please review it carefully so you are fully prepared for the weekend.

If you have questions or trouble registering, email Lodgechief188@gmail.com.

Parents, Spring Ordeal is a supervised weekend designed to challenge candidates while keeping them safe. Adults are encouraged to support their Scouts by:

• Ensuring they arrive on time 

• Reviewing packing lists and medical forms

• Communicating any medical, dietary, or special needs to the lodge leadership

The weekend is structured to provide guidance, mentorship, and a meaningful introduction to the ideals of the Order of the Arrow. For questions, parents may also contact Lodgechief188@gmail.com.

Ordeal candidate letter:

Brotherhood Candidates/ Current Members

All Arrowmen are encouraged to attend the 2026 Spring Ordeal to support new candidates and serve the lodge. There are many ways to get involved:

• Seal your membership – Complete your Bars and advance your membership in the Order. More information can be found under the Arrowmen Central tab on this website.

• Join a committee or team – Cook Team, Ceremonies Team, and other committees always need help. Sign up on the Lodge Committees  page

• Be an Elangomat – Remember your Ordeal and those who guided you; become that mentor for new candidates. Details are under the Initiatives tab.

• Service – Help care for the camp and support lodge projects throughout the weekend.

Your participation strengthens the lodge, supports new members, and keeps the spirit of the Order alive.

Brotherhood Letter: