Just a quick update to all Lodge members on a few important items, especially the unfortunate news that we will need to cancel for the second year in a row, our traditional December Service event at the Carillon (Richmond Christmas Pageant), due to continuing renovations of the Carillon Tower.

First, a huge THANK YOU to all the Lodge members who attended this past weekend’s Fall Service/Induction and Fellowship event, including the new Ordeal members completing their OA Induction and to the Brothers who committed themselves to Brotherhood, Cheerfulness and Service as new Brotherhood level members.

We had a great time this weekend as we were able to successfully combine three separate events, Service/Induction Weekend, Vigil Honor and our annual Lodge Fellowship Banquet, into one awesome experience…despite the very cold temperatures and sometimes rainy conditions.  Good thing we are all experienced Honor Campers!!! A huge congratulations to this year’s Vigil Honor recipients, Founders Award recipients (Justin Robins, Trey Lyle and John Gasink) and to Nawakwa Lodge and Ed Beach for their James E. West Award recognitions.

The weekend was so successful because of the dedication of several individual Arrowmen who gave of themselves over the past 8 plus weeks to plan, organize and facilitate this event on behalf of all participants.  If you missed it, you missed one of the best events this year!!!   Thanks goes out to our Lodge Officers and the Lodge Executive Committees, Registration and Finance Committees (Razz, Scott and Robert), Administration, Program and Communications as well as our Ceremonies, Dance, Special Events/Spirit, Food Service, Health Services, Ordeal, Museum and all our Chapter Leadership…THANK YOU for a job WELL DONE!!

It is also time to be paying your 2019 Lodge Dues.  www.Nawakwa.org/Dues Wearing your Lodge Flap on the BSA Field Uniform is an indication that you are an active dues paying member of Nawakwa Lodge.  Annual Passes for 2019 are also available.

Don't forget CONCLAVE!!!  Register TODAY!!! Conclave 2019 registration

A quick update on our Lodge OA Pavilion for your consideration and help…We are hopeful and VERY EXCITED to be signing our contract with the General Contractor on or about November 19th in order to meet our required dedication date of April 2019 for the Lodge OA Pavilion in time to serve as host/service Lodge for our Centennial Conclave event.   I promised all our donors and members that WE WILL BUILD this Nawakwa Lodge OA Pavilion and it is gratifying to be narrowing in on a possible ground breaking date.  

Unfortunately, due to not being able to fully fund the full construction costs at this time, even though we have reduced to overall costs through negotiations with the builder and asking local companies for donated materials, we will need to have the general contractor start with a phased approach which will include the shell of the OA Pavilion with no fireplace or interior finishes (kitchenette, restrooms…etc.) in the building portion of the pavilion, although they will be plumbed for future completion.  These will need to be completed in a future phase as the funds become available.  We will continue to aggressively campaign and fundraise for the full cost of the building and hopefully the remaining $150,000 can be raised quickly without adding to the growing cost of a phased approach.We need your support NOW more than ever!!!

You can go to www.nawakwa.org/donate to see the various donations levels, even if it is only $100 and even if you have already donated something, every donation is critical to our success in getting the FULL OA Pavilion built.  In addition, each donation level is entitled to a limited edition Nawakwa Lodge Patch Gift set. Please consider your donations are not necessarily about the patches but primarily to bring the reality of a great addition to the overall program options being offered at the Heart of Virginia Council Camp at Camp T. Brady Saunders.

Thank you all for your continuing and Cheerful Service!
Yours in Brotherhood,

Michael Lynch  |  Lodge Adviser