Today’s blog is brought to you by Laura.
On Friday night/early Saturday morning, I had the incredible opportunity to keep my Vigil for the Order of the Arrow (OA), and I was officially admitted into the Vigil Honor. Few Arrowmen ever get to wear the triangle, and even fewer get to do it while wearing an Eagle medal, so it’s safe to say I’m pretty stoked.
But beyond how excited I am, I’m also reminded of the time and the work that it took to get here. I am incredibly grateful for having had the privilege of giving back to my lodge for the four years since I did my Ordeal. Over the course of around 3 1/2 years, and roughly seven conclaves, I helped new candidates through their own induction into the Order and started them on their own unique journey. Even when I was juggling planning an Ordeal and college at the same time, it was immensely fulfilling, and it was always work I was happy to do. There’s no way to describe the joy I feel when I recognize a candidate from an induction I led at another OA event, and seeing that they love it just as much as I do. My memories of the OA have always been nothing but happy. Whether I was sweating in the sun doing service work, or just enjoying time with my friends. There is always joy and laughter.
Vigil is not the end of my journey in the OA, just like how Eagle is never the end of a scout’s journey. It’s another call to serve, and a reminder of the fulfillment of giving cheerful service. My time in the OA has taught me so much about myself, both as a leader and a person, and I know the knowledge I’ve gained will be instrumental in the future. Leadership is always about serving others first, and it has always been an incredible privilege to serve this lodge.
I am incredibly grateful for every Nampa-tsi Arrowman who has served with and made memories with me these past years. I am grateful for my dad and my brother, who have always been there, from the day we did our induction to the morning I was given my certificate. And I am also very grateful for Matt Pigg, who has been an incredible mentor and was an amazing Vigil guide. Without them I may have never found my place in the Order.