316 Fourth Avenue, Warren, PA 16365-2320
Phone (814) 723-6700

You can email #255 Online as well as any general Lodge comments/questions at:

These rules only apply to Order of the Arrow members of Gyantwachia Lodge whose current dues are paid, who are active members and who are registered Scouts/Scouters.

LODGE RULES

I. Name and affiliation of lodge.

1. The name of this lodge of the Order of the Arrow shall be the Gyantwachia Lodge #255 W.W.W.

2. The lodge shall be affiliated with Chief Cornplanter Council # 538, Boy Scouts of America, and shall be under the supervision of the council camping committee and the administrative authority of the Scout executive.

3. The totem and call of Gyantwachia Lodge shall be that of the Wolf.

4. The official colors of this lodge shall be blue and white.

1. Lodge achievement awards and sashes shall be properly worn at all Order of the Arrow functions and any formal scouting function.

2. Restricted Flap Brotherhood/Vigil members may purchase two restricted flaps per calendar year, provided that the following requirements are met:

   1. Must be an active member in good standing.

   2. Must attend in excess of 50% of all Lodge activities in the past 12 months.

   3. Must attend at least one work event as a Brotherhood/Vigil member in the past year.

   4. Lodge members are allowed to trade in restricted flaps that are soiled or in bad shape and to buy new ones to replace them.

3. Lodge flaps will only be sold at Lodge functions to active members of our Lodge.

4. Lodge Members not attending an event that has a designated Lodge Flap can purchase 4 Flaps at the current Trader Flap rate of profit before the event. When the contingent leaves for an event, flaps are no longer available to the general membership.

5. It is the intention of our lodge to support our Camp in every way possible, therefore, "Six hours of pre-approved service to the camp other than at Lodge or Council functions, will count as one lodge event." By this means you can qualify to purchase your restricted flaps but you can not use this method to qualify for the Lodge attendance award.

6. For the purpose of qualifying to buy the lodge restricted flaps, attendance figures will be calculated for the last twelve months and not the last calendar year.

7. Any Order of the Arrow Brother who transfers into our Lodge, who is a Brotherhood or Vigil Honor member, and who has not previously been a Brother or Vigil member in Gyantwachia Lodge, shall be allowed to purchase one restricted flap without meeting any attendance requirement. This is limited to once per lifetime.

II. Election to membership.

1. The requirements for membership in this lodge are as stated in the current printing of Order of the Arrow Handbook. (10 Induction Principles)

2. Procedure for the Ordeal shall be as stated in the Order of the Arrow Handbook and Administration Guide for the Ordeal.

3. All the elections must clear through the Unit Elections committee or the Supreme Chief of the Fire.

4. Our Lodge will not conduct out of council elections or ceremonies unless directed by the Supreme Chief of the Fire.

III. Lodge Officers.

1. The officers of this Lodge elected at the Summer Camp Lodge meeting shall be: the Lodge Chief, Lodge First Vice-Chief,  Lodge Second Vice-Chief, Lodge Third Vive-Chief, and the Lodge Secretary. There may be any number of officers used at the Chief’s discretion. These elected officers must meet the following requirements:

1. Be currently registered in Scouting and the Order of the Arrow in the Chief Cornplanter Council.

2. Be a member in good standing in the Lodge.

3. Will be younger than 21 years of age the entire term of office.

4. Have served successfully during the past year on at least one Lodge committee.

2. Lodge officers shall serve for a 1-year term.

3. Only paid members younger than 21 years of age are eligible to vote.

4. Listed below are a partial list of the responsibilities of the Lodge Chief and Lodge Vice Chief and the committees they oversee.

Lodge Chief - The Lodge Chief is a member Ex-Officio of ALL Lodge Committees. He is the chairman of the Executive Committee and oversees the National Conference, Section Conclave,  and Vigil Honor Committees. He is also a member of the Council of Chiefs and is responsible to ensure we are a "Quality Lodge" which is requires Lodge Leadership Development training.

Lodge First Vice Chief - The First Vice Chief will oversee the Activities, Ceremonial Team, Conclave, Dance Team, Ordeal, NOAC/High Adventure, and Summer Camp Committees. In the absence of the Chief, he will run the Lodge. Along with the Second Vice Chief, he will oversee the updating and editing of the Lodge Planbook.

Lodge Second Vice Chief - The Second Vice Chief will oversee the Membership, Brotherhood, Ordeal, Service Committees. Along with the First Vice Chief, he will oversee the updating and editing of the Lodge Planbook. He will understand and present the financial report at Lodge Meetings. In the absence of the Chief and First Vice Chief, he will run the Lodge.

Lodge Third Vice Chief - The third Vice Chief will oversee the Troop Relations, Camp Promotions, Unit Elections, Website/Email, and Publications Committees. In the absence of the Chief, the First and Second Vice Chief, he will run the Lodge.

Lodge Secretary - The Secretary records minutes for every General Lodge Meeting submits a copy to the Lodge Advisor and the Website/Email Committee Chairman three days after the meeting. He also fills out the membership cards.

5. The Executive Committee shall be composed of the elected Lodge officers, the immediate past Lodge Chief, Lodge operating Committee Chairmen, Lodge Advisor, a member of the camping committee, Scout Executive, and the Staff Advisor.

6. Each year the Scout executive appoints a volunteer to be the Lodge Advisor. The Lodge Advisor assists the Scout Executive in guiding the operation of the Lodge program, and also serves on the Council Camping Committee.

7. The Lodge Chief shall appoint such operating committees as may be required from time to time with the approval of the Lodge Executive Committee. All chairmen shall be under the age of 21.

8. All committee chairmen and advisors serve a one year term. Committee chairmen serve at the discretion of the Lodge Chief. You are expected to speak and to give an oral and written committee report at all meetings.

9. Advisors are nominated by the Lodge Advisor and approved by the Supreme Chief of the Fire.

10. If any committee/lodge officer/lodge advisor is not functioning to the satisfaction of the Lodge, the committee chairman may be removed by a two/thirds majority vote of the Executive Committee with the decision based on his not adequately fulfilling his duties. If the committee chair, advisor, or officer has not been active in the lodge for three months, they may be removed with the approval of the Supreme Chief of the Fire without the need for any vote. The person will be notified in writing of their relief from office. (passed June 3, 2008 and July 15, 2008)

11. The duties of the elected officers shall be in accordance with those outlined in the Order of the Arrow Handbook , Order of the Arrow Guide for Officers and Advisers , and the Gyantwachia Lodge #255 Plan and Guide Book.

IV. Lodge Operating Committees.

1. The standard lodge operating committees, their purpose, and the duties of their chairmen are as follows:

1. Troop Relations

1. purpose

• to conduct the camp promotion presentations for each individual unit as outlined in the Order of the Arrow Handbook.
• to promote short-term camping, canoeing, hiking and high adventure.
• to produce a contemporary Lodge camping book to be used by individual units and members. This book shall contain information on facilities and other aspects of camping and hiking sites within our Council and nearby areas.
• to conduct the annual unit elections in each eligible unit in our Council.
• to keep all members, the Lodge officers and advisors informed.

2. duties of the Chairman

• to insure adequate updating of the Camp Promotion tape/slide/video show presentations.
• to recruit & train an adequate number of committee members.
• to give each troop and pack a quality Camp Promotions presentations.
• to organize and oversee the production and any necessary revisions of the "Where to go Camping" book.
• to organize and oversee all aspects of the committee's operation in accordance with the Order of the Arrow Handbook and the Order of the Arrow Guide for Officers and Advisors.
• to create and distribute unit elections packets to each troop by January 1^st.
• to ensure that all unit election are completed by May 1st (Refer to page 11 of this booklet.)
• to ensure that all unit election sheets are turned in immediately to the Staff or Lodge Advisor.
• to check the Calling Out list and verify to the Staff Advisor or Lodge Advisor that only the correct names are on the list.
• to work with the Camp Promotions Committee for annual Troop Presentations.
• to contact Scoutmaster's for troop's reps name.
• to create and maintain a Lodge mobilization plan.
• to activate the plan before each lodge meeting and other times upon proper request.

2. Ceremonial Committee

1. purpose:

• to conduct all ceremonies at Lodge functions.
• to provide maintenance and upkeep of all costumes and headdresses and the ceremonial ring.

2. duties of the chairman:

• to conduct the Calling Out, Pre-Ordeal, Ordeal, and Brotherhood ceremonies, and ceremonial competition at the Section Conclave/NOAC.
• to train ceremonial team members and ensure all parts are memorized.
• directly responsible for all Lodge costumes.
• assures that no unauthorized persons attend Lodge Ceremonies.

Although there are only a limited number of speaking parts in each of the ceremonies, many other people are required to prepare the grounds, tend props, and serve as seconds on speaking parts. This is a very visible committee because of the regalia, but it should not be considered more important than any other committee.

Lodge Ceremonial costumes may not be worn by any member of the Ceremonial Team who has been a member for over a year except when the Advisor deems necessary."

At no time may the Lodge ceremonial Headdresses (Raccoon, Fox, Warrior's Bonnet, Buffalo, Antlered Coyote) be worn at a Dance team function. The Antlered Coyote may only be worn by Meteu

3. Brotherhood Committee

1. purpose:

• to insure that all candidates acquire a full understanding of the purpose and traditions of the Ordeal, both during and after the induction process.
• to insure that the Lodge inducts into Brotherhood membership at least 30% of eligible Ordeal members. Follow the plan outlined in the Order of the Arrow Handbook page.

2. duties of the chairman:

• to send letters to Ordeal members eligible for Brotherhood membership.
• to see that the Trail of Brotherhood is properly carried out.
• to coordinate with the Ceremonial Team and Ordeal Master.

4. Membership Committee

1. purpose:

• to check on inactive members.
• to maintain membership records.
• to provide additional motivation and incentive for attendance of members at Lodge functions.

2. duties of the chairman:

• to call inactive members to get them active.
• to be aware of members eligible for Brotherhood and pass that information on to the Brotherhood Committee.
• to keep attendance of members at Lodge functions and make readily available the percentage, of members seeking Brotherhood Flaps.
• to distribute Achievement Awards as they are earned.
• to be responsible for the Silver Wolf Award.

5. Service Committee

1. purpose:

• to suggest a yearly schedule of service projects. (Nursing Homes, Saw & Hammer Day, Christmas Parade)
• to support/sponsor Council Events i.e. Klondike Derby, First Aid Meet, Beaver Days, Camporees.

2. duties of the chairman:

• to secure, plan, prepare for and supervise all service projects performed by our Lodge.

V. Additional Committees

1. Additional committees are optional committees the Lodge feels are needed.

1. Conclave Committee

1. purpose:

• to fulfill all the requirements assigned to Gyantwachia Lodge for the annual Section 4A Conclave.

2. duties of the Chairman:

• to act in accordance to the nature of assignment: Host, Newsletter, Web page, History, "Where To Go Camping" Competitions, Camp Promotions, Newsletter, Recreational, Guide book, Special Events, Shows, Ceremonies, Indian Events, or training sessions
• to attend all Section 4A Council of Chiefs meetings.
• to attend the Section 4A Conclave.
• to recruit members to fill our quota for slots.
• to secure flaps/patches for the Section auction.

2. Indian Lore Committee

1. purpose:

• to help preserve the traditions and heritage of the American Indian through study of the native American culture, making regalia, dancing and other activities.

2. duties of chairman:

• to perform throughout the year at various Scouting and Social events around the Council.
• to research and design authentic costumes native to our area.
• to train the Committee members/leadership and the Dance Team.
• to take responsibility for publicity, and recruitment of new members of the Indian Lore Committee.
• to perform at the Friday night campfire at Camp Olmsted as directed by the Staff Advisor.
• to help Ceremonial Team with costumes and maintenance of the O/A room at camp.
• to support and participate with Crew #2255.

3. Publications Committee

1. purpose:

• to produce the Lodge newsletter, "THE HOWLER" when needed (minimum of 4 times per year).
• to ensure that the newspaper is prepared and available to all Lodge members.
• to prepare Order of the Arrow articles for the Council newsletter, "THE PATHFINDER."

2. duties of the chairman:

• to serve as editor of the Lodge newsletter.
• to organize and oversee all aspects of the committee’s operation.

4. Activities Committee

1. purpose:

• to plan the Family Banquet, Christmas Walk, Fellowships, and all Lodge activities that the Lodge Chief has not assigned to another committee.

2. duties of the chairman:

• to develop new ideas, acquire the necessary materials and supervise these activities.
• to make events fun.
• to oversee all aspects of the Family Banquet.
• to make a budget for the Banquet.
• to coordinate with Membership Committee for all awards including the Silver Wolf.
• to recruit an M.C. for the Family Banquet.

5. Summer Camp Committee

1. purpose:

• to coordinate all Lodge events at Summer Camp.

2. duties of the chairman:

• to plan and coordinate O/A day.
• to arrange all speakers and presentations at meals.
• to coordinate with the Unit Election Chairman on elections and names for the Calling Out Ceremonies.
• to coordinate with the Brotherhood Chairman on the Brotherhood Trail if Staff Advisor authorizes.
• to coordinate with the Vigil Committee on arrangements for the Vigil function at camp.
• to coordinate with the Ceremonial Team and Indian Lore Committee for the opening and closing campfires.
• to assure that the O/A room is kept in good shape.
• to communicate with the Lodge Chief if there is a need to change program or policy.

 

6. Ordeals Committee

1. purpose:

• to coordinate all details pertaining to an Ordeal Weekend including planning, conduct, and clean up.

2. duties of the chairman:

• to recruit all the necessary help, Elongomats and Neamats, contact all candidates, have the total ordeal plan approved at least one month before the Ordeal Weekend.

7. High Adventure Committee

1. purpose:

• to actively promote all National programs.

2. duties of the chairman:

• to have all the necessary forms on hand at all times..
• to do a yearly presentation on the High Adventure programs at the Family Banquet.

8. Website/Email Committee

1. purpose:

• to inform and keep in contact with all our members and to encourage their participation.

2. duties of the chairman and advisor/Webmaster:

• to continually update and maintain our Web page and email directory.
• to email all members at least monthly to keep them informed, included and invited to all functions.

Lodge Website Address http://webpages.atlanticbb.net/~wilsric/lodge255/

9.  Ad Hoc Committees

These committees are sometimes appointed on a temporary basis to carry out a specific assignment. The purpose and duties of the chairman will be specific at the time of the appointment.

VI. Lodge Meetings

1. The lodge shall schedule lodge events as listed:

1. Two Ordeal weekends per year (Spring and Fall).
2. Annual Family Banquet (January).
3. Elections of officers.
4. General Lodge meetings as scheduled per the Lodge calendar. Others shall be set, if needed, at the discretion of the Lodge Chief.

2. The Executive Committee of the Lodge shall meet, at least quarterly at a time and place determined by the Lodge Chief, Staff and Lodge Advisors. ALL Lodge members are welcome to attend.

3. Special meetings of the Executive Committee of the Lodge may be called by the Lodge Chief with the approval of either the Staff Advisor or Scout Executive.

4. Each meeting of the Lodge shall be opened with the Order of the Arrow Obligation and close with the Order of the Arrow Official Song.

VII. Brotherhood membership

1. Completion of the Brotherhood membership shall be in accordance with the requirements in the current printing of the Order of the Arrow Handbook page #49.

2. A Brotherhood Lodge flap shall be given along with the option to buy one more flaps as stated in I, D, 2. On the first page of the Lodge Rules (this document!). Brotherhood and Vigil Honor members can purchase 2 flaps a year if they meet the 51% attendance requirement.

VIII. The Vigil Honor

1. Attainment of the Vigil Honor shall be in accordance with the requirements in the current printing of the Order of the Arrow Handbook.

2. Any Brother may nominate another Brother for this honor. Nominations must be in writing to the Council Service Center before the staff report date at Camp Olmsted Summer Camping Season.

3. Upon attaining the Vigil Honor, a Vigil Honor sash shall be given.

4. The Vigil Nominating committee shall be formed in the Spring of each year and dissolved that same Fall.

IX. Finances

1. There shall be an induction's fee, the amount of which is to be determined by the Executive Committee sixty days before induction. For such, each new Ordeal Member shall receive:

• one current Ordeal flap
• a membership card, and annual dues
• one Order of the Arrow Ordeal Sash
• one Order of the Arrow Handbook & Planbook

2.  Dues must be paid with your Unit's Charter Renewal. NOTE: To be a member of the Gyantwachia Lodge, you must be a registered Scout/Scouter in Chief Cornplanter Council.

1 yr - $10 - Dues are to be paid when your unit recharters. The Order of the Arrow dues you pay at that time will be for the following year. Dues is included in all Ordeal fees if they are not current. Lapsed dues means a $10 penalty to be reinstated. Dues not paid by the lapsed date of your unit charter for the previous year will be considered lapsed dues for the next year and you will be required to pay an additional $10.00 reinstatement fee.

5 yrs - $48 - Pay your dues now, eliminate increases.

100 Year Memberships, If a brother is not registered in Scouting, he is not an O/A member, but when he pays his registration in Scouting in our Council, he will be reinstated in our Lodge for FREE. No bother to remember to write a check each year, beats inflation, supports your lodge! The Lodge will issue you a new dues card each year for one year.

under 30	30-39	40-49	50-59	60-69	70-79	over 80
$320	$280	$230	$180	$120	$80	$60

3. If your dues are not paid by Unit Charter Expiration Date, your dues are in arrears and you are then an inactive member. Inactive members may be reinstated to active status by paying back dues for one year and the current dues.

4. All Order of the Arrow funds shall be handled through the Council Office, and must go throughout all normal accounting procedures.

5. Any brother having an outstanding bill with the lodge shall not be allowed to pay his next years dues until their debt to the Lodge is paid.

X. Expenses

1. Check request forms must be signed by at least two out of four of the following people: Lodge Chief, Lodge 2^nd Vice Chief, Lodge Advisor, Staff Advisor and/or the Scout Executive. Each time, one must be a youth member, and one must be an adult.

XI. Lodge Properties

1. Inventory shall be taken at least once each calendar year by the Lodge officers. (TP, Ceremonial/Dance)

XII. Membership

1. All new members must be registered in the Chief Cornplanter Council.

2. Active Members:

1. Must attend one Lodge function per year. 
2. Must have paid their current dues.

3. Non-active members:

1. Has paid his dues.
2. Does not attend any Lodge functions in a year. (He would not be able to buy any Lodge patches as they are only sold at Lodge functions.)

4. Inactive persons:

1. Old Members, can be reinstated by paying one year's back dues and the current dues. 
2. If you are inactive in the Lodge, you have no rights as an active member.

5. Only active and non-active members have the right to vote, attend functions, etc., or purchase patches.

XIII. Lodge Rules Code of Conduct

At all Gyantwachia Lodge activities or on any trips all members present agree to: 

1. Live by the Scout Oath and Law. 

2. Only Scout hats may be worn or taken with you.

3. No fire works, ingredients for explosives, etc.

4. Signing up for an event commits you to participating in the ENTIRE event, not just selected parts.

5. No un-Scout-like behavior will be tolerated. You may not take BDU's, cami's, jungle fatigues, etc. with you.

6. You will participate as scheduled, be up and on time for all events, no noise will be heard outside your tent at/after taps.

7. No walkman's will be used outside of your tent.

8. No pornography, condoms, etc. will be taken to any Scout functions.

9. You will sing when appropriate, campfires, dinning hall, hiking, practice of Lodge song, etc.

10. You will cooperate with our leadership (point #7 Scout Law).

11. Stay out of areas where you do not belong.

12. When in doubt, ask an Advisor from our Lodge.

13. Respect others property, including their clothing, money, tent, and collections.

14. The Official Scout Uniform is required at every supper meal and at Lodge meetings (including Sash and Lodge necklace).

XIV. Silver Wolf Elections

1. The Silver Wolf shall be awarded once per year, to a maximum of two individuals, according to the Silver Wolf election procedures.

2. The two individuals who receive the Silver Wolf shall be one boy and one adult. If during the election, it is felt that there is not a boy deserving an award, then none shall be awarded. An adult award should not be awarded if a youth award is not given.

3. The election for the Silver Wolf shall be held at the Fall Ordeal.

4. The presentation for the Silver Wolf awards shall be at the Annual Family Banquet.

XV. Amendments to Rules

1. These rules shall be subject to amendment at any regular or special meeting of the lodge, provided such an amendment has been submitted in writing to the Lodge for action at two consecutive meetings. It shall be raised and discussed and may be voted on at the first meeting but it must be voted on and passed at the second meeting (the following month). A two thirds vote of the members present shall be required.

XVI. Amendments    All amendments were incorporated into the body of this document.

XVII. Lodge Recognition Program

1. White Wolf Award - All brothers recognized for attending 80% or more of the last years lodge events at the Family Banquet, may purchase this bolo tie, limit: one per lifetime.

2. Brotherhood Flaps - All Brotherhood and Vigil Honor members who attended at least 51% of all lodge activities over the last 12 months are eligible to purchase 2 flaps per calendar year. Percentages are calculated monthly.

3. Achievement Awards - Arrowheads, Bear Claws, and beads will be given out as they are earned or at the next meeting. They are to be worn on a leather thong at all lodge events. The recognitions are explained on the page 27 of the Gyantwachia Lodge 255 PLAN & GUIDE BOOK 2005-2006.

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