Lowwapaneu Lodge is run by a series of committees that all do their part, but the one that went above and beyond in everything that they did in 2022 was the Native American Activities (NAA) Committee. With all the hard work that was put into keeping their beat on the drum steady and always ready, there’s no wonder they were titled as the Committee of the Year of 2022.
Over the summer at Goose Pond Scout Reservation, the NAA gathered on the T-dock every Thursday morning to start off the camp’s OA in Camp day .The sounds echoed across the pond with every hit of the drum, and each song’s melody was carried throughout the camp, getting everyone ready for the day ahead. A rededication ceremony is held after sundown on Thursday night, where Arrowmen are able to rededicate themselves to the values of Brotherhood, Cheerfulness, and Service. OA in Camp Day is organized by the OA in Camp Coordinator, Jaret G., who also happens to be the current Native American Activities Committee chairman.
Although the Summer Camp season takes the stage away from the Lodge for a few months, the NAA is still doing their thing. “OA in Camp allows us to continue to be active in the summer months. On Thursdays, which is OA in camp day at Goose Pond, the NAA would be drumming multiple times around the day,” says chairman Jaret. “This allows us to keep our memory of native traditions fresh in our minds and represent a special part of Lowwapaneu Lodge at summer camp.”
Jaret works hard to make sure the NAA Committee runs as smoothly as it can. “Outside of our monthly meetings, we do a lot,” he says, “We go to Blue and Gold dinners for any pack that is interested. We also like to run stations at different Cub Scout events, such as Harvest Fest and District Fun Days.” According to Jaret. This allows the committee to influence people outside of the lodge and help more people learn and respect native culture. Lowwapaneu’s presence outside of contained Lodge events is important to keep Scouts, Arrowmen or not, in the program, and getting out there is a great way to promote the NAA committee and the Lodge as a whole. Respecting the Native American culture is all a part of the NAA Committee’s job, and they have a lot of fun doing it.
This, of course, comes with its fair share of challenges. “It definitely isn’t the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but it certainly comes with its challenges. I have to free up a lot of time to make it to all the events!” Jaret says. Similar to any other position, it is important to be active and to make time for responsibilities. “Another challenge as chairman is making sure I respect the drum and do everything right so that the next chairman after me won’t make any mistakes that could disrespect what we are trying to respect.”
All this hard work pays off, however, because they are able to attend events hosted by the lodge, council, and section. Alongside all of Lowwapaneu’s events, the NAA attends the annual Harvest Fest for Cub Scouts. They travel to different packs and troops to play at their meeting and Blue and Gold banquets. Coming up, the NAA will attend Section E17’s 2023 Conclave, hosted at the Joseph A. Citta Scout Reservation. These events provide a great way for people to see all that the NAA has to offer, and shows the committee’s dedication to what they do.
The Native American Activities Committee is a big part of our Lodge, and it doesn’t take a lot to be a part of it. Jaret says, “Don’t be afraid to talk to the chairman! If you reach out and try to get involved in a committee, then the chairman will certainly allow you to join in and it will make their day. All it takes is one email!”
The NAA Committee is a great way to meet new people, make friends, and get involved in Lowwapaneu. Reach out and see what 2022’s Committee of the Year has to offer!
