Fayette Scouts earn honors

Recently 13 youth and adult members from Ini-To Lodge of the Order of the Arrow attended the National Order of the Arrow Conference on the campus of the University of Tennessee in Knoxville.

Ini-To Lodge, with members from Fayette and Henry counties, entered a ceremonial team for evaluation for the first time since the group began attending conferences in 1990. The team received a perfect score and an “Honor” rating. Each of the team members received a medal to be worn around the neck and a special patch.

Local team members were Bert Groover of Tyrone, Fayette resident Chris Dunn, and Henry Howington and Tom Andris of Peachtree City.

Ini-To Lodge is chartered to the Flint River Council of the Boy Scouts of America in Griffin, which includes Fayette County.
The Order of the Arrow is Scouting’s national honor society. The purpose of OA, as it is usually referred to, is to promote Scout camping and to recognize Scouts who best exemplify the ideals of Scouting in their daily lives.

The conference was entirely planned and carried out by Scouts under the age of 21. Planning for the event actually began last December. Carey Mignery of Roswell, Ga. served as this year’s national chief.

While there, the Arrowmen received training in a variety of subjects ranging from lodge administration, election procedures and ceremonial events to seminars on American Indian culture and history to Indian crafts and dancing.

Each night they attended a stage show in the Thompson-Boling Arena, featuring fireworks and lasers, all written and produced by volunteer Arrowmen. Other Arrowmen participated in various Indian events including dancing and singing competitions.