On the weekend of April 26^th through the 28^th 352 arrowmen gathered at Camp Pigott for this year Section W1-N Conclave. Conclave is yearly events were we celebrate the accomplishments of the last year, and plan for the new one. It provides a place for arrowmen to gather, learn, and have fun all in the same weekend. At Conclave we had huge accomplishments, from ceremonies, to section elections, to having a huge Brotherhood Ceremony. This year the Council of Chiefs made it a goal to conduct a Brotherhood Ceremony at conclave for all the lodges in the section correctly. Saturday morning 29 members of the section sealed their bond by going through the Brotherhood Ceremony (23 of them are members of T’Kope). Also the section conducted its elections for the 2013 officers. Section Chief, Chris Zantek, was re-elected to continue to lead the section in outstanding cheerful service. Nathan Lee was also elected to fill the role of Section Vice Chief. Congratulations to both of you on your accomplishments and thank you for your service.  From the Ceremonies side of things T’Kope ceremonialists received honors for their Pro-Ordeal and Vigil Ceremonies. It was an amazing weekend of fellowship and fun, Learning and growth. The only thing to say about it is that is it a great day to be T’Kope Kwiskwis! Hope to see you all there next year! Date and Location will be anounced in the comming months.

Brothers, every year each chapter sends one representative to the Vigil Selection Committee meeting held at the Scout Office in mid-May. The representatives go over every member of the lodge that is eligible for the Vigil honor. The committee is made up of young men that know many members of the lodge, so that they can make informed decisions in selecting the Vigil Class. This year the Vigil Selection committee will be meeting Saturday May 11^th to select the members of the lodge that will be receiving the Vigil honor.  If you wish to write a letter to nominate eligible members of the lodge we need them ASAP. We will accept them as late as Thursday May 9, 2013. You can email you letter to the selection comity, and each letter will be read and discussed.

Send your letter to:

vigil@tkopekwiskwis.org

Hello arrowmen, 
Do you remember your ordeal? How about your elengamate? May 17-19 come and help give a new member the same memory. If you come as elengamate you get all the food and fun but for free! We will have the pleasure of helping camp brinkley get ready for summer.  This means we get to use the longhouse for our ceremonies and potlatch! Come serve and make memories at camp Brinkley for the May 17-19 ordeal!

If you have any questions or don't know how to register email the ordeal master Nathan Lee or the Lodge Vice Cheif of Inductions Quinton Lum 
Nathan Lee: nathan.lee.a@gmail.com
Quinton Lum: qclum@comcast.net

The T'Kope Kwiskwis lodge has won the 2012 OA National Service award for our outstanding service event ArrowCorps502. ArrowCorps502 was a week-long conservation service project from July 31st to August 6, 2011, at Mt. Rainier National Park. ArrowCorps502 was a partnership between the Chief Seattle Council, T'Kope Kwiskwis Lodge, and the National Parks Service designed to leave a lasting legacy for future park users. Volunteers Built trails, restored campsites, and experienced the power and beauty of the Mountain firsthand. The 2014 ArrowCorps502 is just over a year away so join Scouts, Scouters, Venturers, and Sea Scouts from all over the country for an unforgettable adventure! Be a part of the legacy of service.

Price: $40 ($35 for new arrowmen)

Hurry! PRICE GOES UP APRIL 22nd!

Start Time: Friday, April 26 at 6:00 pm
End Time: Sunday, April 28 at 11:30 am

On-Line Registration is now open

A hard copy registration form is also available - Click Here

On March 23rd 2013 a historic ceremony was held by the lodge. We encourage everyone to congratulate our latest brothers who sealed their membership in the Order by going through the first ceremony ever held in the new Longhouse at Camp Pigott. Congratulations to our new brotherhood members!

Trent A
Murphy B
Samuel S
Jack T

The Ceremonies Chairman Nick T. awarded the privilege of the first ceremony to the Sunyakwa chapter Brotherhood team. This team traveled last summer to the National Order of the Arrow Conference for evaluation. Members of this team were also on the nationally ranked Pre Ordeal team from that conference. The four principles have been together for almost 5 years and it will be one of their last performances, as these fine Arrowmen will be moving on to life's other exciting opportunities. They solemnly conducted the ceremony wearing the lodge's Chilkat blankets. Three of these blankets are the original blankets of the lodge dating back to 1955! Traditionally the Chilkats were only worn for the Brotherhood ceremony. The members of the Sunyakwa chapter Brotherhood ceremonies team are:

Logan C
Tony M
Keith P
Clay E

If it's been 10 months since your ordeal and you want to step up to the Brotherhood, there are many opportunities, including all the ordeals, conclave, the longhouse dedication, Spring Fellowship, and some camporees. For more information contact your Troop/Team Rep, or your chapter leadership. If you are really interested in getting your brotherhood at one of the first ceremonies in the new Longhouse here are the dates and times:

Saturday April 27th - 7:00am before breakfast at Conclave
Saturday May 18th - May Ordeal at Camp Brinkley following Dinner

Registration is open for these events! Don't miss the opportunity and sign up today!

Primary construction of the Ashuk T'salil (Northlakes District) totem pole was completed on 24th of November. The totem pole is a replacement for the original pole that fell down about 20 years ago that was built in the 1960's. The pole is about 15 feet tall and was made of a 99-year old cedar tree from Camp Brinkley that was cut down last December, where it has been worked on continuously for almost a year by chapter members in the Brinkley work shed. The totem pole has three figures on it, which are Bear (top), Squirrel (middle), and Blue Heron (bottom) each is about five-feet tall and had have been worked on immensely. The figures represent Bear as the adult leaders , the squirrel represents the youth , and the Blue Heron represents the whole chapter as Northlakes. Bear is very common, but Squirrel is very rare in native American totems and so is Blue Heron, we had a lot of help from chapter member and master carver Richard White to get the figures just right. Only a few more details need to be carved so that it can be put up at the OA long house, which is at Camp Piggot (near Camp Brinkley). We have used various authentic tools including curved knives and adzes, exacto knives, chisels, and pocket knives (all very sharp). Safety gloves and glasses were donated, as well as metal for the adze blades that were used to carve the core out of the back of the totem pole (10 adzes were created for the rough work, and professional grade tools were used for the figure carving). Our next step is to paint and seal the pole and raise it in time for conclave.

The OA youth in this photograph are Willie B, Murphy B, Thomas L, Galen L, adult leaders are John Ewell, Mike Holton, Chris Lane, Robert Lane, Frank Long.

The T'Kope Kwiskwis Lodge is excited to announce the formal dedication of the new Longhouse April 12-14th 2013.

The Longhouse Grand Opening has a limited number of participants and registrations will not be accepted at the door so register today!

There are two options to attend:

All Weekend
And Saturday only

Thank you for your support of the new Longhouse. We look forward to celebrating its opening with you this spring.

Schedule follows.

The T'Kope Kwiskwis Lodge is excited to announce the formal dedication of the new Longhouse April 12-14th 2013.

The Longhouse Grand Opening has a limited number of participants and registrations will not be accepted at the door so register today!

There are two options to attend:

All Weekend
And Saturday only

Thank you for your support of the new Longhouse. We look forward to celebrating its opening with you this spring.

Schedule follows.

The painting, Visions of the Founder, is an art piece featuring a young E. Urner Goodman explaining to two Scouts what he envisions for the Order of the Arrow. This vision is of the things of the spirit - brotherhood, cheerfulness, and service - and is depicted in the painting's background.

Limited edition prints and Glisees are available from the National OA Endowment and fully support the work of the endowment.

http://tradingpost.oa-bsa.org/searchresults.asp?cat=35

Price: $40 ($35 for new arrowmen)

Start Time: Friday, April 26 at 6:00 pm
End Time: Sunday, April 28 at 11:30 am

On-Line Registration is now open

A hard copy registration form is also available - Click Here

Check for Conclave program details on the Section w-1N website.

http://www.sectionw1n.org/

or

Check them out on Facebook.

We encourage everyone to congratulate our latest brothers who sealed their membership in the Order by going through the Brotherhood Ceremony held at Camp Sheppard this past weekend. Congratulations to our new brotherhood members!

Ean D.
Ryan G.
Max L.
Matthew R.
David V.

If it's been 10 months since your ordeal and you want to step up to the Brotherhood, there are many opportunities, including all the ordeals, conclave, the longhouse dedication, some longhouse work parties, Spring Fellowship, some camporees and some Winter Camp weekends. For more information contact your Troop/Team Rep, or your chapter leadership. If you are really interested in getting your brotherhood at one of the first ceremonies in the new Longhouse here are the dates and times:

Saturday April 6th - 8pm following the Ordeal
Friday April 12th - Longhouse Dedication weekend; 10pm following the opening show
Saturday April 27th - 7:00am before breakfast at Conclave

Registration is open for all three of these events! Don't miss the opportunity and sign up today!

The grand opening weekend of the longhouse April 12 - 14 is fast approaching! Our wonderful contractors are close to being finished with the overall structure of the building and finishing work will soon begin.
During winter break lodge members had the opportunity to help out the project. Over two weekends members cleaned up the construction site, and began the process of cleaning the old siding.

When the old building was carefully de-constructed members knew it was important to save as much as possible. Because of their conservation efforts parts of the old building will survive in the new. The original siding taken from ancient cedar trees from the camp property and lovingly hand split by members of the lodge in the late 1950's and early 1960's will now adorn the front of the building. The tight grains and deep tones of the heartwood were clearly evident as the first courses of siding went up this past weekend.

There will be more opportunities to serve. You can follow us on Facebook or on our longhouse site for project information and notification of the next work party.

http://www.facebook.com/groups/168262426647101/
http://www.tkopekwiskwis.org/longhouse/current-projects

Read more for a list of your chapter's dates to staff!

Or Click Here.

Happy New Year! Section W-1N is ready to kick start 2013 with completing some of the final preparations of Conclave 2013: One Great Light. There is much to look forward to for Conclave this year! First of all, there will be a demonstration of the new Brotherhood Ceremony approved by the National Committee at the National Planning Meeting held in Dallas, Texas the week after Christmas. Also, new and improved training sessions will occur where you can start or work on your degree from Section W-1N's Teaquan Wask University. These training sessions can help improve ceremonial skills, leadership skills, give you a jumpstart as a new Arrowman, or expand your horizons on outdoor adventure. Plus, there will be plenty of fun activities and inspirational shows to make sure your Conclave experience is the best. Registration will be open on the evening of Thursday, January 10, 2013. I can't wait to see you on the weekend of April 26th-April 28th at Camp Pigott for Conclave 2013: One Great Light!

To register for Conclave starting January 10th:

Yours in Service,

Chris Zantek

Section W-1N Chief

The Vigil Honor is a high mark of distinction and recognition reserved for those Arrowmen who, by reason of exceptional service, personal effort, and unselfish interest, have made distinguished contributions beyond the immediate responsibilities of their position or office to one or more of the following: the T'Kope Kwiskwis Lodge, the Order of the Arrow, Scouting, or our Council's Camps. Under no circumstances should tenure in Scouting or the Order of the Arrow be considered as reason enough for a Vigil Honor recommendation.

Recommendation letters to the committee must be typed, explain how the member has contributed to one or more of the four areas listed above, and why you think that person deserves the highest recognition that our Order can bestow. All recommendation letters must be turned into the Council's Scout Office by May 15th 2013. Although it is not required, please include your name and contact information on the recommendation letter so we might contact you if we have any questions or seek further input. If you can please include English suggestions of an appropriate and honorable Vigil name for the nominee so the committee might make better and more enlightened decisions when bestowing names upon the new Vigil class. If you are a Vigil Honor member please note if you would be willing to sponsor the candidate at the time of their Vigil.

As part of the preparations for the ginormously large 100th Birthday of the Order of the Arrow the national committee has created what is called the Legacy Project 2015. Each year lodges are given one task called Milestones from now until the big celebration at NOAC 2015 . The 2012 Milestone has T'Kope Rock'n the OA 100th.

From oa-bsa.org , "As part of the 100th anniversary of the Order of the Arrow, a commemorative fireplace will be constructed. This fireplace will be onsite at the National Order of the Arrow Conference in 2015. All lodges are invited to participate in this endeavor by securing a rock and having it engraved with your lodge name and council city to be used in the construction of this fireplace."

Thank you!

Lee T.                                                                                                  Nick T.
Lodge Dance & Story Telling Team Chair                                     Lodge Ceremonies Chair

Next Saturday December 29th there will be a work party at the longhouse. We will be continuing to post wilderness signs that are required by the county for occupancy. We will also be taking inventory of the old siding and beginning the proses of cladding the building.

The work party is from @8am to dusk. Lunch will be provided. We will meet at the longhouse site. It is the end of the year so dress appropriately and bring extra changes of clothes in case of inclement weather.

The T'Kope Kwiskwis Lodge is excited to announce the formal dedication of the new Longhouse at Camp Pigott April 12-14th 2013.

More information including event schedule and registration will come soon. For now block your calendar, it will be an event you do not want to miss!

Friday November 16th 2012 was a momentous day in our Lodge's fabled history. That day workers at the new longhouse at Camp Pigott raised and attached the Hillaire Entrance Pole to the new building.

The pole now stands tall once again after being restored by a team of carvers lead by Haida Master Carver Ralph Bennett.

Congratulation to everyone involved in the project and congratulations to the lodge for being one more step closer in having a longhouse at Camp Pigott.

At the event we also revealed the Founders Award recipients.

But that wasn't all at Fall Rally, on November 11th members of the lodge who attended had the unique opportunity to tour the Longhouse construction site. The week before the event the rafters went up along with the roof sheeting on the back portion of the building. The plumbing rough in were also worked on and the roofing system for the main chamber was delivered. Excitement for the grand opening was palpable.

Each summer, the Order of the Arrow offers a myriad of different High Adventure opportunities to meet your summer needs whether its wetting your appetite by going for a plunge in the Atlantic Ocean with the Ocean Adventure at the Florida Sea Base; maybe hiking is your passion, what better place to go than the Philmont Scout Ranch where you can hike the same trails as your Scoutmaster or Scouting ancestors as a part of your Trail Crew experience.

Have you ever given thought about what the Native Americans and early explorers did to be avid traders, maybe the OA Voyage is for calling? Whatever your summer aspirations may be, these National High Adventure bases have put together a multitude of options for you.

This summer there are TWO scholarships available for youth members of our lodge provided by Section W1-N and the Western Region for these unique opportunities!

If it's been 10 months since your ordeal and you want to step up to the Brotherhood, there are many opportunities before the end of the school year, including all the ordeals, conclave, the longhouse dedication, some longhouse work parties, Spring Fellowship, some camporees and some Winter Camp weekends. For more information contact your Troop/Team Rep, or your chapter leadership.

A team of Arrowmen led by the Lodge Chief Reuben S. and Lodge Adviser Mike G. put the finishing touches on the restoration of the Hillaire Entrance totem pole this past weekend. With the new longhouse going up it was time to place new hats and copper plates on the watchmen on top before the pole is raised.

The old watchmen hates were too rotten to salvage so new ones were carved by the restoration team lead by Haida master carver Ralph Bennett. These two hats are crowned by two copper plates that will help protect them from the weather.

While the Longhouse Committee sought out site plans and building designs they felt it was prudent to work on restoration of the historically unique Hillaire Entrance Pole. It would be almost impossible to try to replace a monument of this type. Replacement cost for this gigantic piece of art was projected to be up towards a half of a million dollars. It was crucial that repairs and restoration occur so that the Hillaire pole could grace the new building for many years to come.

Restoration work on the Hillaire pole began on December 10, 2005.

Fall Rally is coming up November 9 -11 2012 at Camp Brinkley! Join your Brothers for a weekend of fellowship, training, fellowship, fun and fellowship! Get trained for unit elections and the OA Troop/Team Rep Program. Become your character as a ceremonialist and learn about Northwest Coast dance and stories. Compete against other Chapters in a multitude of fellowship events! There will even be a Brotherhood ceremony on Friday! See the progress on our new Longhouse! There's so much to do, and there's something there for everyone!

Check-in opens at 5 PM on Friday and the event ends Sunday at noon. Cost is $20. Register conveniently online.

Can't wait to see you there!
Your T'Kope Kwiskwis Lodge Officers

If it's been 10 months since your ordeal and you want to step up to the Brotherhood, there are several opportunities left this year. For more information contact your Troop/Team Rep, or your chapter leadership.
These are our laudable brothers:

Greetings My Brothers!

Here is the opportunity all you ArrowCorps participants and non- participants have been waiting for. We are going back on the Mountain for Service. On Saturday September 22nd 2012 we will be working along side our friend from the Washington Trails Association at Sunrise, Mt Rainier.

This year we have once again made arrangements to stay at Camp Sheppard Friday night before working at Sunrise. If you plan on staying at Sheppard please bring $10 for food. We will provide a Friday night cracker barrel, a continental breakfast and lunch for Saturday. You might bring extra money for Saturday evening dinner in Enumclaw on the way home.

Please bring the usual personal gear: Signed Volunteer Agreement (see below) BSA Health Form, Gloves, Safety Glasses, 2-Water Bottles, Long Sleeve Shirt, Pants, Hiking Shoes and Hard Hat (if you have one).

If You Can Not Come Friday and Want to Work With Your Brothers Please Bring Your Own Food & Meet Us At Camp Sheppard Parking Lot At 7:00 AM Saturday!

Download flyer for more information including schedule

ALL PARTICIPANTS MUST REGISTER on the LODGE WEBSITE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, SO WE CAN BE PREPARED. See You On The Mountain!!!

National Park Volunteer Adult Agreement
National Park Volunteer Youth Agreement

http://tkopekwiskwis.org/longhouse/current-projects

Spread the great news!

Journey to Excellence, the new performance recognition program adopted by the BSA in 2011, changes the basic way we measure and recognize success by moving away from measuring process and toward measuring performance. To be aligned with the BSA and to capitalize on this best practice used in the corporate performance measurement field today, the Order of the Arrow has adopted the Journey to Excellence format to evaluate lodge performance and evaluate opportunities for continuous improvement.

A results packet including a copy of the criteria, comments from the evaluation and the lodge's individual score sheets was given to each lodge requesting their results. Lodges designated as a "NOAC 2012 National Honor Site" also received a disk with a graphic file of the NOAC 2012 National Honor Site logo to be displayed on their site.

In addition the lodge also entered into the ceremonies team costuming contest. A photo was submitted this past spring along with a description of the regalia. We were then selected to compete against the top 7 lodges in the nation as a part of the finals on the Wednesday of NOAC. The T'Kope Kwiskwis lodge place third in the nation with our buttons blankets, unique to our area.

NOAC is not all about competition; valuable lessons can come from the evaluations of the ceremonies by expert advisers. This year there were three days of evaluations in which members of our lodge submitted their ceremonies to be critiqued and evaluated. We want to thank all the ceremonialists for representing T'Kope so well. During the evaluation process the top teams are given an "honor" designation. We would like to congratulate our Honor teams from NAOC 2012:

Honor Pre-Ordeal
AS Logan C
M Keith P
K Torrin B
N Tony M

Honor Vigil
Logan C
Nick T
Keith P

And finally we want to recognize all of our teams who performed at NOAC 2012:

The first round required teams to prepare a meal using provided ingredients-fresh chicken, an orange, Ritz crackers, raisins, fresh garlic, and a can of peaches. First-round finalists came back on day two to deliver up dessert to the judges for final evaluation.

In the first round our team made a unique Thai chicken and basil dish which was appreciated afterwards by our lodge's contingent. With the first heat won they then concocted a decadent chocolate desert which vaulted them into third in the nation during the Thursday afternoon competition.

Teams had two hours, with the first hour set aside for preparation for each round.
Congratulations team T'Kope!

At the giant Tuesday night show at NOAC in front of eight thousand of his fellow arrowmen, our very own Ken Hayashi received the Order of the Arrow's Distinguished Service Award! This is a very high honor, for which Ken's countless hours of dedicated service, so often behind the scenes, finally has been recognized in public. In the OA's history, up until now, only 839 of these awards have ever been presented, making it one of the rarest honors one can receive within Scouting. This year, Ken was one of 13 recipients in the Western Region, and 69 total nationwide. The award is given out only every two to three years at the NOAC.

Ken was inducted into the Yakala Chapter, T'Kope Kwiskwis Lodge in 1965 as a youth at then-named Camp Omache (now our beloved Camp Pigott). He promptly became a Brotherhood member 10 months later, and went on to be selected for the Vigil Honor in 1969. His Vigil name is SkookumTumtum Kahkwa Elite, which translates to Unflinching Servant. This is a true description of Ken's attitude toward service, and has been for over 40 years since he first became involved.

Congratulations Ken!

Members of the T'Kope Kwiskwis Lodge gathered late Sunday night at SeaTac Airport to head to the National Order of the Arrow Conference in East Lansing Michigan. The largest Order of the Arrow event occurs every couple of years on the campus of a major university. This year the Michigan State Spartans are hosting again. Our lodge will join thousands of our fellow brothers from across the country for a week of training, fun and fellowship.

This year we also are sending one of our great ceremonial teams to compete against the best of the nation. Months ago this team taped a performance in a TV studio in front of a green screen for the national judges. This past week we received word that they made the cut and will be one of nine teams competing live on Wednesday of NOAC for the title of Grand Champion! Good Luck!

We will be posting updates throughout the week as the action unfolds!

Like ArrowCorps502, participants will spend the week performing conservation work in Mt. Rainier National Park and learning about the history, people, and natural wonders of the area. Meet people from all around the area and see some familiar faces too. Transportation from the Puget Sound area to camp can be arranged, and camperships are available. This event is open to everyone, so be sure to invite your friends and family. We want to make sure that everyone has a chance to take advantage of this amazing opportunity. If you can't make it the whole week, you're also invited to attend the year-end celebration and AC502 reunion on August 30.

It's not too late to sign up. For more information, or to register, please visit www.cascadechallenge.org. You can also view a promotional video at Cascade Challenge's YouTube Channel www.youtube.com/user/CLCStepUp. See YOU on the Mountain this summer!

Ian B
Immediate Past Lodge Chief

On Saturday June 16th Lodge Chief Ian B and Lodge Adviser Select Mike Gaylord made THE announcement we have all been waiting for; all the permits are in hand and sufficient monies have been raised to begin construction!

Last week that happened.

The construction on the new longhouse at Camp Pigott has begun!

The process started with digging the main utility trench that will carry water, electricity and data to the longhouse building site. Construction will last most of the summer and fall and since the location is away from camp it will not affect scouts attending Camp Pigott this summer. Construction is expected to be finished around the first of the year.

Congratulations to the Lodge and all who helped make this dream... into a reality.

Even though the permits are in and the construction has begun we are still raising funds for the project to cover incidentals, cost overruns and proper finishes for the new building. Once the building is finished, the Supreme Chief of the Fire has authorized the creation of an endowment to fund the maintenance and care of the new building. Any monies leftover after construction will go into this fund.

Receive peace of mind knowing that you aided in the construction of the new longhouse. Be recognized as one of those who helped! Donate Today!

At Spring Fellowship, T'Kope Kwiskwis Lodge elected a new slate of officers for the 2012-2013 year:

Lodge Chief: Reuben S.

Lodge Secretary: Torin B.

Lodge Treasurer: Aldo E.

Lodge Activities Vice Chief: Willie B.

Lodge Inductions Vice Chief: Quinton L.

Lodge Service Vice Chief: Breydon P.

If you see one of these honored brothers, be sure to congratulate them on their achievement.

The activities and programs of the past year were made possible by the efforts of Ian B., Torin B., Breydon P., Keith P., and Nick W. Thank you and good luck to our outgoing 2011-2012 officers!

Congratulations to the most recent recipients:

From the Hyiu Chuck chapter - Austin S. - April 2011
From the Hyas Eena chapter - Lucas S. - April 2011
From Mox Kar-Po - Jonathan N. - April 2011
From Tenas Chakchak - Austin P. - April 2011
From Yakala - Taylan Y. - April 2011
From Sahaptin Mox Khan'-nice -Luke P. - May 2011
From Lamonti Tupso Illahee - Nathan M. - May 2011
From the Hyas Eena chapter - Justin R. - May 2011

And huge thankful congratulations to our two time qualifier:

From Tenas Chakchak - Justin F.- Fall 2010 and April 2011

If it's been 10 months since your ordeal and you want to step up to the Brotherhood, there are several opportunities left this year. For more information contact your Troop/Team Rep, or your chapter leadership. The next scheduled brotherhood ceremony is at the Fall Ordeal Saturday September 8th at Camp Pigott.

These are our commendable brothers:

One of the purposes of the Order of the Arrow is to:

Promote camping, responsible outdoor adventure, and environmental stewardship as essential components of every Scout's experience, in the unit, year-round, and in summer camp.

In this vein lodges are expected to publish a "Where To Go Camping Book" for use by the units in the council. To celebrate its 50th year our lodge's "Where To Go Camping Book" received a major upgrade. It is now a part of the lodge's website with real-time weather conditions and precise satellite coordinates.

Recently a 1st edition "Where To Go Camping Book" from 1959 was shared with the lodge. We have been able to scan this booklet and it is now available to our members to peruse on line.

Click here to see the 1959 Where to Go Camping Book

This presentation is a part of an ongoing effort to get old photographs and documents archived so that present and future arrowmen can see the history of our organization.If you would like to share some of your pieces of lodge history please email info@tkopekwiskwis.org to make arraignments.

UPDATE 5/26/2012: The catalog for this amazing auction is now available on line.
Click Here for the auction catalog.

As you might know, the Longhouse is entering the final phase of permitting and fundraising. After years of effort, the process is nearly complete, but we still need your help to push us over the top.

To help support the Longhouse effort, T'Kope Kwiskwis Lodge will be holding an auction during Spring Fellowship. Ever seen an original copy of Edmund Meany's book of poetry from 1911? Been looking for a complete set of Longhouse patches? How about one week in a luxury resort condominium in Orlando or Hawaii? Come for your chance to bid on a number of unique items and experiences in both the silent and live auctions. Every dollar that we raise will be matched, meaning your contribution goes even further to making our Lodge goal a reality.

The auction is on the afternoon of June 16th at Camp Pigott. The silent auction will end around 1:30, with the live auction following shortly. Your advanced registration of $10 will include dinner that evening. Registering at the door will be $25.

A full catalogue of auction items will be available on the Lodge website in the coming days. If you are interesting in donating, or for more information, contact us at longhouse@tkopekwiskwis.org.

Ken was inducted into the Yakala Chapter, T'Kope Kwiskwis Lodge in 1965 as a youth at then-named Camp Omache (now our beloved Camp Pigott). He promptly became a Brotherhood member 10 months later, and went on to be selected for the Vigil Honor in 1969. His Vigil name is SkookumTumtum Kahkwa Elite, which translates to Unflinching Servant. This is a true description of Ken's attitude toward service, and has been for over 40 years since he first became involved.

He currently serves on the Western Region OA Committee handling administration, and is the NOAC Activities, Recreation, and Competitions (ARC) Deputy Lead Adviser for Support this summer in Michigan. Previously, Ken has served as Associate Section Adviser, Associate Lodge Adviser for Administration, Chapter Adviser, Longhouse Committee Adviser, Lodge Membership Adviser, Lodge Newsletter Adviser, Longhouse Committee Chair. Ken is also a recipient of the OA Founders Award, the Section W-1B Teaquan Wask Award, and the Silver Beaver. Clearly, Ken has always been and will continue to be an invaluable resource to our organization, and his leadership is testament to the quality Scouting program in our area and Chief Seattle Council.

Next time you see Ken, be sure to congratulate him, or drop him a note!

Guess what's coming up on Friday June 15 to Saturday June 16 at Camp Pigott for T'Kope?
You guessed right! Our 2012 Spring Fellowship!

This weekend will be filled with tons of fun and fellowship. It is THE END OF THE YEAR PARTY!

Along with all the fellowship & fun, there will be a Brotherhood Ceremony Friday night at 7 PM for those of you who are ready. Along with that, you can come and celebrate our 2012 Vigil Class!

Another important thing going on that weekend will be out Lodge Officer Elections. We will be electing new Officers to represent our lodge, including the Chief and all his Vice-Chiefs. If you want to run for 2012-2013 Lodge Chief, you will need to turn in a portfolio of you plan for the Lodge while you are in office. Make sure you show up to vote!

This weekend is something you will definitely NOT want to miss, so sign up now as soon as possible!

The Admonition
The sign of the Ordeal
The Obligation
The Song of our Order
And write a letter to the lodge Secretary about what the obligation means to you. (bring to the ceremony with you)

This month's Brotherhoods:

Spring Fellowship, Camp Pigott June 15th-16th
Jubilee Reach Center, Bellevue WA, June 21st at 7:00 PM
Covington Community Park, June 21st at 7:00PM

As it sits the lodge is on the verge of making the Journey to Excellence Requirements in Brotherhood Conversion rate, so please if you can attend any one of these ceremonies please come out and join us for the evening. If you are interested, please go through before June 30th. The cost of this event is FREE.

If it's been 10 months since your ordeal and you want to step up to the Brotherhood, there are several opportunities left this year. For more information contact your Troop/Team Rep, or your chapter leadership.

These are our laudable brothers:

We encourage everyone to congratulate our latest brothers who sealed their membership in the Order by going through the Brotherhood Ceremony at the April Ordeal at Camp Pigott, Section W1-N Conclave held at Camp Fire Mountain in April and at the Cascade District Camporee at Ensign Ranch in May.

If it's been 10 months since your ordeal and you want to step up to the Brotherhood, there are several opportunities left this year.

These are our laudable brothers:

Guess what's coming up on Friday June 15 to Saturday June 16 at Camp Pigott for T'Kope?
You guessed right! Our 2012 Spring Fellowship!

This weekend will be filled with tons of fun and fellowship. It is THE END OF THE YEAR PARTY!

Along with all the fellowship & fun, there will be a Brotherhood Ceremony Friday night at 7 PM for those of you who are ready. Along with that, you can come and celebrate our 2012 Vigil Class!

Another important thing going on that weekend will be out Lodge Officer Elections. We will be electing new Officers to represent our lodge, including the Chief and all his Vice-Chiefs. If you want to run for 2012-2013 Lodge Chief, you will need to turn in a portfolio of you plan for the Lodge while you are in office. Make sure you show up to vote!

This weekend is something you will definitely NOT want to miss, so sign up now as soon as possible!

Yours in Activities,

Activities Vice-Chief

In the coming months (May and June) we have 2 Ordeals that still have staff positions open. If you are an Arrowman and wish to serve as an Elagomat, Deputy Ordeal Master, Asst. Task Master, or just general staff please register today. It will be a great opportunity for Brotherhood, Service, and a fun time for all.

See you there!

The Vigil Honor is a high mark of distinction and recognition reserved for those Arrowmen who, by reason of exceptional service, personal effort, and unselfish interest, have made distinguished contributions beyond the immediate responsibilities of their position or office to one or more of the following: T'Kope Kwiskwis Lodge, the Order of the Arrow, Scouting, or our Council's Camps.

T'Kope Kwiskwis lodge is proud to announce the 2012 Vigil Honor Class:

Matthew B. - Lamonti Tupso Illahee

Daniel B. - Sunyakwa

Will C. - Wau Wau Talapus

Clayton E. - Sunyakwa

Jeremiah F. - Tenas Chakchak

Quinton L. - Talapus Tillicum

Michael M. - Hyas Eena

Josh P. - Hyas Eena

John R. - Mox Kar-Po

Nick T. - Hyas Eena

Cory W. - Sunyakwa

Nick W. - Hyiu Chuck

Walter Beauchamp - Lamonti Tupso Illahee

Carl Bellows - Hyiu Chuck

Ann Bethel - Ashuk T'salil

Nick Carter - Sunyakwa

Andrew Fritz - Sahaptin Mox Khan'-nice

Steven Hirsch - Sahaptin Mox Khan'-nice

Rucker Innes - Wau Wau Talapus

Ryan Larson - Tenas Chakchak

Steve Lum - Talapus Tillicum

These worthy brothers will conduct their Vigil at the Spring Fellowship June 15-16. If you are a current Vigil Honorrecipient and would like help out at this important event as a sponsor or a guide please contact us at vigil@tkopekwiskwis.org.

Please join us in congratulating the 2012 Vigil Honor Class!

This summer from August 25-30, Cascade Challenge will be sponsoring the Sheppard Conservation School, a weeklong conservation service project at Mt. Rainier National Park. Participants will have the chance to complete trailwork, learn about our public lands firsthand, and have a blast while doing it. Sound familiar? This is an excellent way to keep your skills up and the spirit of the ArrowCorps502 alive until the big project in 2014. Even if you went to AC502 this past summer, there's a few surprises in store for you this time around. If you missed out, here's your chance to get in on the action!

Cascade Challenge is an outdoor-adventure nonprofit based in Seattle, and the charter organization for Venturing Crews 13, 310, and 502. For more information, or to register, please visit www.cascadechallenge.org. See YOU on the Mountain this summer!

Last month, Keith P. and Wille B. exhorted you to serve your brothers by staffing the April Ordeal. Many have answered that call, and the Lodge is greatful for their dedication. But we are still looking for Arrowmen to cheerfully serve as Elangomats, support staff, ceremonialists, and executive staff at this and future Ordeals. We are also looking for Brotherhood-eligible Arrowmen who are ready to seal their committment to the OA.

In order to welcome our new Brothers, the Lodge is instituting a new Ordeal program. We would like to invite all Unit leaders and Arrowmen otherwise unable to attend the Ordeal to join us Saturday afteroon and evening. Witness the Ordeal ceremony firsthand. Enjoy a feast and an evening of fun with new Ordeal members. Learn more about our program of service and Lodge traditions through the potlatch and orientation. Go through Brotherhood that night. This new registration option costs just $10 and covers Saturday dinner, cracker barrel, and Sunday breakfast, if desired. If you are interested, please let us know at info@tkopekwiskwis.org.

Brothers, the ones who chose you now need you once again. Will you answer?

Yesterday, a small work party travelled up to Camp Brinkley to begin restoring the hundreds of cedar planks saved from the old building. These boards will be cleaned, refinished, and used to face the new structure. This effort will continue at future Ordeals and work parties.  

In other Longhouse news, the Longhouse Committee expects to have final permits in hand within two weeks. After more than 2 years, dozens of meetings, and thousands of pages of documentation, the project is becoming a reality.

But we still need your help. We have about $70,000 to go before construction can begin. If you've been waiting to make a donation, now is the time.

Click here to donate!

The lodge is still accepting recomendations for the 2012 T'Kope Kwiskwis Vigil Honor Class. The process allows the members of the lodge to nominate eligible candidates for consideration by our committee.

The Vigil Honor is a high mark of distinction and recognition reserved for those Arrowmen who, by reason of exceptional service, personal effort, and unselfish interest, have made distinguished contributions beyond the immediate responsibilities of their position or office to one or more of the following:

• The T'Kope Kwiskwis Lodge
• The Order of the Arrow
• Scouting,
• Our Council's Camps.

Under no circumstances should tenure in Scouting or the Order of the Arrow be considered as reason enough for a Vigil Honor recommendation.

Recommendation letters to the committee must be typed, explain how the member has contributed to one or more of the four areas listed above, and why you think that person deserves the highest recognition that our Order can bestow. All recommendation letters must be turned into the Council's Scout Office by April 18th, 2012.

During a Brotherhood Ceremony the final weekend of Winter Camp, eight brothers sealed their membership in the Order of the Arrow:

• Keegun A.
• Brian B.
• Sean B.
• Bruce C.
• Christopher D.
• Daniel G.
• Leland S.
• Nicholas T.

Be sure to congratulate these Arrowmen if you get the chance. If you haven't yet gone through Brotherhood, there will be ceremonies at the three upcoming Ordeals, Conclave, Spring Fellowship, and at all camporees this spring. For more information contact your Troop/Team Rep or your Chapter leadership. 

Brothers, once before you passed an Ordeal, proving you were worthy to be received into our lodge. There, you took an oath dedicating yourself in service to your unit. On April 13th, many new electees will be making the same journey that you once did, and it is only right for us to help them through their Ordeals until they enter into the bond of brotherhood.

Friends, your lodge needs you. These candidate need you. Think back to that profound experience that was your own Ordeal. Remember all the fun you had. Well, we need to ensure that these soon-to-be brothers share with us that experience. That is why we need you up at Camp Pigott on April 13th - 15th.

Willie B. has stepped up to the plate and volenteered to be the Ordeal Master for the event, but there are still several more important positions that need to be filled. If you feel you have the expertise or experience to lead a troop, to organize service, to be an elangomat, or one of the many other tasks needed to run a smooth ordeal, please contact Willie and/or myself at inductions@tkopekwiskwis.org. This does not mean that you need to have a lot of experience to help out, there's a job for everyone!

So please, register today and announce your commitment to give back in service to your unit. More information can be found at tkopekwiskwis.org.

Yours in service,
Keith P., Inductions Vice-Chief

Get ready for one of the biggest OA events of the year! The Section W-1N Conclave will be held at Camp Fire Mountain April 20-22. Go to awesome training sessions, participate in crazy fun events, and meet Arrowmen from all over Western Washington and Alaska. Plus, we'll be hosting the Western Region Chief, Joe Barton! Conclave only comes around once a year, and is an experiance that you won't want to miss. The theme this year is 'Bonds of Brotherhood'.

For more information, and to register, click here. There's even a $5 discount for new Arrowmen!

Are you interested in participating in the Lodge ceremonies program, but don’t know how to get involved? If so, Hyas Eena Chapter has begun a regularly meeting ceremonies program based in Kent. Even within our lodge, Hyas Eena Chapter has a unique program, and you are encouraged to take advantage of this special privilege. To supplement our OA ceremonies program, Mr. Mike Evans of the Snohomish Tribe has agreed to teach us Native American song, dance, storytelling, and other aspects of Native culture.

The meetings are held at seven PM on the first and third Thursdays of every month at the Sunrise Elementary School multipurpose room (park in the back lot; 22300 132nd Avenue Southeast, Kent, WA 98042) at 7:00 PM, focusing respectively on Native culture and Order of the Arrow ceremonies. Though you are not required to wear your Scout uniform, you are expected to behave respectfully.

These meetings are extremely fun and will help you better understand the Order of the Arrow and what it means to be an Arrowman. This is a very unique opportunity and a very special privilege, and all Lodge ceremonialists, aspiring ceremonialists, and curious souls are encouraged to attend.

For questions, contact Nick T, the Hyas Eena Chapter Ceremonies Chair, at trails.archer@gmail.com

There's still a few weekends left to staff Winter Camp at Camp Sheppard! Join your brothers for a weekend of fun and service in the shadow of the Mountain and support a vitial and exciting council program. Contact your chapter chief or the Lodge Service Vice Chief at service@tkopekwiskwis.org for more information. Hope to see you there!

We currently believe the pole is of a whale due to the blunt "wolf like" head, however the crest lacks a dominate dorsal fin and an obvious blowhole, so there is a chance it might be a stylized salmon. It was carved after 1963 and was lost before the mid 1980's. The bottom starts with a round tooth filled head then it is shaped like the side of a fish tapering to a flat vertical tail. There is a yellow painted vertebrate design on the sides, and a carving on top of the back that is hard to discern from the photo. It almost looks like a chain of frogs.

If you have any information or more photographs concerning this lost relic please let us know at info@tkopekwiskwis.org

Thank you for your help in preserving the lodge's history!

Several days ago, the Lodge made the first purchases of Longhouse building materials! At right is some of the Western Red Cedar and Yellow Cedar that will be used for indoor fixtures in the new building. With construction beginning soon, we'll be providing frequent updates on progress in the months ahead.

Your continued support makes this project possible. Don't forget that a donor has come forward to match every dollar donated, up to $100,000! Suddenly, your $25 becomes $50! It's that easy. Please give today and take advantage of this generous matching grant.

Click here to donate!

The last day to sign up is February 22nd!

NOAC will feature a number of unique events, including national competitions for ceremonies, drum, and dance; evening shows; the OA history museum; and awesome recreation competitions such as soccer, basketball, and ultimate Frisbee.. Highlights such as the Founder's Day festivities including the Foudner's Day Parade, the Grand Hodag, and the inter-Region dodge ball battle are some of the exciting events at NOAC.

Arrowmen can participate in service projects, high adventure opportunities, leadership training, American Indian Activities training, and much more. While enjoying the various activities, Scouts will have a great time meeting new brothers and sharing their experiences with people from around the nation.

The T'Kope Kwiskwis lodge will send a formidable contingent to NOAC 2012 and you won't want to miss out. A week of excitement, yelling, brotherhood, shows, training, airfare, ground transportation and food included all for $995! Sign up now, only a $100 deposit saves YOUR spot in the fun!

Last chance to sign up is February 22nd!

DO NOT MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY!

Several days ago, the Lodge made the first purchases of Longhouse building materials! At right is some of the Western Red Cedar and Yellow Cedar that will be used for indoor fixtures in the new building. With construction beginning soon, we'll be providing frequent updates on progress in the months ahead.

Your continued support makes this project possible. Don't forget that a donor has come forward to match every dollar donated, up to $100,000! Suddenly, your $25 becomes $50! It's that easy. Please give today and take advantage of this generous matching grant.

Click here to donate!

The last day to sign up is February 22nd!

NOAC will feature a number of unique events, including national competitions for ceremonies, drum, and dance; evening shows; the OA history museum; and awesome recreation competitions such as soccer, basketball, and ultimate Frisbee.. Highlights such as the Founder's Day festivities including the Foudner's Day Parade, the Grand Hodag, and the inter-Region dodge ball battle are some of the exciting events at NOAC.

Arrowmen can participate in service projects, high adventure opportunities, leadership training, American Indian Activities training, and much more. While enjoying the various activities, Scouts will have a great time meeting new brothers and sharing their experiences with people from around the nation.

The T'Kope Kwiskwis lodge will send a formidable contingent to NOAC 2012 and you won't want to miss out. A week of excitement, yelling, brotherhood, shows, training, airfare, ground transportation and food included all for $995! Sign up now, only a $100 deposit saves YOUR spot in the fun!

Last chance to sign up is February 22nd!

DO NOT MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY!

Until now, you've heard a lot about all of the cool things that have happened at NOAC's past: shows, kazoos, dodge ball, and a ton of other exciting activities. Well, we are now excited to tell you about all of the cool things that the section chiefs have been planning for this time around! NOAC gets bigger and better every conference, and 2012 is no different. Over the next few months, each of the committees will share more of their plans on the NOAC Blog at event.oa-bsa.org. But, until then, we thought you would like to know about a few of the new plans. In this issue, learn about scientific breakthrough with Outdoor Adventures, NESA@NOAC, and the world's largest water gun fight.

The Outdoor Adventures committee, which brings awesome events like SCUBA, TOAP, and the Experience to NOAC, is expanding its repertoire this year. In addition to their usual adventurous activities, they will feature a science and engineering activity area. There will be a wide range of experiments to participate in, from launching projectiles to non-Newtonian fluids. The mini-seminars will run in the afternoons and will be led by experienced scientists and engineers, who will be able to answer any questions you may have. Be sure to check them out at Adventure Central!

It is with great pleasure to announce to you the beginning of the search for the 2012 T'Kope Kwiskwis Vigil Honor Class. This process over the next few months will allow you, the members of the lodge, to nominate eligible candidates for consideration by our committee.

The Vigil Honor is a high mark of distinction and recognition reserved for those Arrowmen who, by reason of exceptional service, personal effort, and unselfish interest, have made distinguished contributions beyond the immediate responsibilities of their position or office to one or more of the following:

• The T'Kope Kwiskwis Lodge
• The Order of the Arrow
• Scouting,
• Our Council's Camps.

Under no circumstances should tenure in Scouting or the Order of the Arrow be considered as reason enough for a Vigil Honor recommendation.

Recommendation letters to the committee must be typed, explain how the member has contributed to one or more of the four areas listed above, and why you think that person deserves the highest recognition that our Order can bestow. All recommendation letters must be turned into the Council's Scout Office by April 18th, 2012.

It's been six months since ArrowCorps502, and now T'Kope Kwiskwis is proud to announce ArrowCorps 2014! If you missed AC502, or want to do it again, now's your chance. Mark your calendars now and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime.

In the meantime, the Lodge and other groups within Scouting are planning a variety of activities leading up to the big event. More information on programs taking place this spring and summer will be announced in the coming weeks.

Ge ready for one of the biggest OA events of the year! The Section W-1N Conclave will be held at Camp Fire Mountain April 20-22. Go to awesome training sessions, participate in crazy fun events, and meet Arrowmen from all over Western Washington and Alaska. Plus, we'll be hosting the Western Region Chief, Joe Barton! Conclave only comes around once a year, and is certainly something you won't want to miss.

For more information, and to register, click here. See you there!

The following article by Lodge member Evan Skandalis appeared in the December 2011-February 2012 issue of the OA National Bulletin.   

On March 15, 1917 Tsar Nicholas II of Russia was forced to resign from the throne in favor of his younger brother, Michael, passing over his own son Alexie, 13 years old. By 1917 Russia had been at war with Germany for over three years and was facing signs of distress in its military and discontent among its people.

The Russian-Tsarist national anthem, “God Save the Tsar” had as its theme an old Russian folktune that has been used by several composers over the years, most famously in Tschaikovsky’s Marche Slav and 1812 Overture.

The Tsar’s family and retainers were moved by the provisional government under Kerensky from Petrograd to safe-keeping at Tsarskoe-Selo, a royal palace with a military guard. Some weeks later they were moved by a guard of Red Russians to Yekaterinburg, deeper in Russia, where the royal family, servants and, guards were sent to the Ipatiev House. On July 17, 1918 the entire royal family including attending doctors and servants were assassinated by orders from Lenin, now in charge of the Red Russian government.

At the Council Executive Board Meeting on December 15, the 2012 Silver Beaver class was formally announced. Among the distinguised honorees are two of T'Kope Kwiskwis's Lodge Advisers, Jason Stewart and Rob Rosamond.

The Silver Beaver Award is given to Scouters for exceptional service to youth. The awards will be presented at the Chief Seattle Council's Recognition Night on March 28 at the 5th Avenue Theatre. The event will also feature a mystery guest speaker.

As well as recognising the recipiants of the award, the Lodge will also provide a service corps to ensure the event will run smoothly. More details on the service corps will be released soon.

The scout office was built in the beginning of the 1960's and according to the Seattle Times in an article dated January 15, 1961 by Ivan Jones the T'Kope Kwiskwis lodge donated the piece to the council as a gift for the new building.

As for the art itself; many people have noticed that the work is done in tile and not in the more traditional medium of wood. The trailblazing artists who created it were applying formline to modern materials. This group was called Klee Wyk, and there is an opportunity for you to learn more about these artists at the Washington State History Museum in Tacoma. The museum has a temporary exhibit: Klee Wyk: Artists on the Nisqually Flats (1953-1961) that runs through January 30, 2012. According to the WSHM website,

The Lodge is holding a competition to design our NOAC patches for our 2012! Throughout the month chapters will promote the competition and collect designs from members. The Lodge will then collect submissions at the December LEC and vote on a final design. The selected design will be featured on patches, shirts, and other NOAC memorabilia. Don't miss out on your chance to design a piece of Lodge history!

On a related note, don't forget to register for our Lodge NOAC contingent. $100 is all it takes to reserve your spot. As Allowat Sakima reminds you, the ones who chose you need you. As Lord Kitchener reminds you, the Lodge needs you for NOAC. Sign up today!

Attention chapters!

This year, chapter budgets will reset on January 1^st 2012. This means that chapters need to use as much of their chapter budgets as possible before then. This is free money that the lodge sets aside for chapters. The money does not carry over to the next year, it disappears! Use it or lose it. We’ll also be approving our Lodge budget at the December LEC so be sure your chief or a representative is there to vote.

Jeff A.

Lodge Treasurer

The large public notice of pending land use action sign, being held here by members of the Longhouse Committee, including the Lodge Chief Ian B, made an appearance at the lodge officers meeting on December 7th 2011. The signs will grace both Camp Pigott and Camp Brinkley entrances beginning Thursday as a clear symbol that the project is moving forward.

Unselfish leadership and service have brought us close to our financial goal to start construction this spring. Your timely contribution and support can assure restoration of our solemn place of friendship. Please join us now in this extraordinary opportunity and consider a tax deductible donation to the Longhouse fund. Your gift will help secure and sustain this treasured resource that Scouts of today and tomorrow can share with us...an experience like no other.

Donate Today

This past weekend, 4 Arrowmen from T'Kope Kwiskwis participated in the National Leadership Seminar conducted by the Western Region OA. Held in Milwaukie, OR, the National Leadership Seminar, or NLS, is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for OA leaders to participate in a full weekend of exceptional training.  Arrowmen learned vital leadership skills that will help our Lodge grow for years to come. We also had 2 advisers participate in the National Leadership Adviser Training Seminar, or NLATS, over the same weekend. Additionally, our Lodge was represented by four leaders serving on staff at this prestigious event.

NLS participants included: Ian B, Torin B, Willie B, and Breydon P

NLATS participants included: Beth Carter and Mike Gaylord

Staff included: Toby Capps, Ken Hayashi, Rob Rosamond, and Del Loder

The photo above shows our entire contingent along with National Chief Jonathan Hillis. Our Lodge and chapters will truly benefit from their commitment to leadership development and developing a quality program for our oganization.

This past weekend, T'Kope Kwiskwis held its annual Fall Rally at Camp Brinkley. Over 65 Lodge members came to be trained for upcoming unit elections and spend a weekend of fellowship with their Brothers. The highlight of the weekend came when the chapters battled it out for the first ever Dew-It Award, which was won by Siam Chetwoot. Our Section Chief, Caleb Hou, also came by to promote the upcoming Conclave at Fire Mountain. We even had a Brotherhood ceremony where 6 Arrowmen sealed their membership! This great event is just another example of the our Lodge's commitment to to brotherhood and cheerfullness!

Almost 200 Arrowmen, friends and family showed up to the annual Lodge recognition banquet on October 15th 2011 where we honored those people who make the lodge tick. We said good bye and thank you to our old officers and swore in this year's leaders. Master of Ceremonies Breydon P led the evening's celebration. We also honored our latest vigil class, reflected on ArrowCorps502 and promoted upcoming lodge and national activities. Very special thanks go to our key note speaker OA National Committee Member Toby Capps.

We revealed the Founders Award recipients at the event.

Fall Rally is coming up this weekend, November 11-13. Join your Brothers for a weekend of training, fellowship and fun! Get trained for unit elections and the OA Troop/Team Rep Program. Become your character as a ceremonalist and learn about Northwest Coast dance and stories. Compete against other Chapters for the brand-new 'Dew It' award. There will even be a Brotherhood ceremony on Friday! There's so much to do, but there's something there for everyone!

Check-in opens at 5 PM on Friday and the event ends Sunday at noon. Cost is $20. Register online or at the door.

Can't wait to see you there!

Your T'Kope Kwiskwis Lodge Officers

Interested in being more involved in the OA? Looking for ways you can serve your unit? Become an OA Troop/Team Representative! T'Kope Kwiskwis is looking for Arrowmen willing to serve their unit cheerfully by providing a link between the Order of the Arrow and their Troop or Team. OA Troop/Team Reps are leaders in thier unit, sharing information on OA activities and programs with Arrowmen and non-Arrowmen, helping members on the trail to Brotherhood, and assisting with unit elections. Even better, the OA Troop/Team Rep is a leadership position that counts towards advancement requirements!

All OA Troop Reps must be registered with the Lodge so we can communicate and distribute infomation to Reps about new opportunities, programs, and announcements. Also new this year is specific training for OA Troop/Team Reps, which will be available at Fall Rally and in January.

If you're already a Troop/Team Rep, let us know so we can send you specifics on what the position entails. If you're interested in becoming one or want more information, let us know at info@tkopekwiskwis.org. Take advantage of this exciting and rewarding program today!

Unit Election season is finally here! With the training provided at Fall Rally, chapter election teams will have the tools and expertise needed to conduct professional, meaningful elections in our member units. Troops and Teams can begin holding elections as early as Monday, November 14. The election season will last until mid-April 2012.

Units are encouraged to sign up early as elections are scheduled on a first-come, first served basis. All unit leaders should have received a notice from the Lodge explaining the purpose and process of unit elections. Chapter are encouraged to contact units directly.

To schedule your unit election, talk to the OA at you district Roundtable or contact your chapter leadership. If you are interested in being part of a unit elections team, contact your chapter leadership to see how you can get involved.

On October 28-29, T'Kope Kwiskiws will be sponsoring a Wilderness First Aid Class at Camp Brinkley. This is the full 16-hour course developed by NOLS. Having someone trained in WFA is a requirment for attending Philmont or other High Adventure bases, and highly recommended for any outdoor activity.

We are offering a special opportunity- the first 10 youth to register are FREE. For other youth and adults, the cost is only $50, a steal considering that REI and the Mountaineers offer the same class for $250 or more!

The only prerequisites are CPR with AED and basic First Aid. Bring your cards, food for the weekend or $25 for food.

Great progress has been made on the Longhouse in recent weeks. Despite some setbacks in the land-use permitting process the Longhouse Committee expects to have all issues resolved by November, allowing the Lodge to apply for final building permits. Construction is expected to begin in January 2012.

If you have been waiting to make a financial contribution, now is the time! Thanks again for your continued support and to everyone who has contributed to this project so far.

This year, the Lodge Leadership Development is being held in conjunction with the Council Program and Training Conference on Saturday, October 15 at North Seattle Community College. As well as teaching several general sessions for the PTC, the Lodge will be running a full slate of classes on subjects ranging from how to run an OA Chapter to the OA Troop/Team Rep Program. This event is a must for all Chapter officers, chairmen, and advisers! Better yet, the event is FREE and lunch is included!

Register here for LLD (and the Banquet, if attending both):

Just because school is back in session now doesn't mean you can't start planning for next summer! Check out your new YoueTube video to get you started!

The 2012 National Order of the Arrow Conference (NOAC) will be one of your most memorable Scouting experiences. NOAC 2012 will be held at Michigan State University from July 30 through August 4, 2012 and is projected to be one of the largest in the Order's history with more than 8,000 Arrowmen in attendance.

See that guy in the middle of the picture? That's me, circa 2006.

I have been trying for over a month to think of a way to describe the NOAC experience to Arrowmen that have never been to one before, and I finally realized there would be no way for me to convey the feeling of a National OA Conference in words.

This past week, nearly 100 Arrowmen, Scouts, Scouters, volunteers, and personnel from the USFS and NPS participated in ArrowCorps502, the largest conservation-service project ever undertaken by T'Kope Kwiskwis Lodge and the Chief Seattle Council.

Here's just a brief recap of what we were able to accomplish:

Army Camp- Removed invasive Scotch Broom

Crystal Peak- Made repairs along a two-mile stretch of trail, constructed rockwall to prevent stream erosion, and surfaced trail in a rockfield area with dirt

Crystal Mountain Ski Resort- Removed trash from Silver Creek and under chairlifts

Government Meadows- Erected log fencing to prevent ATV users from driving on the PTC, remediated ATV impact, repaired and performed trail maintenance

Ipsut Creek- Packed out debris from a dechlorination building, built handicapped-accessible trail, and decommissioned several trails and campsites

Moss Lake- Resurfaced trail with gravel and installed a drainage culvert

Ranger Creek Airfield- Removed invasive spotted knapweed

In all, more than 3,000 hours of service were given to Mt. Rainier National Park and Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. There are many people who spent countless hours to make ArrowCorps502 possible, among them AC502 Chairman Mat A., Former AC502 Chairman Evan S., Lodge Chief Ian B. and advisers Bob Davies, Barbara Sher, and Lodge Adviser Jason Stewart. Please thank them for their service if you get the chance.

Needless to say, everyone who attended ArrowCorps502 had a blast! The project was so successful that talks are already underway about events next summer that will continue the legacy of service that ArrowCorps502 has set in motion. Stay tuned- exciting things are to come!

National Order of the Arrow Conference (NOAC) is the ultimate OA Scouting experience. The 2012 NOAC, to be held at Michigan State University, will be one of the largest yet with over 8,000 Arrowmen in attendance.
NOAC will feature a number of unique events, including national competitions for ceremonies, drum, and dance. Other events will include evening shows, the OA history museum, and awesome gaming events. Highlights such as the Founder's Day Parade, the Grand Hodag, and the inter-Region dodge ball battle are some staples of the NOAC program.

Attending Arrowmen can partake in service projects, high adventure opportunities, leadership training, American Indian Activities training, and much more. While enjoying the various activities, Arrowmen will have a great time meeting new friends and sharing their experiences with people from around the nation.

NOAC is an inspiring meeting of Arrowmen from across the Nation. 8,000 strong, with one purpose and one mind...at NOAC!

Congratulations to the most recent recipients:

Youth:
From the Hyas Eena Chapter - Nick T. - April 2010 Ordeal
From Lamonti Tupso Illahee - Jordan R. - April 2010 Ordeal
From Ashuk T'salil - Willie B. - April 2010 Ordeal
From the Hyiu Chuck Chapter - Austin S. - May 2010 Ordeal
From Siam Chetwoot - Justin W. - June 2010 Ordeal

Adult:
From the Hyiu Chuck Chapter - Carl B. - Fall 2009
From Lamonti Tupso Illahee - Russell B. - May 2010

This last month at the W1N Section Conclave in Alaska two T'Kope Ceremonialists earned the highest or "Honors" distinction for their ceremonies. Brain S. and Logan C. both submitted their performances for the Vigil Honor Ceremony for evaluation on the Friday night of the event. Congratulations to both of these dedicated lodge members who help T'Kope have some of the best ceremonies in the nation.

The Section's Ralph Kirschner Trophy for best ceremonies at conclave went to the Nanuk Lodge of Anchorage Alaska. Congratulations to Nanuk. T'Kope Kwiskwis had won the trophy 7 years in a row.

The Vigil Honor is a high mark of distinction and recognition reserved for those Arrowmen who, by reason of exceptional service, personal effort, and unselfish interest, have made distinguished contributions beyond the immediate responsibilities of their position or office to one or more of the following: T'Kope Kwiskwis Lodge, the Order of the Arrow, Scouting, or our Council's Camps.

T'Kope Kwiskwis lodge is proud to announce the 2011 Vigil Honor Class:

Ian B. - Hyiu Chuck

Willie B. - Ashuk T'salil

Sam G. - Tenas Chakchak

Garrett J. - Lamonti Tupso Illahee

Ryan O. - Sahaptin Mox Khan'-nice

Keith P. - Sunyakwa

Luke P. - Sahaptin Mox Khan'-nice

Colin S. - Talapus Tillicum

Andre S. - Hyiu Chuck

Reuben S. - Hyiu Chuck

Beth Carter- Sunyakwa

John Ewell - Ashuk T'salil

Lyle Hall- Hyiu Chuck

Rob Lane- Ashuk T'salil

Terri Lovelace - Hyiu Chuck

Phil Smart, Jr. - Council Leadership

Lyle Swanson - Sahaptin Mox Khan'-nice

Helen Young - Sunyakwa

These worthy brothers will conduct their Vigil at the Spring Fellowship June 17-18. If you are a current Vigil Honorrecipient andwould like help out at this important event as a sponsor or a guide please contact us at vigil@tkopekwiskwis.org.

Please join us in congratulating the 2011 Vigil Honor Class!

This fall under the direction of Inductions VC Logan C, Ceremonies Chairman Tony M and Dance and Story Telling Chairman Keith P an inventory of the Lodge's regalia was conducted by the members of the Ceremonies team. This is a yearly inventory, but this year it also caps a project started by Logan C and others to photograph and publish all of the Lodge's regalia.
The Goals of the photo inventory were to:
- Let members know what blankets the Lodge owns and their condition.
- Inform members of the history of the regalia and the policies and procedures of use.
- Help to maintain the collection so that future arrowmen can use these blankets.

From July 31st to August 6, 2011, join us at Mt. Rainier National Park for a week-long conservation service project. ArrowCorps502 is a partnership between the Chief Seattle Council, T'Kope Kwiskwis Lodge, and the National Parks Service designed to leave a lasting legacy for future park users. Build trail, restore campsites, and experiance the power and beauty of the Mountian firsthand. Join Scouts, Scouters, Venturers, and Sea Scouts from all over the country for an unforgettable adventure. There will also be a one-day Cub Scout event. For more information, please visit our website. The possibilities are endless. What legacy will YOU leave?

Registration for ArrowCorps502 is now online!

Want to go to ArrowCorps502 but need a little help paying for it? Want to help a Scout get to ArrowCorps502? If the answer is yes, consider donating or applying for a campership. ArrowCorps502 is an exceptional opportunity for young men and women to experiance camraderie on the trail and give service to one of our nation's iconic National Parks. Although every effort has been made to keep ArrowCorps502 affordable, we understand that the cost may not be ideal for every family. Along with money from your ScoutBucks account and support from friends and family, ArrowCorps502 just became an even better deal!

For information on how to apply, contact the ArrowCorps502 Committee.

To donate, please click here.

Thanks in advance for your generous support!

 Have 10 months passed since your Ordeal? Do you want to continue your service in the Order? Go through Brotherhood! We will be holding Brotherhood ceremonies at the three upcoming Ordeals, which is an excellent opportunity to staff as well. Even better, the cost of Brotherhood was covered when you went through Ordeal, so it's free!

In addition to the ceremonies at the Lodge Ordeals, some chapters are holding their own ceremonies, so contact your Chapter Chief if you're interested.

From July 31st to August 6, 2011, join us at Mt. Rainier National Park for a week-long conservation service project. ArrowCorps502 is a partnership between the Chief Seattle Council, T'Kope Kwiskwis Lodge, and the National Parks Service designed to leave a lasting legacy for future park users. Build trail, restore campsites, and experiance the power and beauty of the Mountian firsthand. Join Scouts, Scouters, Venturers, and Sea Scouts from all over the country for an unforgettable adventure. There will also be a one-day Cub Scout event. For more information, please visit our website. The possibilities are endless. What legacy will YOU leave?

Registration for ArrowCorps502 is now online!

On Thursday, March 31st, join the Chief Seattle Council in recognising its newest Silver Beaver recipiants at the 5th Avenue Theatre. As usual, T'Kope Kwiskwis Lodge is providing a service corps to serve as ushers and assist at the reception. Volunteers are FREE. Registration information is coming soon.

I hope you have all had a great winter season so far! I would like to invite you to join me one of the first service projects this year. Join me at Camp Pigott to begin work on an adirondack at Mt. Schucksan in creating yet another project that will help improve our Council camps and bring a renewed sense of ownership. Arrowmen of all ages are welcome. As with all Lodge service projects participation will make you eligible for a sticker to deck out your helmet and make it that much cooler!

The project will be on March 19th at Camp Pigott, in the Mt. Schucksan campsite. The project will start at 10:30am and run till about 2:00pm. Be sure to bring a pair of work gloves and safety glasses. We will also be working on the adirondack at the April and May Ordeals. 

If you have any further questions please direct them to service@tkopekwiskwis.org. This is definitely a project you do not want to miss! Click here to register.

Sincerely,

Mathew Allyn

Lodge Service Vice Chief