Scouts & Scouters,

Earlier this month during our Winter Banquet, my term as Lodge Chief of Shenandoah Lodge came to a close. I can’t thank you all enough for the opportunity you have given me to lead the Order of the Arrow within our Council. I cannot wait to see what is in store for Shenandoah Lodge and the Council in 2025!

Shenandoah Lodge had quite a successful year: During our induction weekends, we inducted 89 new Ordeal members; throughout the year, we provided many hours of service to Camp Shenandoah; we trained many members through our Lodge Leadership Development during Lodge Retreat; we were High Performing (the highest score) on the Lodge Performance Measurement Program for the first time since the creation of the metric; and lastly, we showed off all of our sleep-themed spirit during Conclave at the Pipsico Scout Reservation.

Your new Lodge Chief, Marie Kenney, and her leadership team have some amazing plans for this year and I know they will effectively lead all of our events, our delegation to Conclave at Camp Rock Enon, and all the miscellaneous OA gatherings at other events. I look forward to seeing what they all accomplish.

As the unit election season begins, I am excited to see many new faces join our Lodge and become a part of this program I love dearly. I hope to work hard alongside members new and old as we provide cheerful service. Though the Lodge’s 80th anniversary is drawing to a close, let us blaze a new trail to the future of Shenandoah Lodge and the Virginia Headwaters Council.

Yours in Brotherhood, Cheerfulness, & Service,