About Fall Fellowship 2026

Please come ready to present your Scouting America Medical Forms (Parts A and B), as well as a copy of the Tschitani Lodge Code of Conduct signed by you and a parent/guardian (if under the age of 18). Also, for all medications, please bring only the proper amount for the weekend in a labeled prescription bottle for our medical staff. You MUST have these materials in order to be admitted to the weekend.

The Lodge is willing and able to make any accommodations to individuals for medical or religious reasons. For any questions, please contact the Lodge Adviser at [email protected].

Each year, the Lodge elects the following Lodge Leadership officer positions during the Lodge Business Meeting at Fall Fellowship:

Lodge Chief – Responsible for overseeing all Lodge Operations
Lodge Vice Chief of Program – Responsible for service, trainings, and activities in coordination with the Chief
Lodge Vice Chief of Communications – Responsible for promotions, taking notes at events, and Induction operations
Lodge Vice Chief of Administration – Responsible for the Chapters, Trading Post, and finances
Webster Camp Chief – Aids in planning all Lodge events at June Norcross Webster Scout Reservation and leads Summer Camp programming
Mattatuck Camp Chief – Aids in planning all Lodge events at Mattatuck Scout Reservation and leads Summer Camp programming
Workcoeman Camp Chief – Aids in planning all Lodge events at Camp Workcoeman and leads Summer Camp programming

All Lodge Officers are expected to carry out the duties of their position for one year until the next Lodge Business Meeting at the next Fall Fellowship. They are also voting members of the Lodge Executive Committee (LEC) which meets about every month to discuss and approve Lodge business. Officers must make a reasonable effort to attend all Lodge events, and to represent the Lodge by following the Scout Oath, Scout Law, and OA Obligation.

For more information on Lodge Officer Responsibilities, see Section III of the Tschitani Lodge Bylaws (2026).

Tschitani Lodge 2026 Business Meeting – October 10th from 4:00-6:00pm

To be eligible to run as a candidate for a Lodge Officer Position, you must do the following:

1. Submit a letter of recommendation from your Scoutmaster (Unit Leader), Chapter Adviser, or the Lodge Adviser: This letter should be addressed to Kevin Rame, our Lodge Adviser, and must show positive support of your candidacy to run for a specific set of positions. It does not need to be longer than a paragraph. Submission via PDF may be done through the 2026-2027 Lodge Officer Form.

2. Declare your intent to run: Declare your intent to run for applicable positions on the 2026-2027 Lodge Officer Form.

3. Find someone to nominate you during the Election: You must find another youth that will be present for the election to nominate you for any positions.

4. Write a speech lasting no longer than 2 minutes: All candidates will have 2 minutes to give a speech before the Lodge on why they would be a good fit for the role that they are running for. In addition to this 2 minute speech, candidates will also participate in a Q&A Forum with questions based around pressing topics in the Lodge.

All of these steps must be completed by the Lodge Officer Interest Meeting on Friday, October 9th, at 10:00pm. This is a mandatory meeting for those planning to run for office. Letters submitted after this meeting will not be accepted.

If you have any questions, please reach out to Drew Carmon, your 2026 Tschitani Lodge Chief, at [email protected].

Interested in helping staff Fall Fellowship this year? All programs and activities are being run by select Lodge Committees:

Events Committee – Responsible for evening program, shows, thematic activities, and the Big Event
Trainings Committee – Responsible for planning and leading epic trainings on Saturday morning
Ceremonies Committee – Responsible for Brotherhood Conversions and our Friday Night Rededication Ceremony
Communications Committee – Responsible for all event promotions

You can help plan Fall Fellowship by joining one of these committees today!

For more information on how to get involved, feel free to contact Fellowship Lead Ian F. at [email protected].

Brotherhood conversions will be offered at Fall Fellowship and can be selected during check-out of the event registration.

Brotherhood Requirements

1. Memorize the signs of OA Membership: This includes the following. Additionally, you can find these materials in your OA Handbook or on the OA Portal.
   
   • Obligation
     I do hereby promise on my honor as a Scout, that I will always and faithfully observe and preserve the traditions of the Order of the Arrow, WIMACHTENDIENK, WINGOLAUCHSIK, WITAHEMUI. I will always regard the ties of brotherhood in the Order of the Arrow, as lasting, and will seek to preserve a cheerful spirit even in the midst of irksome tasks and weighty responsibilities, and will endeavor, so far as in my power lies, to be unselfish in service and devotion to the welfare of others.
   • OA Song
     Firm bound in brotherhood, gather the clan
     That cheerful service brings to fellow man.
     Circle our council fire, weld tightly ev’ry link
     That binds us in brotherhood, Wimachtendienk.
   • Admonition
     Never said above a whisper. If you need your memory refreshed, consult your OA Handbook, the OA Portal, or a Lodge Officer.
   • Ordeal Handclasp
     Done with the left hand, lower fingers interlocked.
   • Sign of the Ordeal
     Drawing an arrow from a quiver over the left shoulder with right arm
     
2. Advance in your understanding of the Ordeal: During the brotherhood conversion process, you will have the opportunity to see the Pre-Ordeal Ceremony for a second time. Using your OA Handbook, the OA Portal, or online research, learn more about the 4 principals, challenges of the Ordeal, and the symbolism of the Ordeal and Pre-Ordeal ceremonies.
   
3. Serve your Unit for 6 months since your first Induction Weekend
   
4. Plan for future Service: Develop a concrete idea of how you will continue to give back to the Order of the Arrow, Tschitani Lodge, and your Unit.
   
5. Review Your Progress: Write a Brotherhood Letter to the Lodge Chief and participate in a Brotherhood Interview during the Weekend.

Brotherhood Letters

You need to submit your Brotherhood Letter, addressed to Tschitani Lodge Leadership, by the end of lunch on Saturday (12:15pm). This letter should include the following:

– Your full name and unit number
– How you’ve given back to your unit since you became an Ordeal member
– What the OA means to you
– How you plan to continue service to the Lodge and your unit in the future

You are highly encouraged to write your Brotherhood Letter ahead of the Fellowship, as time may be limited.

There’s no minimum or maximum length for this letter. However, please make a thorough effort to reflect on your experience since your Ordeal.

Brotherhood Interviews

Before the Brotherhood Ceremony on Saturday, you will be asked to engage in a short interview​ ​conducted by a few ​Lodge members.​ This is not a test or anything you need to prepare for in advance, ​this is simply ​a time for us to get to know you better.​ Do not worry about when/where this interview will be held, we will be in contact with each of you during the weekend to find a time that works best.

June Norcross Webster Scout Reservation – 231 Ashford Center Rd, Ashford, CT 06278

Parking for the weekend available at the main parking lot near the Perry Welcome Center (see Camp Map below).