Brothers,

After much deliberation, SR-5 Section Officers have made the decision to cancel our 2020 section conclave – Carolina OA Conference – scheduled for August 28-30, 2020. The next section conclave is scheduled for April 23-25, 2021 at Camp Daniel Boone.

In accordance with National OA rules,  a virtual-type election of new section officers will be appropriately scheduled within 30 days. More details  will be provided in the near future, but the intent is to schedule it for some time during that weekend of August 28-30 when our conclave was formerly scheduled. All candidates for any section office must submit a letter of approval from the Scout Executive to the Section Adviser, Mac McLean, by Wednesday, August 26, at 5 pm ET.

Other related issues, including conclave expenses already incurred, refunds available to lodges, and memorabilia purchases and distribution are being worked through and will be communicated in the near future.

As for Catawba Lodge in particular, refunds are being processed as follows:

1. COAC Fees were $60 total. $35 for SR-5 as the Delegate Fee – which included Meals, COAC Patch, Participation Pin, and Ditty Bag. $25 stayed with Catawba Lodge to cover our memorabilia – Lodge Flap, Lodge Patch, Epaulettes, T-Shirt, and an Early Registration Arrow (for registrations prior to Jan 15).
2. It is still unclear to the Lodge what SR-5 will be able to refund to the 10 lodges because they have already had to make some early expenditures and purchased all memorabilia. As of now, it is our understanding that Catawba will receive a portion of the $35 along with what was included in our delegate fees – the Dixie Patch, Participation Pin and Ditty Bags, but we have no details yet on the breakdown or timeline.
3. For the Catawba Lodge fees ($25), each delegate will be sent a Lodge Flap, Lodge Patch, a set of epaulettes, a COAC jacket patch (in lieu of a t-shirt), and for those who registered early, the early registration arrow. The $25 covers the cost of memorabilia mailing it to delegates. We will not mail the Catawba Lodge memorabilia until we receive the COAC memorabilia from SR-5. We do not know how long this process will take, so please be patient.
4. All delegates will receive all of their pre-ordered memorabilia that is over and above the $60 event feeg

Any further information will be shared as presented by the Section through Catawba Lodge.

Yours In Brotherhood,

Bradley Thompson

Catawba Lodge COAC Chairmen

Brothers,

Our world has experienced a lot of change in recent days, and I want to take a moment to address the current situation. While the change caused by the spread of COVID-19 may seem disconcerting, we cannot lose sight of the bigger picture and our overall mission. The values that Scouting and the Order of the Arrow brings to communities are needed now more than ever before, and as we go through the uncertain days ahead, I implore you to always keep those principles at the forefront of your mind.

To any Arrowman who has a family member or friend affected by the virus, my thoughts are with you.

Earlier this week, we announced the suspension of all in-person national, region, and section events until May 2. We encourage you to work with your local council regarding lodge and chapter events. You can find our updates related to COVID-19 at oa-bsa.org/coronavirus. With the spread of the virus postponing many Scouting and OA events in the coming weeks, I know that many of you feel disheartened. I’m disappointed too, but I am not discouraged.

To every Arrowman who planned to attend a Scouting event that has been affected by the virus—I am sorry. I cannot wait to see the exciting programs that still lie ahead, even if they may be delayed.

To every unit elections chair, ordealmaster, conclave coordinator, and Arrowman involved in planning an event that has been postponed or cancelled—I am sorry. I appreciate all that you have done to deliver our Order’s program to our members, and your talent is still needed as we move forward.

To every Arrowman who feels discouraged right now—I want you to reflect for a moment on how you feel. If the pause until your next Scouting event is saddening, I challenge you: channel these emotions into something positive. When we return to normal, whenever that may be, Scouting and the Order of the Arrow will need your help. Let’s work together as one united brotherhood to deliver this program to every Arrowman and the future generations of Scouts who will come after us.

While some of our lives and Scouting plans may temporarily change, our core values of brotherhood, cheerfulness, and service remain unaltered. These principles that bind us together are far stronger than any change or setback we encounter and will persist through the uncertain days ahead.

Maintain our bonds of brotherhood. Keep planning, engaging and innovative events that will help the future of our Order. Above all, never lose sight of the values we cherish.

“Energy and persistence conquer all things.” – Benjamin Franklin

If I can ever be of service, please do not hesitate to reach out. Stay healthy, and I’ll see you along the Scouting trail soon.

In brotherhood,

Zach Schonfeld

2020 National Chief

mailto:2020chief@oa-bsa.org?