Just Another Ho-Hum Event, Or So I Thought!
I picked my friend Charles up late yesterday morning. We are on our way up to camp to attend our Lodge's Annual Winter Banquet. Last year, he skipped out on the event but I still went. It was my first one that I have been to since moving here. Last year was okay, but I assumed this year would be along the same lines as last year: me knowing very few people and just enjoying a decent meal and it may be bidding on some patches during the auction.
Of course, last year was held at an event center. This is the first year to my knowledge that they have held it at Boy Scout camp. So other than the atmosphere being different, I knew that I could rely on the organizers feeding us with Camp-type food. Not bad in my opinion, but probably not worth the $30 it would cost to attend the event.
Other than a fair amount of snow covering the roads, the trip up was easy. When we arrived and registered, I was happy to see at least a few familiar faces, more so than the previous year. The scouts are selling patches to raise money to attend a big order of the arrow event this summer, and Charles and I were happy to lend our support and buy a set each.
Before we knew it, they were calling for the beginning of the banquet, we recited the Pledge of Allegiance and a quick prayer, and everyone jumped in line for their meal. The food was plentiful, but nothing super special. We had salad, chicken alfredo and steamed vegetables. But the best part was the cake, by far.
As seconds were called for the cake, the meal was winding down and we transitioned to the awards presentation.
Little did I know it, but some of the boys had actually put me up for an award, which I had one. There were three awards given out for Arrowman of the Year...and to my surprise, I was chosen!
Here is a picture of the two who submitted me for the award, Mac and Avery:
And even better, Charles won the final one!
So I guess you could say I surround myself with top quality people.
After the awards, we has a small break, but it wouldn't be long until we got down to business. Our Lodge Executive Committee held a meeting to discuss the upcoming plans for the year and check on the status of current ongoing projects.
And while this was going on, other folks were chatting away with friends or engaged in other activities, like patch trading and explaining the history behind some treasured items.
With the lodge meeting ended and the sun starting to drop below the horizon we packed up our things and head out. It was a short visit, but one with unexpected surprises. It seems as though I have made an impression within the Lodge and have at least earned the respect of a couple of kids that I appreciate.
Charles and I both understand that the lodge has a lot of work ahead of it and a lot of improvements to make in regard of how things are organized and run. But at least being here for this event help solidify our reputation as newcomers and was a worthwhile endeavor.
-Randomness
