BSARROW May 27, 2004

Because of limited parking space and security reasons we need to limit the number vehicles going to Ellington Field. We plan to meet in 2 locations and car pool to Ellington Field using the larger capacity vehicles and filling every seat belt. Those who wish to get in some drumming and singing practice before we go will meet at St. James Presbyterian 9725 Spencer Highway La Porte, TX at 6 pm. Those in the La Porte, Deer Park area that would like to go to the air station only need to be at Saint James by 6:45 pm. We will then car pool to the Clear Lake gathering location. Those who live closer to Clear Lake City will meet at Clear Lake United Methodist Church 16335 El Camino Real Houston, TX 77062 and car pool to Ellington Field where they will meet up with the group coming from La Porte.

1900: Depart the church (car pool to the Air Station)

1915: Both groups meet across from Ellington Field and proceed to the Air Station

1915-2030: Tour USCG AIRSTA Ellington Field

2030: Depart the AIRSTA

2045: Arrive at the church

For this meeting we need some help from the OA Troop Reps. Please try to find out how many OA members, youth and adult, from your Troop will be attending the USCG tour and e-mail that information with your unit # to bobgidney@ani-lati.org Unit adult OA members please help by making sure this happens as some units do not have OA Troop Reps. If you are an adult OA member and plan to attend and you have a van or SUV please volunteer to drive. I am told parking at the tour is limited so we need to use the vehicles with the highest capacity.

Ani-Lati Chapter will have 17 members attending National Order of the Arrow Conference this year. 14 members will be a part of the 65 member Colonneh Lodge Contingent and 3 of our members will be on National Staff. Our Chapter Drum Team will be competing and trying to better their 6th place ranking from NOAC 2002 in Indiana. We will also have 8 members that will be competing in various styles of dance. Our Chapter Chief will be trying to equal or better his 2002 performance where he placed 2nd in the nation in traditional dance. You can check the National OA web site during the conference for day to day updates. http://www.oa-bsa.org/

Under the direction of Dave Cross we have completed unit elections on time. Our chapter elected 45 youth and 8 adults this year. The candidates were called out at the District Spring Camporee by the ceremony team members from Troop 595 and 1598. For those who didn't make that event or left early, the weather front moved through, the rain stopped, and the wind calmed down so we had a good call out ceremony. Members from Troop 848 built us a wonderful fire. With the drop in temperature, that fire was just the thing we needed. Plenty of light and heat. Thank you 848.

We had 56 members attend our February meeting where Neil Buso introduced us to the art of wood carving. We got to see some amazing things he has carved and found out how to get started doing something other than making a sharp end on a stick. Thanks again Neil, we enjoyed it.

Members from Troop 848 hosted a Skills Discovery in February at Bay Area Park. Thanks to their efforts several Scouts working toward 1st Class got to learn some new skills and complete some advancement requirements. Check the pictures http://www.ani-lati.org/events/sdc204/. We need another unit to host a similar event after the summer camp season. If members from your troop could host this event please contact Steve Willis. stevew@getgds.com

This year Section Conclave was in a camp setting for the first time since 1969. Ani-Lati Chapter had 31 members present. Check out the pictures http://www.ani-lati.org/events/section04/ . Our drum team placed 2nd and several members placed in dance. For the second conclave in a row Nelson Carter placed 1st in Legend Speaking, yea Nelson. Next year Conclave will be back at a university. This is a great event and fun for all that attend so start making plans now.

Many of us went to American Indian Weekend in April at Camp Bovay. This event is open to all Scouts and our District had 2 Troops that made it their monthly camp out. Troop 840 and Troop 810 camped with the 20 some Chapter members that were at this event. Several Scouts spent the weekend earning the Indian Lore merit badge while others attended various craft classes. This year there were even activities for Cub Scouts. Pictures are at http://www.ani-lati.org/events/aiw_04/ .