Camp Old Indian and Voting

The presidential primaries are starting with the Iowa caucus occuring tonight, Jan. 3rd 2007. I'm reminded of the various occasions where voting would occur at Camp Old Indian and in Scout Troops in general but my memory is sparked on three things;

1.) Voting for troop members to be inducted into the Order of the Arrow - Every year before camp special elections would be help within the troops to select fellow scouts for the Order of the Arrow. At Camp the scouts and sometimes Adult leaders would be called out for induction in to the O.A.

2.) Voting for the best dancer and best back stage person of the year for the O.A. Dance pageant. I remember I received the award one year for my work in the light box.

3.) Staff Person of the Year - I have to fess up and admit I wanted to receive this honor more than anything. Yes, maybe even more than Eagle Scout. That's how much working at Camp Old Indian meant to me. The Staff person of the year not only got a plaque but his name was branded into the staff leather which hung in the dining hall with one being added each year.

All that being said I have had the honor and I know other's have had the honor of a special vote. Sometimes all we know is that it was a single vote. To most people that sounds like a loser but you may already know the "vote" I am talking about. The vote when an apparent stranger approaches one day, many years later and says, "You may not remember me but you taught me a merit badge at Camp Old Indian and I just wanted to say you were one of the best on staff and made a difference in my life!"

Normally that would sound like I was puffed up with pride but I have heard many stories from other people who have worked at camp and have heard the same thing. In the end that's the vote that matters.