Scouting in Oklahoma
| Scouting in Oklahoma | |||
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 Life size Boy Scout bronze statue located at the entrance of the Osage County Historical Museum | |||
.jpg) LibertyFest Parade | |||
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Scouting in Oklahoma has a long history, from the 1910s to the present day, serving thousands of youth in programs that suit the environment in which they live.
Early history (1909–1950)
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Recent history (1950–present)
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Scouting in Oklahoma today
Boy Scouts of America
There are eight Boy Scouts of America (BSA) local councils based in, or providing services within, the state of Oklahoma.
Arbuckle Area Council
| Arbuckle Area Council | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Owner | Boy Scouts of America | ||
| Headquarters | Ardmore, Oklahoma | ||
| Country | United States | ||
| Founded | 2005 | ||
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| Website arbucklebsa.org | |||
The Boy Scouts of America Arbuckle Area Council maintains offices in Ardmore, Oklahoma, and serves youth and their families in Pontotoc, Murray, Johnston, Garvin, Coal, Atoka, Carter, Love and Marshall counties in southern Oklahoma and the city of Ringling. The Arbuckle Area Council provides a web presence for its membership and other interested persons.
Districts
- Chickasaw District covers Carter, Love, Marshall, Johnston counties and the city of Ringling
- Harry Miller District covers Pontotoc, Atoka, and Coal counties.
- Washita District covers Murray and Garvin counties.
Camps
Camp Simpson, southern Oklahoma's "slice of heaven." Home to Summer Camp and Winter Camp activities. Also available for year-round reservations. Motel room rentals, proms, weddings, family reunions, youth camps, church retreats, school outings.
Order of the Arrow
- Wisawanik Lodge #190[4]
Cherokee Area Council
| Cherokee Area Council (#469) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
_Council.jpg) Cherokee Area Council Headquarters | |||
| Owner | Boy Scouts of America | ||
| Headquarters | Ardmore, Oklahoma | ||
| Country | United States | ||
| Founded | 1925 | ||
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| Website cherokeebsa.org | |||
The Boy Scouts of America Cherokee Area Council maintains an office in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, and serves youth and their families in northeastern Oklahoma. The Council provides a web presence for its membership and other interested persons. Communities served by the council include Pawhuska, Bartlesville, Nowata, Vinita, Grove, Miami, and many others in six northeastern counties of Oklahoma.
Districts
- Grand Lake District
- Osage Hills District
Camps
- Camp McClintock - Outside of Bartlesville, Oklahoma
Order of the Arrow
- Washita Lodge #288
Cimarron Council
| Cimarron Council | |||
|---|---|---|---|
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| Owner | Boy Scouts of America | ||
| Headquarters | Enid, Oklahoma | ||
| Country | United States | ||
| Founded | 2005 | ||
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| Website cimarronbsa.org | |||
The Boy Scouts of America's Cimarron Council maintains an office in Enid and serves youth and their families in northwestern and north central Oklahoma. The Council provides a web presence for its membership and other interested persons. The Cimarron Council was established in June 2000 following the mergers of the Great Salt Plains Council (Enid) and the Will Rogers Council (Ponca City).
Organization
The Cimarron Council is divided into two service areas. North and West includes Enid and Woodward. South and East serves Ponca City and Stillwater.
Camps
- Will Rogers Scout Reservation
The Will Rogers Scout Reservation, named for Will Rogers, one of Oklahoma's favorite sons, is the premier camping facility of the Cimarron Council. The camp consists of approximately 340 acres (1.4 km2) small hilly of oak and hickory forest with its northern boundary being bluffs. The camp features a small centralized dining hall with regional shower facilities and program areas. There are archery, shotgun, and rifle ranges, a boat dock and pond, swimming pool, a central bath house, and several camping areas. It is located near Cleveland, Oklahoma.
- Williams Scout Reservation[5]
Camp Williams consists of 145 acres (59 ha) with a small lake, a swimming pool, a southwestern adobe style mess hall, a trading post, a water front for boating activities, camp office, ranger cabin, and 11 well shaded camp sites. It is located near Cleo Springs and Fairview.
- Sundance Scout Training Center[6]
The Sundance Scout Training Center was sold in 2021.
Order of the Arrow
| Ema 'O Mahpe Lodge | |||
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| Website cimarronbsa.org/oa | |||
The Ema 'O Mahpe Lodge (#14) of the Order of the Arrow was founded on April 1, 2001, from the mergers of the Ah-Ska Lodge (#213) and Inola Lodge (#148). Ema 'O Mahpe is Cherokee for "Red Water", and the lodge totem is the coyote.
Circle Ten Council
The Circle Ten Council serves youth in North Central Texas and Bryan County, Oklahoma.[7] Bryan County falls under the Texoma Valley District of the Council.[8]
Golden Spread Council
The Golden Spread Council serves Scouts in Texas and the Oklahoma Panhandle counties of Cimarron, Texas, and western half of Beaver. The Oklahoma counties fall in the Lone Wolf District.
Indian Nations Council
| Indian Nations Council | |||
|---|---|---|---|
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| Owner | Boy Scouts of America | ||
| Headquarters | Tulsa, Oklahoma | ||
| Country | United States | ||
| Founded | 1911 | ||
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| Website okscouts.org | |||
The Indian Nations Council maintains offices in Tulsa and serves most of eastern Oklahoma. The Indian Nations Council provides a web presence for its membership and other interested persons
Districts
- Bokchito District (no longer active, merged with Oka Tuli)
- Creek Nation District (no longer active, now part of Sac & Fox district)
- Eagle District
- Neosho District[9]
- Indian Chiefs District (no longer active, disbanded into Sequoyah and Twin Arrows in 2004)
- Oka Tuli District
- Sac and Fox District (renamed Scissortail District)
- Sequoyah District
- Twin Arrows District[10]
Camp Properties
- Mabee Scout Reservation, Locust Grove
- Jack Graves Scout Reservation, Broken Arrow
- Hale Scout Reservation, Talihina[11]
- Zink Scout Ranch, Sand Springs
- Cherokee Nation Scout Ranch, Welling
Order of the Arrow
| Ta Tsu Hwa Lodge | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Indian Nations Council | |||
| Headquarters | Tulsa, Oklahoma | ||
| Country | United States | ||
| Founded | 1938 | ||
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| Website tatsuhwa.org | |||
The Ta Tsu Hwa Lodge (#138) was formed in 1938 under the name of "Yaqui". In 1957 Yaqui Lodge merged with the Checote Lodge (#154) due to the merger of the Tulsa Area Council and the Creek Nation Council, creating the Indian Nations Council. The new lodge was named the "Daw Zu" Lodge (#138). In 1959 the lodge was renamed "Ta Tsu Hwa," meaning "Red Bird". Between 1959 and the present day, the Lodge absorbed the "Oskihoma" Lodge (#320) and the "Ni-U-Kon-Ska" Lodge (#328) as the Indian Nations Council absorbed the Choctaw Area Council and the Eastern Oklahoma Council.
The distinctive "Red Bird" lodge flap of the Ta Tsu Hwa Lodge is shaped differently than the standard pocket flap.
Last Frontier Council
| Last Frontier Council | |||
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| Owner | Boy Scouts of America | ||
| Headquarters | Oklahoma City, Oklahoma | ||
| Location | Central, Western, and Southwestern Oklahoma | ||
| Country | United States | ||
| Founded | 1913 | ||
| Membership | 11,000 | ||
| Scout Executive | Jeff Woolsey | ||
| Council President | Pat Rooney | ||
| Council Commissioner | Bob Spinks | ||
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| Website scoutingrocks.tv | |||
The Last Frontier Council operates six camps and is based in two service centers which are located in Lawton and Oklahoma City. Last Frontier Council supports its volunteer leaders, who deliver Scouting in twenty-four counties in central, western and southwestern Oklahoma.
Districts
The Baden-Powell District[12] geographic territory covers Northwest Oklahoma City from Memorial Road on the north to Santa Fe Avenue on the east to County Line Road on the west, and along Reno Avenue on the south in Oklahoma County, Oklahoma.
The Big Tepee District
The Black Beaver District geographic territory covers the Oklahoma communities of Lawton, Cache, Medicine Park, and all other communities in Comanche County, and all Caddo County communities except for those communities which are in the northern tip of Caddo County. Named for the former Black Beaver Council, when it was absorbed into the Last Frontier Council, the troop numbers of the council were augmented by making them all of the 4000 series (i.e. Black Beaver Council 327 became Last Frontier Council 4327).
The Canadian Valley District[14] geographic territory includes all communities in Pottawatomie County, Seminole County, and Hughes County, as well as the communities in the southern one-third of Lincoln County.
The Chisholm Trail District[15] geographic territory includes all communities in Grady County, all communities in Stephens County, and all communities in Jefferson County. Chisholm Trail District also includes the city of Lindsay in Garvin County.
The Eagle District[16] geographic territory covers all of Logan County and the north tip of Oklahoma County including Edmond from Memorial Road north and west to Macarthur. Communities served through Eagle District include northwest Oklahoma City, Edmond, Guthrie, Crescent, Coyle, Luther, Langston and Mulhall/Orlando in Logan County and Oklahoma County. The towns of Wellston in Lincoln County and Cashion in Kingfisher County are also a part of Eagle District.
The Kickingbird District[17] geographic territory covers all of Harmon County, Greer County, Kiowa County, Jackson County, and Tillman County in Oklahoma.
The Sooner District[18] geographic territory in Oklahoma covers Norman, Moore, Little Axe and all other communities in Cleveland County; Purcell, Blanchard, Wayne, Washington, Goldsby and all other communities in McClain County;
The Western Plains District[19] geographic territory in western Oklahoma includes all of Roger Mills County, Custer County, Beckham County, Washita County, and the northern tip of Caddo County.
The Wiley Post District split off from Baden Powell, covering the western side of the district boundaries.
The Will Rogers District[20] geographic territory includes all communities in Canadian County and western Oklahoma County from Portland Avenue and to the west and from NW 39th Street and to the south.
Camps
- Diamond H Scout Ranch 35°40′41″N 94°54′49″W / 35.677936°N 94.913721°W
Located near Lake Tenkiller, the Diamond H Scout Ranch[21] is located in eastern Oklahoma. Diamond H is the largest property in the Last Frontier Council. The camp property is currently undeveloped and restricted in use. Only primitive, weekend camping is presently available. Advanced reservations are required to visit the property.
- Dripping Springs 35°41′13″N 98°54′27″W / 35.6869°N 98.9075°W
Camp Dripping Springs[22] is an 80-acre (320,000 m2) property in western Oklahoma. The camp setting offers the opportunity for Scouts to practice tracking, track casting, star study, compass work, fishing, or tree identification.
- George Thomas 34°54′01″N 98°29′57″W / 34.90028°N 98.49917°W
Camp George Thomas[23] is located at the foot of the Wichita Mountains in Caddo County off State Highway 19. The camp is used for general unit camping by packs, troops, teams, crews and ships, for training courses, numerous district and council events, Cub — Webelos Scout Resident Camp, and the council's Cub-Webelos Fall Family Adventure (family weekend camping) opportunities each fall.
- John Nichols Scout Ranch 35°21′00″N 97°40′21″W / 35.3501°N 97.6724°W
John Nichols Scout Ranch,[24] John Nichols Scout Ranch maintained since 1932, is the oldest camp property within the council. Located on the southwest edge of Oklahoma City at SW 119th and County Line Road, John Nichols Scout Ranch is available year-round to Scout groups for overnight campouts, weekend campouts, and various training opportunities. Kickapoo serves as the host location for several day camp weeks each summer and for the Kickapoo Kampers Family Overnight Adventures each fall. Verna
Camp Sasakwa[25] is situated near Holdenville, Oklahoma. The property is used for primitive, short-term camping only, offering a low-impact, high adventure setting. Advance reservations are required and all supplies and water must be carried in and all refuse must be carried out.
- Kerr Scout Ranch at Slippery Falls 34°18′39″N 96°43′20″W / 34.3108°N 96.7223°W
Kerr Scout Ranch at Slippery Falls (KSR@SF)[26] is located near Tishomingo, Oklahoma. 'Slip' is the most developed of the six camping properties in the council. KSR@SF is the summer camp facility in the council for Boy Scouts and Venturers.
Order of the Arrow
| Ma-Nu Lodge | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Location | Oklahoma City, Oklahoma | ||
| Membership | 1176 | ||
| Lodge Chief | Ben Power | ||
| Lodge Adviser | Larry Campbell | ||
| Staff Adviser | Carl Hanke | ||
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| Website http://www.manu133.org | |||
MaNu Lodge No. 133 was originally chartered to the Central Oklahoma Area Council, Region 9 on August 20, 1938. One year later the Central Oklahoma Area Council rechartered as Last Frontier Council. This makes MaNu Lodge one year older than Last Frontier Council. Over the next few decades there would be several mergers and reorganizations within the structure of both the Lodge and the Council.
As the area of the lodge expanded, the lodge began to need another form of organization. In 1963, MaNu lodge set up Chapters with borders corresponding to the districts established by the Council. In 1950, Canadian Valley Council merged with Last Frontier Council and Shawnee Lodge 192 became part of MaNu Lodge 133. Again in 1996 Black Beaver Council merged with Last Frontier Council and two years later Sekettummaqua Lodge 281 completed its merger with MaNu bringing the number of members to near 1700 and the total number of Chapters to ten.
Today, the lodge has experienced a myriad of growth and development and continues to tweak its organizational structure to better meet the demands of today's program. There are currently seven Lodge Officers: The Lodge Chief; The Lodge Vice Chief of Program; The Lodge Vice Chief of Activities; The Lodge Vice Chief of Chapters; The Lodge Vice Chief of Inductions, The Lodge Vice Chief of Finance, The Lodge Vice Chief of Administration. There are also numerous Associate Lodge Advisers.
Meaning of Name: White Buffalo (in the Osage Language)* Location: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Lodge Totem: The White Buffalo Founding Date: August 20, 1938 Current Membership: 1,176
- Special Note: Although the literal translation of MaNu is White Buffalo, the Osage word for white also meant Spirit, so MaNu means Spirit Buffalo.[27]
NeTSeO Trails Council
The NeTseO Trails Council serves Scouts in Texas and the Southeast Oklahoma counties of McCurtain, Choctaw, and the southern three quarters of Pushmataha.
Girl Scouting in Oklahoma
| Girl Scouting in Oklahoma | |||
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 Map of Girl Scout Councils in Oklahoma | |||
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There are five Girl Scout councils in Oklahoma.
Girl Scouts - Diamonds of Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas
In Oklahoma serves girls in Adair, LeFlore, and Sequoyah counties.
Girl Scouts Missouri Heartland
Serves girls in two northeastern Oklahoma counties.
Girl Scouts of Texas Oklahoma Plains
Serves girls in the Oklahoma panhandle.
Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma
| Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Owner | Girl Scouts of the United States of America | ||
| Headquarters | Tulsa, Oklahoma | ||
| Country | United States | ||
| Founded | 1911 | ||
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| Website www | |||
Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma serves 15,000 girls and adult volunteers in thirty eastern Oklahoma counties. The first troop in Tulsa was in 1917 and the first council in 1923. The earliest known sale of cookies by an individual Girl Scouts unit in the United States was by the Mistletoe Troop in Muskogee, Oklahoma in December 1917 at their local high school. The current council was formed on June 1, 2008 with the merger of Bluestem, Tiak, and Magic Empire councils.[28]
Service centers
- Bartlesville, OK
- McAlester, OK
- Muskogee, OK
- Stillwater, OK
- Ada, OK
Camps
- Camp Tallchief is north of Sand Springs, OKand on the John Zink Scout Ranch
- Camp Swannie is north of Sand Springs, OKand next to Camp Tallchief
- Camp Wah-Shah-She is 524 acres (2.12 km2) west of Bartlesville, OK.
Scout houses
- Eaton Lodge is in Cushing, OK
- The Troop House in Tulsa
Girl Scouts - Western Oklahoma
| Girl Scouts - Western Oklahoma | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Owner | Oklahoma City, Oklahoma | ||
| Country | United States | ||
| Founded | 1911 | ||
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| Website gswestok.org | |||
Girl Scouts-Western Oklahoma serves girls in 39 western Oklahoma counties. It was formed by the merger of Red Lands and Sooner Councils in March 2008.
Camps
- Camp E-Ko-Wah near Marlow, OK
- Camp Trivera in Oklahoma City, OK
Scouting museums in Oklahoma
- Osage County Historical Museum[29]
References
- ^ "Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History & Culture". Oklahoma Historical Society.
- ^ "Pawhuska museum evokes Boy Scouts' state origins". NewsOK.com. November 23, 2009.
- ^ a b c d Hook, James; Franck, Dave; Austin, Steve (1982). An Aid to Collecting Selected Council Shoulder Patches with Valuation.
- ^ "Wisawanik Lodge 190 - Order of the Arrow, BSA". Archived from the original on July 22, 2012.
- ^ Administrator. "Williams Scout Reservation".
- ^ Enid News. "Sundance Scout Reservation".
- ^ "Circle Ten Council".
- ^ "Texoma Valley District".
- ^ "Neosho District". Archived from the original on May 21, 2010.
- ^ "Twin Arrows District". Archived from the original on August 23, 2010.
- ^ "Hale Scout Reservation".
- ^ "Baden-Powell District, BSA".
- ^ "Big Tepee District". Archived from the original on June 4, 2011.
- ^ "Home Page".
- ^ "Chisholm Trail District - Home".
- ^ "Eagle District".
- ^ "Boy Scouts of America - Last Frontier Council - Kickingbird District". Archived from the original on June 7, 2013.
- ^ "Sooner District Last Frontier Council".
- ^ "Western Plains District". Archived from the original on February 24, 2007.
- ^ "Will Rogers District Home Page". Archived from the original on April 4, 2012.
- ^ "Diamond H Scout Ranch".
- ^ "Dripping Springs Camp".
- ^ "Camp George Thomas".
- ^ "John Nichols Scout Ranch".
- ^ "Camp Sasakwa".
- ^ "Kerr Scout Ranch at Slippery Falls".
- ^ "Ma-Nu Lodge 133 - Ma-Nu Lodge, Order of the Arrow".
- ^ "Our council". gseok.org.
- ^ "Home of the First Boy Scout Troop in America". Archived from the original on October 25, 2013.
External links
