What a great year this is turning out to be! We started off with an outstanding banquet; a spectacular, record breaking Scouting For Food Drive; and are now closing in on our Section Conclave!!

With Conclave nearing, now is the time to solidify your plans to go. This year we have been granted the opportunity of a lifetime, for our conclave is being hosted at Philmont!! February 28 I was able to go up to Philmont and meet with the members of our Section responsible for planning the event. I must say the reports left me speechless. With new advents being explored, an enthusiastic staff, this conclave is going to be one for the record books.

Now, some of you may be wondering just how to get up to Philmont... Well, you’re in luck, our Lodge is renting a bus. You know what this means? Gila ROAD TRIP! Spaces are limited and I encourage everyone to preregister before they are gone.

While Conclave comes just once a year, our work is never ceasing. In May we will be holding our Spring Ordeal where we are scheduled to have our Lodge Elections. I would like for everyone to take this time to think about where they are best able to serve the Lodge. All positions are open for nomination and every one of them requires a lot of commitment. This last year has been one of the best of my life, but a busy one at that. I encourage everyone to seek to do their best. Anyone with intentions of running should contact our Lodge Adviser, George Foret, I’m sure he wants to hear from you.

I am pleased at the progress that was made in 2005. We completed the year with the Quality Lodge award and are well on our way to bettering our performance again this year. We are way ahead on Dues payments and participation from both adult advisers and youth leaders. It does my heart good to see everyone stepping up to help.

I am looking forward to our trip to Philmont Scout Ranch for the OA Conclave. It promises to be a great adventure. I hope that many of our members choose to go with us. We need a good turnout to get back the traveling trophy.

Old age is creeping up on Rusty Folk and he will not be able to serve another term as Lodge Chief.

If any of you wish to make the attempt to fill his worthy shoes, please let me know soon. The

Spring Ordeal will be upon us before we know it. Elections are on May 6th at Camp Dale Resler.