Congratulations to the New Chief
Ben Hoogstraat, who is a member of Troop 158, chartered to the Chebanse American Legion Post #408 was elected to serve as the Lodge Chief for Illini Lodge for 2018-2019. Ben is an Eagle Scout, Vigil Member and has served the lodge as the Vice-Chief of Inductions, and a talented member of the Ceremonies Team Member. As goals for the upcoming year, Ben would like to see the lodge as having great ceremonies as a part of extraordinary events, and provide a great youth leadership to the Council and community. Ben has served at Camp Drake as the First Year Area Director and Archery Director.
New Officers of the Lodge
The new leadership team for Illini Lodge 55 was selected to serve for 2018-2019 at the Fall Pow Wow in October. The first vice chief, titled the Vice-Chief of Administration is Ryan Henderson of Troop 101, chartered to the Savoy United Methodist Church. . The duties of the Vice-Chief of Administration are to oversee the OA visitations of the two districts and supervise the camp promotions, unit elections, troop representation, and the Cub Scout liaison. Sam Hoogstraat, of Troop 50 at the Chebanse American Legion Post #408, was selected as the Vice Chief of Activities, where his job will be to manage all the events of the lodge including leadership training, Onaquispassippi Trail development, service projects, and weekend programs. The new Vice Chief of Inductions if Kyle MacGregor, from Troop 101 in Champaign, The duties of the Inductions Vice Chief are to oversee all lodge ceremonies and Native American programs. This will include the Ordeal process, the Brotherhood conversion, and the dance team. Members of the lodge chose Clayton McConnell of Troop 88, chartered to the Arcola Lions Club, to serve as Secretary. He will provide guidance to the lodge website, the newsletter, and other communications issues this year. Ethan Richards of Troop 234, chartered to the Westville Lions Club, was elected the new Treasurer. In addition to managing the lodge budget, fundraising, and memorabilia sales, Ethan will be responsible for tracking membership dues and event fees. Congratulations to these elected officials and best wishes for a great experience in the upcoming year!
Congratulations New Vigil Honor Members
As the highest level of the Brotherhood of Cheerful Service, Vigil Honor members were announced on Saturday evening, October 6th at Camp Robert Drake. The arrowmen recognized were Josh Cooper, from Troop 158 in Chebanse, Kyle MacGregor, from Troop 101 in Champaign, Rebecca Gatewood from Troop 104 in Urbana, and Randy Kangas, from Troop 9 in Champaign. Congratulations to these remarkable individuals for their years of service in our cheerful brotherhood.
