Monaken Lodge 103

The lodge was first chartered in 1937 by Camp Director Jack Swetek and Program Director Reed Babcook, who inducted the staff of Camp Auquanoshioni ,(later known as Seven Mountains Scout Camp), as the first members. Although the original charter named them “Juanita Lodge”, local records indicate that they were known as Monaken Lodge.

On July 28^th, 1937 a call out ceremony was performed to recognize the staff as well as the candidates for membership in the Order of the Arrow. In the fall of that year an ordeal was held.   It is believed that Mr. Swetek and Mr. Babcook were Arrowmen in other parts of the state and could have done the induction. In 1939, nine brothers were elevated to the Brotherhood Honor at a Pow-Wow held in Virginia. In 1948 the first three vigil members were inducted at Seven Mountains Scout Camp by Mr. Hocksworth.

In 1942 the Lodge Secretary had all of the lodge records in the Indian Village Cabin at Seven Mountains Scout Camp. While attending a meeting at the Dining Hall, the cabin caught fire and all records were destroyed. This is the reason for confusion about their earlier years.

Over the past 71 years, the Lodge has earned numerous Sectional and National recognitions, including the prestigious E. Urner Goodman Camping Award. Many lasting projects have improved the Camp facilities, including the Rimmey Lodge, the Maintenance Shed, the OA and pool pavilions, the Campfire Circle, the chapel, the Cross-over Bridge, and many more. Many members have been instrumental in other camp improvements, including the new campsite, Nature Lodge, Dining Hall, Trading Post, Rover Cabin, the Pool, and Shooting Sports.

The official site of Monaken #103: http://monaken.org/word/