Japeechen Lodge History
Japeechen Lodge 341 of the Order of the Arrow was first chartered to the newly formed Jersey Shore Council, Boy Scouts of America, on January 1, 1993. To search out the history of this infant lodge, young braves must first look at two great past lodges, Gitche Gumee # 423 and Schiwa' Pew Names # 535.
Gitche Gumee was chartered on September 23, 1949, as the Order of the Arrow Lodge affiliated with the Atlantic Area Council # 331. The name of the lodge was taken by its founders from the Indian term for "the great waters" in Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's "SONG OF HIAWATHA". The Laughing Gull, symbolizing the coastal environment that largely encompasses the Atlantic City region, was chosen as the lodge totem.
The first Vigil recognition was held in the Lodge ceremonial grounds in 1954 when Brother Raymond Wright was conferred the honor. Wright was also the first Adviser, holding the post from 1949 to 1959. He was succeeded by the late S. Edward Bickerstaff and Dave Lutton. The first Chief was Peter Buck, who served from 1949 to 1951. In 1974, Gitche Gumee celebrated its 25th Anniversary. In 1993, the lodge merged with neighboring lodge, Schiwa' Pew Names.
Gitche Gumee hosted 5 local Order of the Arrow gatherings. It hosted the 1953, 1960 and 1968, Area 2C Conferences and the 1974 and 1983 NE-4B Conclaves. Prior to 1973, lodges gathered at an Area Conference, which is the forerunner to the present Section Conclave.
James Ogle had the honor of serving as the first Chief of Lodge 535, Ocean County Council, which was chartered on June 18, 1958. Robert Yaeger served as first Adviser. "Schiwa' Pew Names" received its name from the traditional Lenni-Lenape language used by the Order of the Arrow, directly translated as "Blue Fish," a fish frequently found off the Ocean County coast.
Serving others from the very beginning, Lodge 535 hosted a number of Camporees for mentally and physically challenged Scouts. These were held from the early 1970's to the early 1990's. The Camporees focused on Scouting skills and teamwork.
In 1984, Schiwa' Pew Names marked a milestone in the history of Ocean County. On May 20, 1984, the Captain Joshua Huddy Historical Scout Trail was dedicated. Recognized as a national Scout trail, the Huddy Trail was established by the lodge and is still maintained the Japeechen lodge. The Lodge celebrated its 30th Anniversary in 1988.
As a “newer” lodge to the Section, Schiwa' Pew Names hosted 2 local Order of the Arrow gatherings. It hosted the 1982 and 1992 NE-4B Conclaves. In 1992, Schiwa' Pew Names celebrated its 35th anniversary by hosting the NE-4B Section conclave. This was the last conclave the lodge would host, as Ocean County Council #341 and Atlantic Area Council #331 would merge to form the Jersey Shore Council #341, later that year.
The new lodge, Japeechen, would also receive the number 341. Given the many scenic rivers that flow through the new council, the youth members of the infant lodge chose "Japeechen" as their name. Translated from Lenni-Lenape, the name means "along the bank." An Osprey (commonly referred to as a "sea eagle"), arrow in Claws and flying over the Atlantic Ocean with rising sun in the background was chosen as their symbol. Matthew Simmons was elected as the first Chief, while Richard Dempsey served as the first Adviser.
Japeechen hosted its first section conclave (NE-2B) in 1996 at The Joseph A. Citta Scout Reservation at Brookville, located in the pristine New Jersey Pinelands. In 1998, Japeechen Lodge celebrated its 5th anniversary by sending contingents to NOAC, NLS and planning for its first Lodge Officers' Training Course that was held in early 1999. In 2000, the Lodge attended NOAC, increased support for the Council's Annual Six Flags Great Adventure Camporee, promoted Citta Scout Reservation and was very active in the Section's Conclave.
The Lodge also sponsored and staffed a wilderness weekend during one week of Citta’s Summer Camp 2000. Nine merit badges were offered during the week: Camping, Cooking, Wilderness Survival, Indian Lore, Pioneering, Orienteering, Nature, Leather Work, and Wood Carving. During the week a drum, song and dance show was performed by the participants and staff during the campfire which ended with a flag burning ceremony. All felt strongly that the program should be continued as a service project for Japeechen and members of the Lodge are asked to step forward and volunteer for this program in the future.
The Lodge is currently divided into four chapters: Mni Oyate Kin and Lowaneau Kuwe covers Brick, Point Pleasant, Toms River, Jackson and Lakewood. Mbi Memoshet and Nawakwa covers Barnegat, Forked River, Lacey, surrounding areas and Atlantic County. Each chapter holds local meetings where camp promotions, unit elections, Native American interests, goals and upcoming events are discussed. The Lodge plans to continue its service to the Council this year at the Invitational Camporee at Great Adventure by again providing kitchen staff, trading post staff and promoting Citta Scout Reservation to the units in attendance.
The year 2001 was great for the Lodge. Japeechen earned Quality Lodge status and two Chapters, Nawakwa and Mni Oya'te Kin, earned a newly instituted Quality Chapter award.
In 2002, Japeechen re-chartered with over 510 members. Future plans for the Lodge include redesigning the Japeechen Lodge Eagle Scout Neckerchief. This neckerchief is given to Eagle Scouts of Japeechen Lodge at their Court of Honor who meet specific requirements. A Brotherhood Guide has been developed to give Ordeal Brothers an idea of how and why this next step in the Lodge is important.
In 2003, Japeechen celebrated it’s 10th anniversary. An anniversary back patch was released in limited quantities. During it's tenth year, Japeechen also hosted the NE-2A Conclave at the Joseph A. Citta Scout Reservation.
In 2005, the Order became involved with the Thunder Over the Boardwalk airshow in Atlantic City. By selling programs and patches for the event, the Lodge was able to develop a fundraising effort that would help for years to come.
Japeechen Lodge was awarded 'Quality Lodge' in 2006.
The year 2007 brought big changes for the Lodge. The Chapters were realigned. As a result, the Lodge now has two Chapters, entitled North and South for their areas of service within the Council. Also in 2007 the Summer Camp Award program was created in an effort to foster stronger ties between the Order and Scouts from Wolves to Second Class who were not yet members of our Brotherhood. Largely successful, the program will be continued at future summer camps.
As the Lodge continues to support both it’s membership and Jersey Shore Council through continued training, on-going service and dedication to the local Troops.