Black Eagle Lodge Spring Fellowship Strengthens International Scouting Brotherhood

Black Eagle Lodge Spring Fellowship Strengthens International Scouting Brotherhood in Germany

Now, that was an exciting weekend! Black Eagle Lodge gathered the clan with Arrowmen from across the Transatlantic Council at the Pfadfinderlager Brexbachtal in Bendorf, Germany, for the Spring Fellowship weekend. The event brought together Scouts and Scouters for fellowship, service, leadership, and induction into the Order of the Arrow.

This year’s fellowship welcomed 43 Ordeal candidates, who were voted into the Order of the Arrow by the members of their Scouting units. These candidates completed their Ordeal during the weekend. In addition, ten Brotherhood candidates sealed their membership in the Brotherhood of Cheerful Service, and the lodge also celebrated the completion of the Vigil Honor by Lodge Vice Chief Robert M.. Now, we are much more bound in Brotherhood. 

A major highlight of the weekend was the fellowship’s international conservation service project, conducted as part of the Messengers of Peace initiative. Black Eagle Lodge candidates and Arrowmen and German Scouts came together to plant 300 trees, remove deadfall, and support environmental restoration efforts throughout the camp property. The shared service project of roughly 80 volunteers reflected the strong partnership between the Transatlantic Council and international Scouting organizations, as Scouts from multiple countries worked side by side in cheerful service and friendship.

The weekend also marked a special milestone. Congratulations to TAC’s newest Eagle Scout, Caden from Troop 141 in The Hague, Netherlands! After a night under the stars, a day spent planting trees, and completing his Ordeal Ceremony as he joined the Order of the Arrow, Caden sat before a board of leaders representing units across Germany and Switzerland. 

For his Eagle Scout service project, Caden created a new habitat for insects to help support biodiversity and local conservation efforts, a fitting achievement during a weekend centered on service and stewardship.

The Black Eagle Lodge Spring Fellowship once again demonstrated the power of international Scouting friendships, cheerful service, and leadership development, leaving participants with lasting memories and stronger bonds across borders.

The food, it was excellent! Special thanks go to Nick Dickson, Achwon Woapalanne Chapter Advisor, for preparing and leading the cooking efforts throughout the weekend, including the fellowship feast, and for guiding an outstanding cook team that kept participants fueled throughout the event. 

Our ceremonies, they rocked. Thank you to Allowat Sakima Nils B. for leading the ceremonies teams and helping deliver meaningful and memorable induction ceremonies for all candidates. This may be one of the last traditional ceremonies that the Lodge conducts as the Lodge seeks to transition to the newest ceremonies to focus on guided reflection, community building, and enhanced engagement. This transition will be slow, so we will likely host one more final traditional ceremony just after summer!

The lodge also extends its gratitude to the incredible team at Pfadfinderlager Brexbachtal for their hospitality and support throughout the weekend. Appreciation goes to Stefan Brog and Lars Hillen of Fördererwerk St. Georg e.V., the sponsoring organization for Pfadfinderzeltplatz Brexbachtal, for their assistance in planning and executing both the service project and the fellowship weekend as a whole.

Finally, a thank you goes to Black Eagle Lodge Vice Chief Robert M. and Robert Munson for their support with the execution the Spring Fellowship weekend. Their dedication helped ensure a successful and meaningful event for all participants.

W.W.W.