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 charters names us as Juniata Lodge, local records indicate we were known as Monaken Lodge. On July 28, 1937 a call out ceremony was performed to recognize the staff as 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 from 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. Research continues.
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 the records were destroyed. This is a reason for confusion about our early years.
In 1953, Monaken Lodge was a member of Area 3A and hosted the annual Area Pow Wow. Before long, the state realigned and Monaken Lodge fell into Area 3E and held Area Pow Wows in 1959 and 1967. 1974 meant a new national restructure and a new Section for us: NE-5B. We hosted three Section NE-5B Conclaves (1975, 1981, and 1987). After yet another restructuring in 1988, the Lodge settled into Section NE-5. We hosted the 1997 Section NE-5 Conclave at Seven Mountains Scout Camp. In 1998, the final national restructure was completed and Monaken Lodge combined with six other Lodges to form Section NE-4B. The Lodge has hosted one Conclave, in 2004, in this Section.
Over the past 72 years, the Lodge has earned numerous Sectional and National recognitions including the prestigious E. Urner Goodman Camping Award. Many lasting project have improved the camp facilities including Rimmey Lodge, the Maintenance Shed, the OA and Pool Pavilions, the Campfire Circle, the Chapel, the Cross-Over Bridge, etc. Many members have been instrumental in other camp improvements including the new campsites, Nature Lodge, Dining Hall, Trading Post, Rover Cabin, Pool, Shooting Sports, and many more.