The Dixie Fellowship, the historical Section 5 Conclave, was held April 23-25 at Clear Creek Scout Camp outside of Charlotte, NC, with Catawba Lodge of the Mecklenburg County Council acting as the Service Lodge for the event. From start to finish, this conclave was jam-packed with things to do and good times, and will surely be one that all the delegates will remember for years to come.

The Dixie boasted around 1200 delegates from the 11 Section 5 lodges, making it one of the largest conclaves in the nation. During the weekend, these 1200 Arrowmen were exposed to a multitude of activities. Friday night’s opening show boasted some amazing pyrotechnic displays, and kicked off the event with a bang while giving all the lodges an opportunity to show their spirit. Saturday started with a varied array of training for Arrowmen, with topics ranging from Brotherhood Conversion and OA Troop Rep. Programs to Leave No Trace Camping and High Adventure. American Indian Events also hosted competitions for the Pre-Ordeal and Brotherhood ceremonies in the morning.

After lunch, the main assembly of the day met on the camporee field. This is traditionally the time where the Lodges put on a big display involving their spirit themes, and this year was no disappointment. Santee, Atta Kulla Kulla, Bob White, Muscogee, and Unali’yi lodges all had large displays and participation out at the assembly, and it was a true sight to see. The Quest for the Golden Arrow was kicked off in the afternoon, with a cross-country run, ultimate Frisbee and tug-of-war competitions, and other camporee-style events across camp. Dance and sing competitions also commenced in the afternoon, with individual competition in five different styles, a Parade of Braves, and a team sing for all the lodges.

After a wonderful barbeque dinner provided by a local unit, the section moved to the Saturday night show and officer elections. In between each election, the crowd was treated to group dances from many of the section’s lodges. A slide show and another awesome pyrotechnic display were shown, as well as other crowd-rousing entertainment. The evening came to a close with a great cracker barrel and patch trading that invariably went well into the night.

Sunday morning came with a Vigil rededication ceremony, a chapel service, and the awards for the event. Our new section officers for the 2004-2005 year were sworn in as well: Frank Sturges from Catawba Lodge, Section Chief, Pete Cato from Bob White Lodge, Section Vice Chief, and Dane Grismer from Itibapishe Iti Hollo Lodge, Section Secretary. Santee Lodge took home the Spirit Award with their Christmas theme and enthusiasm, and in a nail-biting finish Muscogee Lodge tied with Atta Kulla Kulla Lodge for the coveted Lodge of the Year. For a full list of all awards and recognitions from the weekend, please visit http://www.sr5.org.

The weekend was a great success as all the delegates came to understand the meaning of the theme for the weekend: “Find the Flame, Light the Fire”. A great time was had by all, and some truly memorable experiences were created. Section 5 made a big splash this past weekend, and we look forward to doing so again next year when Muscogee Lodge hosts the 2005 Dixie Fellowship at Camp Barstow.

Submitted by: Lee Shelton