Scouts from Across Michigan Gather for Overnight Event at Urban Air in Oxford
(Brandon Kathman, April 9, 2023)
Oxford, MI – Hundreds of Scouts from across Oakland County and beyond gathered at Urban Air in Oxford for an annual lock-in on March 18, reviving a beloved tradition paused during the pandemic.
Hosted by Scouting’s “Order of the Arrow” honor society, the event brought 330 participants to the trampoline park and arcade between 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. the following morning. The youth in attendance traveled from as far afield as Port Huron, Lansing and Grand Rapids to play dodge ball, dash through obstacle courses and wage gladiatorial battles over pits of foam.
“I think this is a great new start for our lock-in at this new location,” Teodoro Gammons, 17, a chapter chief with the Order of the Arrow, said. “I was told there are over 300 people here tonight, which is amazing.”
Distinguished by their signature sashes, Hawaiian shirts and eyepatches, the boys and girls of the OA planned and executed the event with only guidance from adult volunteers. The youth staff supervised games and competitions throughout the night, allowing the adults time to relax and even catch some sleep.
“The youth did a wonderful job coordinating the activities and engaging participants throughout the night,” Jennifer Sanker, an adult advisor for the chapter, said. “They made it very easy for the adults to just watch the fun.”
According to one such staff member, Casey Houlihan, 18, the event had the highest attendance of any OA lock-in he had ever seen. By his recollection, their largest event prior had 200 attendees.
“Kids were literally jumping for joy,” Houlihan said.
Hoping to invite more young people to join Scouting, the lock-in was advertised as a bring-a-friend event. Scouting’s local Pontiac-Manito District saw membership in its Cub Scout program for elementary-age youth swell by over 400 participants in 2022, and many leaders hope to see similar growth in its Scouts BSA programs for middle and high schoolers.
“Scouting is for everyone,” Field Director Bob DeWar said. “Youth don’t even need to have participated in Cub Scouts to join a troop. You won’t find another organization that allows youth opportunities like this: not just to participate in fun activities, but to lead, to own their adventure.”
Those interested in learning more about Scouting should visit beascout.org for a directory of local programs.
