Tetonwana Lodge #105
Sioux Council, BSA 

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 "Sash and Dash"

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 What is “Sash and Dash” disease and can I get it?

Unfortunately, “Sash and Dash” disease is a real affliction that sometimes infects new Ordeal members. It’s symptoms are much like the similar “Flap and Flee” syndrome.

Early warning signs are:

    Leaving the Ordeal weekend never to be seen again at an O.A. event.

    Unwillingness to exhibit any “cheerful service"

    Desire to be seen with a sash or flap publicly but only to be seen

    Clean, crisp sash showing no signs of having ever gotten dirty in service to others.

Infected members often are heard to make statements like, "I earned my O.A.”; “I have other things to do"; “All the O.A. work is done”. In its more advance stages, Ordeal members may express a lack of appetite after ten months of membership to complete the Ordeal and achieve the “Brotherhood” membership. In the most advanced stages, having never participated in any O.A. activity, having become totally uninvolved, the patient will simply do nothing and never pay their dues after the first year.

“Sash and Dash” is easy to avoid and readily treatable. First, members should take a healthy attitude and get involved early. Even occasional exposure to lodge or chapter activities can boost the immune system and reduce the chances of this disease occurring. An early warning sign is the statetement, “Nobody asked me to get involved or to help. Nobody called me.” When this occurs, the best course is to show up a the next meeting or event, and get involved. In many cases, we have confirmed reports of sufferers being quickly cured just by having a buddy ask them to come with them to the next lodge meeting or activity.

If you’re a Scoutmaster of a troop with Scouts showing any of the above symptoms, get them immediately to the next chapter meeting.

Even something as simple as paying one's O.A. dues once a year will help to keep this disease at bay.

Fun is the best prevention technique we’ve discovered.

Avoid “Sash and Dash”. Get out and have some fun. Get involved with the Order. Get your sash dirty!

 

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