Tipisa 326: 2011-2012 Year Patch

As is the custom in Tipisa Lodge (326), the incoming Lodge Chief is responsible for the theme for his year’s patches.  The chief for the 2011-2012 year decided that the lodge needed a renewal of the lodge program, almost a re-birth.  And as a fitting theme for his efforts, the lodge’s activity items for his year have the theme of “A Renaissance Of Brotherhood”, featuring adaptations of artwork from the Renaissance period, with Scouting themes.  the year patch, for example, is an adaptation of “The Birth Of Venus”, by Botticelli.

The first of the weekend patches was for their Fall Fellowship, and the design used was da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa”, with an OA sash.  The original order of patches was delivered to the lodge without button loops; these were considered defective, and sold by the lodge, while a corrected order with the button loop was distributed to the attendees.  500 were made of each.

One of the chapters of the lodge has gotten into the act, as Kikape Chapter has their own tribute to the Renaissance, with their “Honoring Michaelangelo” patch (R-1).

Previous entries to this blog about the chapters of Tipisa Lodge 326 have shown the multitude of issues that have been created.   By the customs of the lodge and sometimes by their rules,   the chapters carry out some of the functions that  elsewhere would be carried out  at the lodge level (annual chapter  Ordeals, multiple District camporee weekends each year, etc).   So the reasons why the Tipisa chapters create emblems are much like those for small lodges: identification, service recognition, events, and anniversaries.

A realignment of the districts in Central Florida Council will also be reducing the chapters from 14 to 11.   Besides requiring a change in lodge flaps (each feather on the flap represents a chapter), chapters will be disappearing as a result of mergers.   Until then, here are some of the recent chapter items:

Astatula Chapter issued a new patch (X-6), commemorating the 100th anniversary of the BSA.

Elauwit Chapter (aka “The Nekkid Blue Guy”) has yet another emblem for 2010 (X-17).   Along with Waga Hlakgo Chapter, they ran the 2010 Spring Cookeree for Apopka Shores District, creating patches for attendees and staff.

Micconope Chapter came out with a patch for their Ceremonies Team.   Its size would make wearing on a uniform to be impossible, and would be classified as a jacket patch (J-1).     A patch was also made for their chapter Lock-In event, as well.

Tipisa Lodge 326 has begun selling their 2010 Jamboree flap (326 S-43).   The design of the flap matches the set of the Central Florida Council Jamboree  contingent  shoulder patches, reminiscent of the “Guitar Hero” video games, and featuring guitars in their designs.

At the recent Section S-4 Conference, Tipisa also released a contingent patch (X-22).   The design shows the maps of Tipisa and Seminole 85, the host of the conference.

In February, Tipisa continued their 2009-2010 activity patch series when they hosted their annual Native American Weekend, an event of training and demonstrations, open to all that are interested, not just Arrowmen or Scouts.   Unlike the 2009 event, when the event was canceled and the patches weren’t.   This year the lodge did a much better job of advertising, resulting in attendance of over 900 when only 500 patches were ordered.   Another 800 were ordered after the event.

Next event after the February weekend was the Spring Conclave.   The series will be completed with the Service Weekend this month, with the final letter of the lodge name.

As the followers of Florida OA items can attest (see here, here, and here), the chapters of Tipisa Lodge 326 are prolific in production of items for their members.   The  patch traders  within the lodge have established an informal network to keep the collectors of such items up-to-date with the latest items, which benefits the chapters with additional sales.   As a result, many of the items created do not become contrived rarities, and newer collectors can obtain and trade with little difficulty.

First off is the 2009 Service Day patch from Micconope Chapter.   The “30″ on the helmet also represents the 30th anniversary of the chapter.

Astatula Chapter hosted their district’s Call-Out weekend, which had two patches for the event (attendee, and staff).

Takachsin Chapter also hosted their district’s 2009 Camporee, and also created two emblems (attendee, with regular RED threads; staff, with RED mylar).

Wewahitchka Chapter has two patches issued in late 2009, with a  Seminole design; 150 made, and another 50 made with GMY threads, as a service patch.

Estiotee Chapter has made three more for the end of 2009, none of which have the chapter name, and all contain  a well-hidden reference to Tipisa.   One small strip for “Ceremonies” (X-5), another strip for “Elangomat” (X-6).   The third patch is also for Elangomats, and the 40th anniversary of the Elangomat program.

Lastly, a reorganization of the districts in Central Florida Council have led to the merger of three chapters.   Wiquek Chapter is one of the three that will disappear; their demise is commemorated with their own “death patch” (R-1).

Tipisa 326 2009-10 Year Patch

Tipisa Lodge 326 has continued with their 2009-2010 themed series of activity patches, depicting Seminole patchwork.   The largest piece of the series was the year patch, which became available at the Section S-4 Seminars (hosted by Tipisa).   The year patch is a rendering of the lodge’s Chief’s Jacket.

As previously reported, the weekend activity patches not only are representations of Seminole patchwork, the weekend patches are shaped like letters that spell out the lodge name.   Tipisa hosted the Section S-4 Seminars, with the Host patch becoming the second part of the series (“I”).

The Chapter Ordeal patch became available a few weeks later (“P”).

(For a quick lesson on Seminole patchwork and clothing, go here).

326 Waga Hlakgo 2009 Cub Family Campout

As lodges are encouraged to expand their service programs into formerly nontraditional areas, it would follow that emblems would be created by lodges and chapters for those activities.   Such is the case with this patch, created by Waga Hlakgo Chapter of Tipisa Lodge 326, for their district’s 2009 Cub Family Cookout.   This was distributed to all participants, not just members of the chapter.

At first glance, the only reference to the OA on the patch is the name of the chapter; no lodge name or number is present.   But if you look closely, you can find the one feature that all patches of Tipisa Lodge have, that identifies it as a Tipisa item.

Tipisa 326: 2009 Fall Fellowship

Tipisa Lodge 326 has begun its 2009-2010 program year and the annual series of event patches with its Fall Fellowship patch.   The theme this year is “Seminole Patchwork”, but the depiction is what will make this series different.

There will be six event patches issued for the year (Fall Fellowship, S-4 Seminars/ Council of Chiefs Host, Chapter Ordeals, Native American  Weekend, Spring Conclave, and Service Weekend).   The lodge name has six letters (T I P I S A).   So, each weekend patch will be shaped like a letter in the lodge name.   The year patch is supposed to be a depiction of the Lodge Chief’s Seminole jacket.

But this was not the first patch for the program year.

Tipisa 326: 2009 LLD Banquet Patch

The Arrowmen from central Florida recently their Lodge Leadership Development Program (LLDP) and Banquet last month, with special guest, National Chief Jack O’Neill.     A patch was created for the event, with a depiction of Jack that turned out quite well (anyone that has designed a patch can tell you just how hard it is to get a face to turn out accurately).   Each of the patches were  autographed by Jack, thus creating many, many different varieties.

Tosohatchee Chapter of Tipisa Lodge 326 makes up about 20 percent of their National Conference contingent this year, and to commemorate their own group, the chapter has  issued their own NOAC piece.   Rather than creating a new completely new design, the chapter’s patch is an extention of the 2009  Tipisa three-piece set.

The fourth piece is meant to depict the design of the bottom of the third piece.    While the button loop on the chapter patch allows  for it to be worn  on the uniform, the design doesn’t match under the lodge’s NOAC flap, and there  is no button on the back of the third piece.

The name of the chapter is supposed to be a Seminole translation, meaning “crazy chicken”.   Hence, the match-wielding poultry.

The Florida lodges are slowly rolling out their 2009 National Conference items, around the same time as their Summer weekend activities.   The first to be featured is from Tipisa Lodge 326, releasing their three-piece NOAC set, a puzzle set of flap (S-42), chevron (X-20), and CSP (X-21), all forming a single picture. The theme for their set is “It’s Magic”, as the lodge is located in Central Florida, home of Disney’s “Magic Kingdom” and the Orlando Magic* of the National Basketball Association. Besides the way that the three pieces fit together to form the image, there are lines running through the flap and chevron that glow in the dark.

Rick Obermeyer reported that a fourth piece will be coming out to match the bottom piece, created  for the members of  Tosohatchee Chapter.

The lodge’s Service Weekend was the last of the 2008-2009 series of activity patches, depicting “The Adventure Of Scouting”.   Look for thre 2009-2010 theme to begin with Tipisa’s Fall Fellowship.

Two new chapter pieces were recently released.   Micconope Chapter held a Banquet, with a patch for the event.   Also, Tomoka Chapter   hosted  the 2009 Halifax District Camporee; the patch for the event, for all attendees, has the lodge’s totem depicted really really small.   No matter how small, that makes it a  chapter item.

* How magical were the Orlando Magic?   They make 4th quarter leads disappear!

Tipisa 326 2008-2009 Year Patch

In March, Tipisa Lodge 326 held their Spring Conclave, with patches for the weekend and the year patch for 2008-2009 (See left).   The year patch continues with the them of Scouting-related adventure activities (the rest can be found here).  

The patch for the weekend itself is pretty scarce, as more attended the weekend than there were patches made.   A re-order is expected.   One patch that was not in short supply was that for the lodge’s Native American Weekend, as that event was canceled after the patch was ordered.

Tipisa 326 2009 Spring Conclave

Tipisa 326 2009 Native American Weekend

Estiote Chapter came out with two non-descript patches for specialists within their chapter, one for Elangomats (X-3) nd the other for Ceremony participants.   No chapter or lodge  name  are on either item, so these are sure to become future “whatzit” issues for years to come.

Tipisa 326 Estiote Chapter X3?

Tipisa 326 Estiote Chapter X4?

And now, this thing:

NOT A Tipisa 326 Patch

This is a patch for the Central Florida Council Camporee 2008.   While Tipisa 326 is the lodge for Central Florida Council, and the red tipi is the totem of Tipisa, this patch and the activity had nothing to do with Tipisa, despite the red tipi in the design.   The problem with the Rule of Duck is, if it looks like a duck and walks like a duck, it could be a goose or a swan.

Tipisa 326 2008-2009 Chapter Ordeals

The latest activity patch from Tipisa 326 is now available.   This is for the lodge’s Chapter Ordeals, which run from late 2008 to early 2009.   Unlike the rest of the lodges in the state of Florida, Tipisa has their 14 chapters run their own  Ordeal weekends, and provide each chapter with the patch for the event.   Back in September, Tipisa held their Fall Fall Fellowship, unveiling the first patch of the 2008-2009 activity set, with the theme of Scouting activities.

Tipisa 326 2008 Fall Fellowship	Tipisa 326 Estiotee Chapter 2008 Callout (Camporee)
Tipisa 326 Estiotee Chapter 2008 Callout (Camporee) Staff

Two of their chapters have provided service to their respective districts, by serving as staff for their camporees.   Estiotee Chapter made two patches for their District Callout (regular attendee and staff), as well as Astatula Chapter.

Tipisa 326 Astatula Chapter 2008 Callout (Camporee)

Tipisa 326 Astatula Chapter 2008 Callout (Camporee) Staff

Tipisa 326 Wiquek Chapter X2?

This summer, Tipisa’s Wiquek Chapter has made two new patches for themselves.   The first (X-2) was available to all lodge members, with a total of 200 reportedly made.   The proceeds from these sales helped finance the second emblem, to be given to chapter members that serve as elangomats (X-3).

Tipisa 326 Wiquek Chapter X3?

The second patch has the same design as X-2, with a BLK monochromed background, GMY border and ELANGOMAT.   Big thanks to Howard Gross for supplying this image.

The best way to remember the right way to pronounce the name of the chapter, comes from the chapter’s new T-shirts:   “WIQUEK – YOU SLOW”.

Tipisa 326 recently finished their 2007-08 annual series of “Northwest Native American Items” with the Service Weekend.   Apparently, they saved the best weekend patch for last.   The design is that of a Chilkat blanket, complete with fringe along the edges.

Estiotee Chapter recently hosted their district’s Spring Camporee, and two patches were made for the occasion.   The BLK background version was for all attendees, and the RED background was available for the staff for the event.

Lemhee-Okee Chapter has released their second emblem (X-2); 200 made.   Those of you that are familiar with Florida items should recognize the similarity to the 1990 Section SE-1 Conference set.

  At their recent Spring Conclave, Tipisa Lodge 326 continued their series of activity patches with the Northwestern tribal designs.   Pictured here is the 2007-08 year patch, and  the depiction of the canoe  is very impressive.   Measuring 10.5 inches at its  longest point, it has a laser cut edge, it has some pretty impressive details.   The lodge ordered 200 of these, and will be ordering another 100 in time for their Service Weekend in May.

For the weekend itself, the patch depicts a Tlingit bentwood box.   It is a  custom in Tipisa that all patches have a depiction of the lodge’s totem, a tipi.   It may be hard to tell from this picture, but there is a tipi on the year patch,  hidden quite well.  

Astatula Chapter came out with a patch of their own (X-4), with 200 made.    Several were given to new members that completed their Ordeals in January, and returned to the Spring Conclave; the rest were presumed to have been sold.    

  Earlier this month, Tipisa 326 held their first annual Native American Weekend, a lodge event specializing in training and education, instead of the regular lodge weekend program.   The patch made for the event was part of the 2007-08 theme of “Northwest Native American items”.   I had previously posted about this series here, but had not taken this extra weekend piece into account.

Rick Obermeyer showed the artwork for the rest of the set to me at the recent Sunshine Trade-O-Ree, and the year patch should be stunning.   That should be available in March.

The latest chapter from Tipisa Lodge 326 to celebrate their 50th anniversary in cloth is Wewahitchka Chapter.   And as is often the case, one patch is not enough (J-1, pictured)

The anniversary items have the same  design as their new patch (R-1, RMY border; 150 made).   The 50th anniversary items  have the GMY border (R-3, 150 made).   Not pictured is R-2, with a SMY border.   These were made as a service award, with 25 made.

Another new chapter patch from Tipisa was made by Tosohatchee Chapter (X-8), with the latest incarnation of their “crazy chicken” totem.

For collectors of all things Florida or  luggage tags, Tipisa 326 has a new tag available.   This is not the usual embroidered tag made for other lodges or for event, as this one is a molded, rubber-like material.   And looks pretty sharp.

Adam Smith would be proud.

In 1983, an old advisor from Tipisa 326 was overheard to remark that the lodge was still using the wooden box that he had built to hold the lodge’s merchandise.   Upon further review, he could not recall which year in the 1950s that he had assembled the box, but that it was close enough to 25 years to warrant a patch for the anniversary.   A private issue of fifty patches were made and distributed to those that would appreciate the joke line “25 YEARS OF PROFIT”.

Twenty five years later, the lodge has decisied to celebrate the 50th anniversary of their “cube of currency”, The Lodge Box, with a 50th anniversary patch (X-19).   300 were made by the lodge.

Astatula Chapter of Tipisa Lodge 326 recenty staffed their district’s camporee (apparently with a Scottish theme).  

The full color version was for attendees to the weekend; 300 were produced.   One hundred were made of the staff version (GLD monochrome version).   Both of the patches would have to be considered as OA items, as they both have the chapter name, chapter totem (quiver with arrows stitched behind the manatee in the kilt), and lodge totem (red tipi, lower right corner).

In the third installment of the latest from Tipisa 326, we have two new neckerchiefs from Tomoka Chapter.   For their 50th anniversary, the chapter has made  a direct-embroidered piece  on a poly-cotton cloth (N-2), and  an identical piece stitched into satin cloth (N-3).

When is a chapter flap not a chapter flap?   When it has a button loop.   Micconope Chapter has made a new item (likely to be called X-13), a BLK monochrome with a RED outline around the tipi on the patch.   Take my word for it, the tipi is there.

Klallam Chapter has made their first emblem (X-1), with what appears to be northwestern Indian designs of a fish and a bird on the log.