Proper Wearing of OA Lodge Flap

[mt_goodrich]

While attending the College of Commissioner Science Training last week, I noticed a great deal of folks wearing the lodge flaps of the two different lodges that were merged together four years ago.

Are folks still allowed to wear "old" lodge flaps of now non-existent lodges?

[riverwalk]

Interesting question. One of my Troop shirts has an older version of our's, prior to a merge. I also diplay an older position patch, and the RWS (pre CSP) for my Council.

[9009scoutmaster]

As a member of a Lodge that mergered over 15 years ago, my understanding is that any OA member who was a member of the now non-existent lodges can still wear their old lodge flap as long as they are a member of lodge that their old lodge was merger into.

I look at this way. My old lodge is now a part of my new lodge. The old lodge will not become non-existent as long as there are still members active in the new lodge who were member of the old lodge.

Also you can look at this way. If lodge changes flap design should everyone be required to change to the new flap on their uniform.

[scoutaholic]

I can't quote a rule on this subject, but I'll give you my opinion.

Older patches are allowed, unless specifically dis-allowed by other rules. (ie. An adult scouter can't wear the Eagle Rank badge). Regardless of the current situation with his lodge, the scout/scouter earned the right to wear the lodge flap. I they remain elegible to wear a lodge flap (have paid current lodge dues), I don't think it matters which flap they wear.

In my own lodge (and council), someone has gotten the stupid idea of continuously creating new flaps (and CSPs). There is a new flap every anniversary, every NOAC, every jamboree, and every other excuse they can think of. (New CSPs every year for the Scout-O-Rama, University of Scouting, Woodbadge Association, Silver Beaver Association, Quality Leader, one for each of the council camps, and ones for every event they can think to celebrate.) I have better uses for my money and time, than to change flaps and CSPs every time there is a new one available. (With that many different patches flooding the market, they aren't even any good to traders.)

[ronin718]

I can relate, scoutaholic. Here in the NCAC, they seem to come out with new CSPs every 6-12 months. That's probably fine for NatJambos, but I'll lay odds it's the financial aspect that's driving it.

[9009scoutmaster]

but I'll lay odds it's the financial aspect that's driving it.

Lodge flap sales is the biggest money raiser in my lodge.
different Lodge Flaps
1. Regular lodge Ordeal member flap
2. Regular Lodge Brotherhood flap
3. Regular Lodge Vigil Flap
4. Regular Lodge officers(key 3) Flap
5. Yearly conclave flap
6. Yearly conclave ghost flap
7. Bi-yearly NOAC flap for arrowmen that going to NOAC
8. Bi-yearly NOAC flap for arrowmen not going to NOAC
9. Bi-yearly NOAC ghost flap
10. Jamboree flap for arrowmen going to Jamboree
11. Jamboree flap for arrowmen not going to Jamboree
12. Jamboree ghost flap

In a four year period that is right at 24 different Lodge flaps

ronin718 I can tell you for a fact it is the financial aspect to the lodge that is driving it.

[pipestone1991]

Our lodge puts out an average of 2-3 flaps a year....but this is off topic, where's wagion? He could answer mt goodrich's question.

[jr56]

I am in the same situation. My old lodge merged into a new one. Plus the new council sends out new council strips and lodge flaps constantly. Oh well, gives everybody a variety to choose from.

[mt_goodrich]

To add some info....several of these folks I know and they are not active OA folks.

[wagionvigil]

You are only entitled to wear the flap if your dues are paid for the curent year. If you have not paid your current dues you are not a lodge member!

[riverwalk]

I think many Lodges will have several versions, and it's great for collectors, and for supporting the work of the Lodge. But one doesn't have to keep changing 'em out every year.