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In-Person Momentum Event Update

  Zach Schonfeld, Noah Smith, Clint Takeshita, Michael Hoffman, Matt Dukeman             Announcements       Momentum

You're viewing an article from the Order of the Arrow's news archives that is over one year old. Please note that this content is presented for reference purposes only. Some links may no longer function and the information below may have been superseded by a more recent policy update. For up-to-date information, please visit oa-bsa.org/news.

Momentum Participants and Staff,

It is with deep disappointment we announce the cancellation of the in-person Momentum event scheduled for next month at the Summit Bechtel Reserve. We remain committed to meeting or exceeding all federal, state, and local health guidelines. While the Summit’s high adventure offerings continue to be provided in a safe, effective manner, we strongly feel that evolving circumstances, including new gathering size limits imposed by West Virginia authorities, prevent us from delivering a quality Momentum program.

We realize the timing of this announcement is not ideal. We appreciate your flexibility as we make decisions in the interest of all attendees based on the most updated information.

Contingent members and staff will receive a full refund of all event fees paid to-date to the national Order of the Arrow office. Contingent refunds will be issued as credits to your local council. Contingent members should also check with their contingent leaders for information about refunds for funds collected by the lodge beyond the event fee, including travel.

The Summit Bechtel Reserve continues to remain open for high adventure programs in accordance with guidance from the West Virginia governor’s office. We realize that some may still be interested in participating in these programs, and we encourage those contingents to transfer their event fees to the Summit Experience program for a week-long high adventure experience. For more details and to transfer your contingent's reservation please see the FAQ’s below. 

We encourage all participants and staff to join us for our virtual event, Momentum Launch, on August 4-6 for fellowship, training, competitions, and panels from distinguished Arrowmen! More information can be found online, including details about how to register for a premium event experience. After you have reviewed the FAQ section of this message, if you still have questions you may email them to @email.

2020 has been a challenging year for all of us. We truly hoped we could gather together at the Summit, but we are exceedingly inspired by each lodge and chapter across the country as we navigate this new normal together as a united organization. The coming weeks and months will continue to test each of us, and we are confident that our best days are still ahead. 

We look forward to joining you at Momentum Launch. Stay healthy, and stay true to our promise.

In brotherhood,

Zach Schonfeld

2020 National Chief

Noah Smith

2020 National Vice Chief

Clint Takeshita

Event Chairman

Michael Hoffman

National Chairman

Matt Dukeman

National Director


Q. My contingent is not planning on attending the Summit.  How do we cancel our reservation?

A. Please email @email to cancel your contingent registration. A member of our team will start the refund process.  

Q. I am a lodge contingent member; how will I receive my refund?

A. The Order of the Arrow department at the national service center will process the refund of fees and issue credit invoices back to the local council. Lodge contingent members should work directly with their local lodge to receive their refund, based on fees paid to their local lodge.

Q. I am a Momentum staff member; how will I receive my refund?

A. Refunds will be credited back to the credit card you registered in the coming days.

Q. My contingent is not attending; can I come as an individual?

A. No.  The Summit Experience program is for contingents only.  

Q. Are there any individual youth programs available this summer at any of the high adventure bases.

A. We have limited space in some of our OA High Adventure programs.  To check availability and register visit registration.oa-bsa.org.

Q. Will Momentum be rescheduled?

A. No. The in-person Momentum event will not take place.

Q. Is the virtual event, Momentum Launch, also cancelled?

A. No. Momentum Launch will still occur as scheduled. More information can be found at oa-bsa.org/momentum/launch 

Q. Why was Momentum cancelled if the Summit is still operational?

A. The West Virginia Governor this week signed an executive order limiting gathering sizes to 25 or fewer people, which prevented major programs planned for Momentum participants from being delivered effectively. The Summit’s high adventure programs are able to be delivered while meeting or exceeding all federal, state, and local health guidelines.

Q. How do I transfer my contingent registration to the Summit Experience?

A.  Please email summit.program@scouting.org and also copy concierge@oa-bsa.org so we can easily transfer your funds. Please note all participants must be at least 13 years old by Monday, August 3 to participate. There is limited space in this program, and transfers will be honored on a first-come, first-served basis.

Q. Will there be an additional cost if I transfer my contingent’s reservation to the Summit Experience.

A. No. The cost will remain $545, which is the same as the Momentum event fee.

Q. If I transfer my contingent’s reservation to the Summit Experience, what can I expect?

A. Contingent members will still arrive on Monday, August 3 and depart on Saturday, August 8. During the week, you will participate in six half-day high adventure offerings in addition to a day-long service project. You may also participate in an optional whitewater rafting trip during the event for an additional cost of $75 per person.