After officer elections, in the Fall of each year, the Lodge Chief assembles the elected officers, appointed chairpersons, all appointed advisers, and interested future lodge leaders for a Lodge Leadership Development Conference (LLDC). Nationally trained facilitators from around the Southeast lead Muscogee's officers in team-building activities, goal setting, and in planning the year's lodge events - it's a great chance for the lodge leadership to have fun for the weekend!
The event is open to all dues-paid lodge members, including those who purchased an Annual Pass. If you are an elected lodge officer, appointed chairman, or an adviser, you must attend the Chief's Retreat; all lodge members interested in improving their leadership skills, learning more about lodge leadership, and thinking of running for lodge office in the future should attend.
...To Do
Saturday begins with an early breakfast, followed by a morning of carefully planned activities, instruction, and team break-out sessions. We'll break for lunch, then resume our schedule into the early afternoon. There will be a short annual planning meeting after dinner, along with any scheduled activities we did not complete during the day. A hearty cracker barrel, followed by your choice of a movie or free time, will end the long day of activities.
...Does It Cost
The event is free for all interested lodge members. Help us properly plan and buy enough food by registering no later than the Monday before the event.
...To Bring
Eat before you arrive. Bring your 10 Scout Essentials: flashlight, water bottle, sleeping bag, pillow, rain gear, toiletries, towel, sunscreen, bug spray, and spending money; also bring your Scout uniform with OA sash. You may want to pack a tent and sleeping equipment in case all Adirondack spaces are full. The Chapter Chiefs will assign youth Arrowmen to adirondacks, and adults should bring a tent in case all adirondacks are occupied. Safe Scouting policies, including Youth Protection, are strictly adhered to regarding all sleeping arrangements, so be prepared.
The schedule begins on Friday night, with check-in starting at 6PM in the dining hall. Be sure to bring a bagged supper or eat before arriving; a cracker barrel is planned for late Friday evening. Depending on the location, participants will either sleep in the Birdhouses (Staff City at Camp Coker) or in adirondacks (at Camp Barstow) - a sign-up sheet will circulate prior to the event so that you can choose your bunkmate(s) - or, you can bring your own hammock or tent. Fall weather in South Carolina can be unpredictable, so bring plenty of warm clothes, along with your own sleeping bag, pillow, and other necessary items. The restrooms and showers will be open and available as they would at any OA event (separate for girls, boys, women, and men).
The event location rotates each year between the dining hall at Camp Coker and the dining hall at Camp Barstow. The 2026 Chief's Retreat will be held at Camp Barstow. Enter your starting address HERE to create a map to 117 Camp Barstow Drive, Batesburg, SC 29006.
| Chapter | Campsite |
|
|---|---|---|
| Chicora | TBD | |
| Iswa | TBD | |
| Maskek Woakus | TBD | |
| Santee | TBD | |
| Sukeu Sipo | TBD | |
| Tschitanek Woakus | TBD | |
| Tschitaneu Aptonagan | TBD |
You must be a registered with BSA and dues paid to attend, but it is easy to pay your lodge dues today. When you make your payment, you can immediately register for the Muscogee event. The event is free for all interested lodge members. Help us properly plan and buy enough food by registering no later than the Monday before the event. Thanks for your help with this matter.
A completed BSA health Form will be required (doctor's signature not required). If needed, please contact the lodge medical team at medical@muscogeelodge.org with any specific questions or concerns.
Muscogee Lodge #116 proudly serves the Indian Waters Council, BSA, across Bamberg, Calhoun, Chesterfield, Clarendon, Darlington, Dillon, Fairfield, Florence, Horry, Kershaw, Lee, Lexington, Marion, Marlboro, Orangeburg, Richland, Saluda, Sumter, and Williamsburg counties in South Carolina.
