Tripping with Vins: NOAC - Arrival and Opening Show

Waiting to be assigned our dorms!

Comanche Lodge Contingent has made it, registered, been assigned our dorms, attended orientation, had supper, and gone to the opening show.

We arrived on campus and at our dorms around 2:30 PM. We quickly unloaded and Eddie and Scott headed in to get us registered. This is where the rest of us get to stand around and wait. It was great as then temps were only in the upper 70's and we had a north wind around 10 MPH. we all found a good shade tree and enjoyed the cool weather.

Opening show.

When Eddie and Scott returned we were assigned our rooms, issued swiped cards, and room keys. I hope no one loses there key because there is a $75 charge if they do. I think everyone was reasonably impressed with the price of the keys. Of course I already misplaced mine but it was in my room.

Opening show.

Our rooms are all on the first floor. I don't like the first floor because we have to lock our windows when we leave. This is for security. If we were on the second or higher not so much of a concern. Also, everyone keeps walking by my window and waving at me. I am already tired of waving.

Each dorm room has two beds, a desk, dresser, coat rack, and a single bathroom/shower you share with another dorm room. In other words 4 people have to share the one toilet and shower.

After check in we went to orientation where we watched a short safety video and heard from the National Vice Chief. The orientation lasted about 20 minutes.

Opening show.

We returned to our dorms and then headed for supper. We dined in one of MSU campuses dining rooms. We were se meatloaf, steamed potatoes, pasta, bread, fried fish, cake, and cookies. They even head ice cream, fruit, salads, and more. Since I didn't eat it all I am sure I am missing something. Regardless, we were fed well.

At 7:30 PM we got into our full uniforms and headed over to the opening show. At the opening show we all put on our 100 year anniversary red OA sashes. We will wear these sashes for the rest of the week.

National Anthem at opening show.

The show was great! We opened with the obligation and then sang the National Anthem.

We were reminded to dedicate ourselves to the service of not only our lodge but to our troops as well. There was a speech by our National Vice Chief and our National Scout Executive Wayne Brock.

We were treated to pyrotechnics and several special affects. There was even some exploding fireworks.