HOME: WELCOME ONE AND ALL!
- Who We Are
- Campership Application
- Learn about Suanhacky
- Includes Links to History of Association & Suanhacky Lodge
- Meet the Board of Directors
On this page:
SUANHACKY
CAMPERSHIP ASSOCIATION
2023 CAMPERSHIPS :
Our 2023 campership awards have all been allocated for the 2023 Summer Camp Season. We have increase the amount of funds we give by 33% over last summer. We hope every Scout gets a chance to enjoy TMR. Please note that if you have a Scout that is still in need of some financial assistance in order to go to camp, send us a note/email with the information and we’ll put them on a waiting list should any funding become available.
Apt 2-A 64-34 99th Street
Rego Park, N.Y. 11374
email: info@SuanhackyCampershipAssociation.com
Please, like us on FACEBOOK
Who We Are:
“Scouting Is Outing, and Outing Is Fun!“
The SUANHACKY CAMPERSHIP ASSOCIATION was founded by brothers of Suanhacky Lodge in the spring of 1986. It supports the camping programs of Greater New York Councils, Scouting USA, Ten Mile River Scout Camps and Orer of the Arrow.
The Association’s purpose is two-fold:
1- To perpetuate the feeling of fellowship, brotherhood, love of camping and Scout Spirit that Suanhacky Lodge #49 Order of the Arrow encouraged, embraced and lived by. This is achieved through many programs we organize and/or support.
2- To provide financial assistance to Queens Scouts so that they may attend the long term Summer Scout Camp of Greater New York Council, Ten Mile River.
Each year the Board of Directors meet to determine how many camperships should be awarded, as well as the amount of the camperships, for that coming camp season. The camperships are awarded to Queens Scouts, who have applied for assistance from the Council. We have awarded more than 1350 camperships since our initial summer season of 1986.
The Association has excess of 125 members/ families, living throughout the United States. Any person regardless of race, creed, or color, who follows the principals of the Scout Oath and Law, is more than welcome to join. There are no age restrictions and O.A. or Scouting affiliation is not required. We invite you to join our Association .
The Association is recognized by the IRS as a non-profit, 501(c)3 organization. It is a completely volunteer organization, with no paid staff or trustees. Funds are raised through various fund-raising activities and donations. Operational costs are minimal, thus more than 95% of all monies raised go directly to the camperships and programs.
Learn About Our Namesake: Suanhacky Lodge #49
SUANHACKY LODGE #49
The Order of the Arrow lodge from Queens, New York was formed in 1930 at Ten Mile River, Camp Man. It took the name Suanhacky, which translates as ‘Island of Shells’, which was a name used by the local tribes for that area of Long Island (Queens). It’s number, 49 was for it being the 49th WWW lodge established.
For 83 years Suanhacky #49 served Queens Council with honor, dignity, blood sweat and as some would say, beers. The brothers of OA 49 helped build and maintain camps for GNYC. Served as staff at camp, promoted what is the best Scouting has to offer, CAMPING, both for summer long-term and all year short-term. It allowed for young men to develop into leaders in Scouting, business, education, the military and all aspects of American life.
The lodge was a breeding ground for lifelong friendships to be created as nourished. In 2013, when Greater New York Council decided to eliminate the individual OA lodges from each of the NYC boroughs, we added Suanhacky to our organizations name to help keep its pride, spirit, energy and legacy alive.
Meet our Board of Directors:
The Associations’ Board of Directors are all volunteers with decades of service to Scouting and their communities. The board is responsible for all planning and implementation of the activities and programs of the association. They create budgets and determine the allotment of funding for camperships as well as any and all other spending that is determined to be needed by the organization in the fulfilment of the organizations’ goals. Board membership is by unanimous invitation of those on the board.
Standing Bruce Cobern, Mike Lectora, Kevin Dolce, Ed Pino, Anthony Zalak, John Pritchard, Dennis Gaynor, Rob Petrillo, Paul Romain. Seated: ( L to R) Mitch Morgenstern, Elizabeth Figueroa, Tom Evan, Denis Sackett
MITCH MORGENSTERN, President and Founder Mitch joined scouting in 1954 and went through the ranks as a Cub, a Scout and an Explorer attaining the rank of Life Scout. As an adult Scouter Mitch has served as Assistant Scoutmaster, Associate Explorer Advisor, Neighborhood Commissioner, Assistant District Commissioner, District Camping Chairman, District Vice Chairman, District Chairman, Queens Council Camping Chairman and is currently Vice President of Queens Council for program. Mitch has received the District Award of Merit, Silver Beaver Award, and Shofar Award. He is a Vigil Honor member of Suanhacky Lodge. Mitch has been a Ten Mile River Camper from 1960 to the present. |
DENIS SACKETT, Vice President  First became a Cub in 1962, then in 1964 joined as a Boy Scout, working all the way up and earning his Eagle in 1970. Inducted as a Brother in Suanhacky Lodge, served 2 terms as a Chapter Chief, Lodge Vice Chief and as the Suanhacky Lodge Chief. He also attended a number of NOAC’s. Denis was a Provisional Camper at Kunatah for numerous summers. Some awards and positions held are the Vigil Honor, Silver Beaver, Shofar Award, Queens Council Advancement Chairman, Ten Mile River Camp Staff (Kunatah, Kernochan), Assistant Director of Kernochan, Queens Camping Committee and Jewish Committee on Scouting. Denis is retired from NBC. |
BRUCE COBERN Joined Scouting in 1960 as a Scout earning the First Class Scout Rank. As a Scouter he has held the following positions: Assistant Scoutmaster, Troop Committee Member, District Member at Large, Queens Council Member at Large, District Advancement Chairman, Queens Council Advancement Chairman and Chapter Adviser and Associate Lodge Adviser of Suanhacky Lodge of the Order of the Arrow. Bruce has received the following honors: the District Award of Merit, Silver Beaver Award and is a Vigil Honor Member of Suanhacky Lodge. Bruce has served as a member of the Ten Mile River Scout Camp Staff in 1968 and was a Ten Mile River Weekend Warrior from 1969 – 1980. Bruce is a retired CPA. |
REIDAN CRUZ Reidan started in Scouting in 1979 joining Troop 90 in Astoria, NY and earned the Eagle Scout rank in 1986. As a youth, he participated in a variety of Scouting programs including attending (1986) and staffing (1985 & 1989) National Jamborees. He was inducted into Suanhacky Lodge in 1982. Reidan was Chapter Chief of Tatanka Chapter (84-85) and a three-time Lodge Executive Board member: Secretary (83-84), Vice Chief Lodge Operations (1985-86), and Vice Chief Inductions (88-89). In 1986, he was elected to be Section Secretary. Reidan is a Vigil Honor member and Founders Award recipient. Reidan served on ceremonies training staff (1988) at the National Order of the Arrow Conference. He also served on TMR staff at Camp Aquehonga in 1982, 1983, 1987 and 1988. Reidan currently serves as an Assistant Scoutmaster of Troop 544 in Theodore Roosevelt Council. In 2011, he took Wood Badge and has subsequently been staff member on five courses. In 2017, he led a Crew to Philmont.KEVIN DOLCE  He is a Veteran Scouter and Past Advisor of Suanhacky Lodge. He served as a volunteer staffman at TMR for many years. Kevin has been a Scoutmaster and has held many positions in Council and his District. A constant volunteer, whether in Queens, his adopted home in New Jersey, or doing work for the National Order of the Arrow. Kevin has never been known to say no to any assignment. He holds the Silver Beaver and Vigil Honor Awards. He worked for a major cable operator in New York. |
MICHAEL LECTORA A very active brother of Suanhacky Lodge, Mike is a past Lodge Chief. He has also followed in the footsteps of Jack Kohler, by serving as the Suanhacky Lodge Advisor. He has also been a Chapter Advisor in the O.A. An active Scouter, he started his tenure as a Cub Scout. Mike has been recognized with the Silver Beaver and Vigil Honor. His home district has bee lucky to have Mike serve many positions, including District Chairman. Mike is a retired Lieutenant with NYC TLC Enforcement. |
DEACON PAUL LUMPKIN Deacon Paul Lumpkin first joined in Scouting as a Cub Scout in Brooklyn, in 1956, then moved to St. Albans, Queens to continue his Scouting career as a youth and early adult years. Paul became a Life Scout, and was inducted into Suanhacky Lodge in 1965. He was awarded the Vigil Honor in 1969. Paul has held many positions in Scouting – ASM, SM, Unit & District Commissioner, Character Organization Rep., District Advancement Chairman. Paul is a Wood Badger, Recipient of the District Award of Merit, Silver Beaver, The Religious awards (The Lamb-Lutheran; The Bronze Pelican-Catholic). Paul has served as Vice-Chairman of the Hudson Valley Council Advancement Committee, Troop Committee and Vice-Chairman of the Northeast Region of the Lutheran Association on Scouting, and the Director of Chaplaincy Services at Ten Mile River Scout Reservation. Paul has been enshrined on the TMR Wall of Fame. He is also a Deacon of the Lutheran Church and works as a Substitute Teacher |
ROB PETRILLO In addition to previously being a Scoutmaster and Webelos Leader, Rob served as Suanhacky Lodge Chief and Associate Adviser. He’s had many other leadership roles holding various District positions (Activities Chairman, Exploring Chairman, Assistant District Commissioner, District Provisional Camp Leader, OA Chapter Adviser…). Rob is a recipient of the District Award of Merit, Vigil Honor, OA Founders Award, Bronze Pelican Award, Jack Kohler Outstanding Scouter Award and many Scouting Training Awards. Rob is part of a Scouting family. Rob was one time a member of Greater New York Councils staff. Rob is currently residing on Tucson, Arizona. |
ED PINO Ed joined scouti in 1961 and held the position of Patrol Leader in his troop. In 1968 Ed was awarded his Eagle Scout Badge later serving as an Assistant Scoutmaster. Over an eleven year period Ed attended Ten Mile River Scout Camp as a camper and Camp Staff Member where he worked in the Camp Skills Area, the Water Front and as An Assistant Camp Director. Very active in Suanhacky Lodge #49 of the Order of the Arrow where he served as Vice Chief of North District, Editor of the Stag, Suanhacky Lodge Vice Chief and Suanhacky Lodge Chief. For his dedication above and beyond his immediate responsibilities in Suanhacky Lodge Ed was award with the Vigil Honor. Ed is a Life Time Member of the Jack Kohler Campership Association and currently registered as a Troop Committee member, who lives in Tuscon Arizona. |
PAUL ROMAIN  Joined Scouting in 1984 as a member of Troop 333 earning the rank of Eagle Scout. As a youth member in Suanhacky Lodge, Paul served as Chapter Chief, Lodge Vice Chief and Ritual Team Member competing at the 1990 National Order of the Arrow Conference. Paul has served on Camp Keowa staff, as well as National Jamboree staff in 1989 & 93. Paul is currently an Assistant Scoutmaster of Troop 333. Paul has received the following awards: District Award of Merit, Silver Beaver Award, Suanhacky Lodge Founders Award and Vigil Honor. Paul is a Supervising Public Health Advisor for the New York City Dept. of Health. Paul is also involved with Alpha Phi Omega National Service Fraternity as a local voluteer staffer. |
MIKE SCHULTE Joined Scouting in 1988 as a Cub Scout in Pack 106, earned the arrow of light and crossed over to Troop 106. Mike earned his Eagle Rank in 1998, also earned a silver palm as well. Mike was an active member in Suanhacky Lodge as both a youth & adult, which included serving as Lodge Ordeal Advisor. Mike also served as a Scoutmaster in Queens. He has been recognized with the Vigil Honor, Scouting Heroism Award & Unit Leader Award. Mike is a currently a Real Estate Agent covering Manhattan, Brooklyn & Queens. |
ANTHONY ZALAK  Anthony joined Cub Scout pack 106 in 1988 and earned the Arrow of Light Award. Anthony earned his Eagle Scout rank in 1997 in Troop 106. Subsequently Anthony has since served as Asst. Scoutmaster, Scoutmaster, Unit Commissioner, Camping Chairman, Order of the Arrow Chapter Advisor, and Associate Lodge Advisor in Suanhacky lodge #49. He has earned many scouting awards, which include Arrowhead Award for Commissioner Service, District Award of Merit, Silver Beaver, Bronze Pelican, St. George Award and the Interfaith Leadership Award. Anthony is also a Vigil Honor in the O.A. and a holder of the Founders Award. He has served on the Camp Aquehonga Staff since 2002 becoming Camp Director in 2012. He is also a recipient of the Jack Kohler Outstanding Scouter Award of Excellence. Anthony is a NYC School teacher. |
L-R Row 3: John Pritchard, Bruce Cobern, Dennis Gaynor
Row 2: Tom Evans, Elizabeth Figueroa, Denis Sackett
Sitting: Rob Petrillo, Mitch Morgenstern, Art Brace, Gordon Bennett
WE GREATLY APPRECIATE MEMBERS WHO HAVE PREVIOUSLY SERVED ON OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
| Brother Hugh Dymski  | Elizabeth Figueroa  |
Dennis Gaynor  | Kirk Henin |
Frank Janoscak  | Roy Kramer  |
Barry Magid | Larry Offsey  |
Gone But Never Forgotten
Members of our Board who passed away while still on the Board
GORDON BENNETT {Deceased} As a boy, in 1953, Gordon joined Scouting. When he turned 18, became an Assistant Scoutmaster, the first of many adult positions he would hold. Subsequently Gordon served as Scoutmaster, District Commissioner, Advancement Chairman, Camping Chairman, Order of the Arrow Chapter and Suanhacky Lodge Advisor. He has been recognized with many Scouting awards, which include Scouters Key, Scoutmasters Key, Arrowhead Award, Commissioners Key, District Award of Merit, Scoutmasters Award of Merit, Shalom Award, Silver Beaver and the Daniel Carter Beard Masonic Scouter Award. Gordon is also a Vigil Honor in the O.A. and a holder of the Founders Award. He has served many years as Scoutmaster of the District Camp at Ten Mile River. He is also a recipient of the Jack Kohler Outstanding Scouter Award of Excellence. Gordon retired from IBM in 1995. Gordon is a member & recipient of the Ten Mile River Hall of Fame. | |
ARTHUR H. BRACE {Deceased}  Known as ‘Crazy Camper’ Art joined scouting as a young boy in 1952. As an adult scouter Art has served in many positions; Webolos Leader, Cubmaster, Assistant Scoutmaster, NOAC Advisor, Cub Camp Commissioner at TMR, Roundtable Commissioner, District Camping Chairman, Unit Commissioner Campmaster and Assistant District Commissioner. For his outstanding service to Scouting Art has received the following award: the District Award of Merit from two different Districts, Silver Beaver Award, St. George Award, Pelican Award and is a Vigil Honor member of Suanhacky Lodge. Art is an investigator. | |
RALPH CALMAN {Deceased} For more than 50 years Ralph was an active member of the Boy Scouts. An avid ham radio operator, he was instrumental in the Jamborees on the Air. Ralph served on the Queens Jewish Committee, District Camporee and Activities Committee and “No-Names” cooking crew. He has also been to NOAC. He was a Silver Beaver, Shofar Award and District Award of Merit recipient. | |
TOM EVANS {Deceased}  Tom was a veteran of both Scouting and the U.S. Army. During his years with Suanhacky Lodge he initiated many fund raising activities, which have now become part of Lodge tradition. He attended many NOAC’s and was instrumental in developing Lodge programs to help offset the cost for brothers attending. He was active with Exploring as well as his troop. Tom ws bestowed his Vigil Honor by Suanhacky Lodge. Tom retired from his employement with the NYC Board of Education.Cliff A. Follenius {Deceased}  Big Cliff, a scouting parent who was unselfish in his service to others. In addition to being an Eagle Dad, he was also a leader in his unit, chapter and lodge. Cliff was the original member and founder of the Suanhacky Lodge Cooking Crew, better known as the ‘No-Names’, because he strongly felt that service should be anonymous. Cliff was recognized for his service with the Vigil Honor who’s fitting name translates as “Firery One Who Acquires”. | |
FATHER BARRY FRAZZITTA {Deceased}  Fr. Barry was ordained a Roman Catholic priest in 1955. He held numerous positions within the Scouting program including District Camping Chairman, District Chairman, Queens Council Activities Chairman, Chairman of the Chaplains Committee and Suanhacky Lodge Associate Adviser. From 1979 – 1995 Fr. Barry served as Catholic Chaplain of TMR. The good Father has been enshrined on the TMR Wall of Fame (postumously). For his outstanding service to Scouting, Father Barry has been awarded the St. George Award, Pelican Award, District Award of Merit, Silver Beaver Award, Founders Award from Suanhacky Lodge of the Order of the Arrow and is a Vigil Honor member of Suanhacky Lodge.MURRAY JUVELIER {Deceased}  After serving in the US Army Air Corp in the Paciffic, seeing action from his spot on a B-29, Murray returned home, and moved on with his life, marrying, having children, moving to Queens, and having a career in the carpet business. Murray was very proud of his two Eagle Scout sons. It was his boys that got him involved in Scouting, but it was the friends he made while in Scouting that kept him in for more than 50 years. In his tenure he served as Cubmaster, Explorer Advisor and many other Adult UNit, District and Council positions. For his servicxe Murray received the Silver Beaver, Shofar Award, King George Award, Vigil Honor and various other recognitions. | |
VINCENT KOHLER {Deceased} Vince was a long time camper and staffman at TMR along with his brother Jack, until he went off to serve his country in World War II. At which time Vince started his lifetime career with the United States Army, eventually attaining the rank of General. Vince’s likeness was used as a model for the original Scout that sat atop the Tower of Friendship on Crystal Lake. Vince’s surviving family currently reside in California.JOHN PRITCHARD {Deceased}  John joined Scouting in 1960 as a member of Troop 70. He has been a Scoutmaster, Post Advisor, Chapter Advisor and the Suanhacky Lodge Advisor as well. John has held most District positions and is currently on the Commissioners Staff. He has served in many TMR Staff positions including Assistant Camp Director of Hayden, Kernochan and as TMR Trading Post Director. John started a second career, after retiring from Con Edison, and became a school teacher. He retired as Assistant Principal of Grover Cleveland High School. He holds the Vigil Honor, District Award of Merit and Silver Beaver Award. | |
JERRY REIMER {Deceased} A veteran of more than 50 years in Scouting, Jerry had been a fixture at Ten Mile River since the early forties. As a Scoutmaster, Jerry brought hundreds of scouts to TMR over the years, usually to Camp Kunatah as well as guided dozens to the high rank of Eagle. He had been a very active member of the Queens Jewish Committee on Scouting. Jerry has been recognized with the Silver Beaver, Shofar Award, District Award of Merit and Vigil Honor. Posthumously, the Camp Kunatah Canteen (a frequent hangout for Jerry) was renamed in his memory. That cabin now sits outside the TMR museum. It now is part of the TMR Museum campus site. Jerry also is on the Heritage Society Honor Roll and a recipient of the Outstanding Scouter Award of Excellence. | |
BILL SCHIEB {Deceased} Bill became a Scout in Troop 253 in 1957 where he served as Senior Patrol Leader and Junior Assistant Scoutmaster. Bill held many different positions as an adult in his District and Council serving as a member of the Camping Committee, Roundtable Commissioner, District Commissioner, Queens Council Commissioner and Vice President of Queens Council. Bill received the Award of Merit and Silver Beaver Award and is a Vigil Honor member of Suanhacky Lodge. Bill served on camp staff at Ten Mile River Scout Camp from 1963 – 1965. His last position was as a troop committee member.PIERRE THYVAERT {Deceased}  A lifelong Scout, Pierre entered Scouting in 1934 and attained the rank of Eagle Scout in 1937. As an adult Scouter Pierre served as a Neighborhood Commission of District 2 in Queens. A Ten Mile River Scout Camp Camper, camping at Camp Man starting in 1935 as a Scout and later as Junior Staff and Senior Staff member until 1942. In 1946 and 1947 he served as the Director of Camp Lakeside and then from 1953 through 1957 again he served as Director of Camp Lakeside. In 1947 Pierre joined the professional service of the Boy Scouts of America holding positions of District Scout Executive, Assistant Scout Executive Director of Training and Special Activities, and Scout Executive of Queens Council and Puerto Rico Council. As a professional Scouter Pierre served in the following Councils; Mohican Council, Queens Council, Camden Council, Puerto Rico Council, Nassau County Council and Greater New York Councils. Pierre received the Vigil Honor in 1942 as a Member of Suanhacky Lodge and is the holder of the Silver Beaver Award. | |
JIM TRANCHINA {Deceased} Jim came into Scouting as a young boy and remained interested in the program serving as an adult Scouter in the following positions: Assistant Scoutmaster, Scoutmaster, Roundtable Commissioner District Training Chairman, District Chairman and Chapter Advisor. For his outstanding service to Scouting Jim has received the District Award of Merit, Silver Beaver Award and is a Vigil Honor Member of Suanhacky Lodge. Jim was a manager for the Social Security Administration. |
Suanhacky Campership Association 