Our History

The Key Foundation was incorporated in December of 1987 by a group of former Lodge Officers of Wannalancit Lodge #451 lead by Thomas F. Marham III. The idea for the Foundation was gained from the 1986 National Order of the Arrow Conference.

At that Conference in Mt Pleasant Michigan, Dr. Carl M. Marchetti, spoke of several new initiatives that were being implemented to grow and expand the Order of the Arrow. One of the concepts he presented was the development of a National Alumni Organization that would support the Order.

Upon returning from NOAC, Lodge Adviser Brian Lobao discussed the concept with Tom Markham. Tom gathered about a dozen members and The Key Foundation was born. He was the first Executive Director. In March 1988 the first meeting of the Key Foundation was held.

At that meeting the mission was explained, "by voice and financial support" the Key Foundation would provide active support to Wannalancit Lodge Order of the Arrow. One of the first programs to be started was the Patrick Doyle National Order of the Arrow Conference Scholarship, to help youth Arrowmen to attend this conference. The belief was, and still is, that NOAC is a program that was the greatest impact on the Lodge and the individual Arrowman.

The Foundation also supported the Lodge with capital projects, often purchasing computer and other equipment for Lodge Graphic Arts and Media.

In 1991 Andrew Curry Green became Executive Director and expanded the foundation into giving support not only to the Lodge program but also to the Council and Community. Andrew was succeeded by George D. Kouloheras, who served until 2001.

On December 31, 1999 the Greater Lowell Council merged into the Yankee Clipper Council BSA. The role and need for the Key Foundation was passionately debated.

In 2001 a group of Key Foundation members got together to develop a "post-merger" Key Foundation Program. They developed a program that greatly expanded the Foundation. Brian Lobao became the Key Foundations President and CEO in February of 2002.

The Foundation's activates are still focused on enhancing the experiences of youth. They work to insure that the experiences they had growing up are available to the youth of today.

Our Mission

We try to keep the spirit alive. The Founder of the Order of the Arrow, Dr. E. Urner Goodman, said that the Order is a Thing of the Spirit rather than that of mechanics. The Founders of Wah-Tut-Ca and Wannalancit Lodge had that spirit.

This spirit is one that is dedicated growth, introspection and service to youth. We attempt to bring that spirit to young people. The Key Foundation's resources are used to help inspire young people. Our focus is to enhance youth programs with experiences, talents and resources of our members.

Our Goals

Understanding and having experienced the profound effect of the Order of the Arrow program on the lives of youth, the Key Foundation is dedicated to the spirit of youth achievement, as described by the Order of the Arrow Founders.
We support any Lodge's effort to pursue excellence through youth leadership.

The Key Foundation provides financial, program, and resource support for arrowmen and lodges to fulfill the potential of the Order. We believe that lodges should conscientiously develop youth lead programs where youth learn by facing real experiences and risks in the pursuit of goals.

The Key Foundations roots lie beneath the cliffs of Wah-Tut-Ca Scout Reservation. We support the role of arrowmen and lodges in the summer camp program.

Our Core Beliefs

• The Order of the Arrow should inspire youth towards excellence and celebrate youth achievement.
  
  
• Following National Guidelines, particularly Induction Principals, is essential to a successful Lodge.
  
  
• The Order of the Arrow is about youth development.
  
  
• Value Excellence: Good is NOT good enough.