S2 Ep. 15 | Mackenzie Sookhoo: Leading the Order of the Arrow & Ini-To Lodge

Written By Elliott Coker
S2 Ep. 15 | Mackenzie Sookhoo: Leading the Order of the Arrow & Ini-To Lodge
Sidewalk Chalk Studios

Aides to Scouting Podcast — Hosted by Walker & Elliott

Tonight, we are honored to sit down with Mackenzie Sookhoo, the Lodge Chief of Ini-To Lodge #324. Mackenzie is a trailblazing leader in the Flint River Council, having served as a Senior Patrol Leader for one of our area’s first all-female troops before being elected to lead Scouting’s National Honor Society at the lodge level.

We’re diving into the heart of the Order of the Arrow. What does it mean to be a "Brotherhood of Cheerful Service"? How does the OA support our local camps and units? And what does the future of youth leadership look like in 2026? Whether you are a long-time Arrowman or a parent curious about this next step in your Scout’s journey, Mackenzie’s perspective is a masterclass in servant leadership.

In this conversation, we cover:

  • Meet the Chief: Mackenzie’s journey from youth Scout to Lodge Chief.

  • Ini-To Lodge #324: The history and impact of the OA within the Flint River Council.

  • The Mission of Service: How the OA maintains our camps and supports Council programming.

  • Leading Your Peers: The unique challenges and rewards of youth-led lodge operations.

  • Upcoming Events: What’s on the calendar for Ini-To Lodge in 2026.

📢 WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Know a leader or youth who should be on the show? Reach out: 📩 elliott@sidewalkchalkstudios.com | walker@walkerchandler.com

🎧 Listen and Watch Aides to Scouting: • Show Website: https://www.sidewalkchalkstudios.com/aidestoscouting • Linktree: https://linktr.ee/aidestoscouting

📸 Produced by Sidewalk Chalk Studios We Make You Stand Out.

Elliott Coker

Elliott Coker: Co-Host & Producer

Elliott Coker is an Eagle Scout, media producer, and lifelong resident of the region southeast of Atlanta, Georgia. As the co-host of the Aides to Scouting podcast alongside Walker Chandler, Elliott helps pull back the curtain on the Scouting movement. Through his interviews with national Scouting executives, museum curators, and trail experts, he explores the logistics of leadership, the preservation of Scouting history, and the future of the organization.

A Lifelong Scout

Scouting has been a foundational thread in Elliott’s life. He spent the vast majority of his childhood deeply involved in the program, culminating in earning his Eagle Scout rank in December of 2015. His dedication to outdoor leadership and education continues to this day; he and his partner recently completed their Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS) training to further hone their trail expertise.

Creative Roots & Sidewalk Chalk Studios

Beyond the campsite, Elliott is a creative powerhouse with a deep love for music—whether he is strumming a guitar, playing the drums, or singing. After graduating from high school in May 2016 and subsequently working in a family-owned business, his journey eventually led him to the world of digital media and audio production.

In 2023, Elliott and the light of his life, Melody, launched Sidewalk Chalk Studios. Operating with the professional motto "We Make You Stand Out," the studio serves as the official production home for the Aides to Scouting podcast. Whether he is behind the microphone or managing the technical side of the studio, Elliott blends his audio-visual expertise with his commitment to preserving and sharing the stories that shape the Scouting community.

Next

S2 Ep. 14 | Ben Pierce: High Adventure & Myth-Busting at BSA Swamp Base