I just went to an Outdoor Degree last evening outside of Burgaw, NC, on a PGM's property on the Northeast Cape Fear River. We had 4 candidates and the 1st section was uneventful. We were called from Labor to Refreshment between the sections and had an out-flippin'-standing dinner of chicken pastry, green beans, rolls, peach and blueberry cobbler, and (of course) sweet tea.
While we were eating I felt some sprinkles, looked up and saw that the 5% chance of rain had become...that 5%! I went to the Brother's truck who had driven our contingent and got all the umbrellas and a rain jacket. It never really rained, but it sprinkled enough that the team had to work hard to keep each of the candidates from getting soaked on the tarp that covered the forest floor.
We're a "mainstream" (white) grand lodge, but at least 4 PHA Brothers attended and the hospitality extended them warmed me, in spite of being damp from the rain! Only one of the PHA Brothers had ever seen an outdoor degree before (back then, he went on and on about sitting on a bale of hay!), but the other 3 were amused and impressed by the degree. One was the District Deputy Grand Master of a nearby district and I hope he raises interest in his District for attending future degrees.
I did not have an official part, but asked the WM beforehand, and presented each of the candidates with a Masonic Passport to encourage them to travel and visit.
The staffs, the staff stands, columns, officer stations, and The Great Lights on the VSL were all from wood harvested on the property. After closing, the candidates were each presented a gavel used in the degree, also locally made, with the date, the S&C, and the candidate's initials burned onto them.
I loved it!
S&F