National Leadership Seminar: Taking Training Beyond the Lodge
Guest Author John Clark Hooser, Ahoalan Nachpikin 558
On the weekend of March 27-29, 2009, six Order of the Arrow brothers
from Ahoalan Nachpikin Lodge 558 (Memphis, TN) attended the National Leadership
Seminar (NLS) for the Southern Region in Asheville, NC.
At the Ridgecrest Conference Center, OA members from throughout the
Southern Region received a plethora of information, which resulted in—guess
what?—training, training, and more training! This center didn’t just include
great food, but also gave us an opportunity to become closer in brotherhood.
The
National Leadership Seminar is 90% youth run, comprised of individuals from the
entire Southern Region. The Southern Region Chief, National Vice Chief,
and National Order of the Arrow Trainers were cheerfully on staff, and did
nothing but help make the program an even greater experience.
As much as I would love to speak about the most fun event I’ve had
in weeks, I was trusted to not give away any information regarding this program.
However, I can tell you this: NLS is a great crash course in leadership and
service with little sleep.
“But . . . why?!” you might be asking yourself.
Well, one thing I can talk about is quite simple. A
person who goes through the NLS program gains more insight into his or her own
leadership skills. This is supposed to be a unique experience for every
individual, and may only be taken once in a lifetime.
While this may sound exclusive, I wish to remind you of your Ordeal.
Did you receive any details other than something about a “big dinner?” Well,
just as your own Lodge safeguards its own ceremonies, for example, so does the
wonderful staff of the NLS. Just as the Ordeal should be a unique experience to
help you understand yourself better, the National Leadership Seminar takes this
Ordeal to a guided next level.
So much information to digest, so little time. So why don’t I
write something that leaves you, dear reader, wanting more? So, what are
you waiting for, Mr. Lodge Chief? Mr. Lodge Advisor? Chapter Leaders? Do you
believe that you know everything there is to know about leading? Well,
even if you do, go through this program—it actually transcends the OA, and is
applicable in all other aspects of life. The symbolism, training, and knowledge
in this program are tools that can be used in different places and situations.
This is a truly unique experience that can help you achieve a totally unique
style of leadership. Having gone through this seminar, I am very excited to
continue cheerfully giving service to others in this brotherhood!
NOAC 2009 Dates Released
The National Order of the Arrow Committee is pleased to announce that the
2009 National Order of the Arrow Conference will be held at Indiana University,
August 1-6, 2009. Mark this down on your calendars.
Find everything you wanted to
know here!
2009 Lodge Officers Elected
The 2009 Lodge Officers were elected at the 2008 Winter Banquet. They are:
Chief: Sam Steadman
Vice-Chief: Ted Hope
Secretary: Tyler Morris
Treasurer: Nick Diegel
New Lodge Flap Announced
The Lodge Executive Committee Meeting approved the design of the new,
standard issue lodge flap. Inspired by the very first lodge neckerchief and
similar designs used early in the Lodge's history, the flap combines those
traditions with a new-age spin: the inclusion of the lodge's web address. It
will be embroidered on a twill background and was first available at the 2008
Banquet.
Welcome New Members!
Welcome to Talidandaganu'! Your unit selected you for the values you embody
and we're glad you've joined us. Now's the time to "jump start" your membership
- visit OA JumpStart!
NEWS: Southern Region Realignment Affects Tali'
The Boy Scouts of America have restructured the Southern Region.
Talidandaganu' will remember fondly its time in SR-6 South but already feels
welcomed by the brothers in SR-6. These changes took affect on June 1,
2008. Here's more
information.
Seven Days of Service
Award
