Jeff's Blog

08.02.06

The morning began with our final class session. For me, the session was called Overcoming Challenges in Large Lodges. This proved to be a very interesting and prevalent session because our lodge is about one thousand strong. As a group we were able to identify several problems that we all face as large lodges, and then we each gave advice on ways to solve these problems. My hope, is that I will be able to bring back much of what I have learned at these sessions thus bettering our lodge.

At the end of the session, the instructor of the course approached me. He thanked me for offering my opinions and suggestions to the rest of the group and then asked me to attend a special luncheon. It was a real honor to be asked to attend such an event and I happily accepted.

The day only got better from there. At one in the afternoon, our Lodge continued its quest to become repeating National Ultimate Frisbee Champions. After a grueling three games, and a thrilling finale, the members of Owaneco Lodge were National Champs once again. While not every member of our lodge played in the game, all of the rest were there cheering on our teammates. The finale ended with the score of four to three with the other team scoring in the final seconds of the game. It was a hard fought game that we will be proud of for many years to come. Back-to-back-to-back in 2009!

The day concluded with a Region wide meeting as well as the Grand Hodag, a street festival of sorts. There were games, a band, and lots and lots of root beer. What a way to end the day.

08.01.06

Wow! I can’t believe that tomorrow is already Founder’s Day. This conference has absolutely flown by! The thing that I believe will mark my experience from this conference is the knowledge and appreciation that I have gained for the traditions of the Order of the Arrow. Scanning pictures of our founder, E. Urner Goodman, this afternoon gave me the opportunity to reflect on the impact that he has made on so many young men in the Scouting program. After that, I sat and listened to national committee members reflect and tell stories in the Living History video studio. Charlie Sullivan’s jokes about the Vigil Raffle and Bonus Merit Badge Month are some of my favorites. I am honored to be a part of preserving the rich and inspiring history of our Order.

Some of my favorite memories have come from hanging out with the contingent after the shows. The Union is the place to be after hours. That place is always bustling with activity. In addition to the ample lobby space for patch trading and fellowship, the Union offers ten bowling lanes, over 20 pool tables, and several small shops, including one that sells very delicious ice cream. Good luck getting any. The wait to be served is well over 45 minutes.

07.31.06

My OA History training cell was moved this morning, but it all got straightened out and the session went really well.

I love working in the OA Museum, because I am learning so much about the beginnings of our Order. In the afternoon, I sat in on an interview at the Living History video studio. I listened to an elder Arrowman talk about his experiences in the Order long before I was born.

Last night at the show, the national officers talked about ArrowCorps5 which will be taking place in 2008. It sounds really cool. For five weeks in the summer, the Order of the Arrow Service Corps will go to five different national parks, enlisting the service of over five-thousand Arrowmen.

Tomorrow night, Wa-Hi-Nasa is having its NOAC pizza party. The national chief and national vice chief have both confirmed that they are coming! That’s exciting news. I think that it will mean a lot to the contingent if they are there.

Later, I got to thinking about how great it is that 8,000 of us are all here together for the same purpose. Everything about this conference is pulling us closer to a deeper understanding of brotherhood, cheerfulness and service.

07.30.06

Today was a long drive up from Nashville, but good tunes and my buddy Ian made the trip bearable.  I just couldn't wait to get to Michigan. It was great walking up at NOAC and immediately being greeted by good friends I had made on NLS staff in Canton, Mississippi.  Registration was a joy because I found out that I was in the only dorm with air conditioning.  Other than in our dorm, Michigan State is truly helping NOAC live up to its name--NO AC.  Believe it or not, I think that it is actually warmer here than it is in Tennessee.

Here at NOAC I am working in the OA Museum. I am really learning a lot about the history of our Order. This has already been a great experience for me to gain a deeper appreciation for our Order and the meaning of brotherhood.  I'm looking forward to learning more and to enjoying the rest of the conference.