Northeast Region, Order of the Arrow

Photo Credit: Kevin Montano

While the majority of the OA’s membership is in the United States, Black Eagle Lodge is home to over 400 Arrowmen in a way that may be similar to your local lodge. The major difference is the vast geography of Black Eagle. Located in countries such as Germany, England, Belgium, Switzerland, and the Netherlands, this lodge expands all across Europe and the Mediterranean. In fact, the 52 Arrowmen that participated in the Germany NLS were spread out over seven countries. Additionally, the Scouts and Scouters of Transatlantic Council are mostly families active in the United States armed forces. Their dedication and cheerful service are to be admired, and the Northeast Region was honored to host an NLS at Camp Freedom, a military base in Marktbergel.

Staff members arrived early Thursday morning to the Munich airport after a long flight over the Atlantic. The majority of the day was spent touring. Thanks to the wonderful hosts from the lodge, the NLS staff was able to see the city of Rothenburg and the surrounding areas.

After an early breakfast on Friday morning, the staff set out to Camp Freedom to prepare the seminar room.  A highlight of Friday was taking a train into Nuremberg City to see even more of the German country and cities. The seminarofficially began on Friday evening, and 36 hours of intensive leadership training followed. The participants (both youth and adult) showed great enthusiasm and excitement throughout the seminar, actively engaging in the training sessions and participating in the various role-plays and activities. Saturday afternoon, Mark Chilutti (Region Chairman) and Ken Davis (National Committeeman) presented a special session on the history of the Order and the importance for leaders of an organization to “Know The Territory”.

As quickly as the trip began, the five-day venture to Germany concluded. Reflecting on his last National Leadership Seminar as Region Chief, Eric Bush was proud of all the work done overseas that weekend. "I couldn't have been happier with the way the seminar went because everyone from Black Eagle Lodge was incredibly engaged,” said Bush. It was really exciting to see how well they function as a lodge despite all of the challenges they face with being an international lodge in Europe.  I'm so happy that my last seminar got to be this one; it was a phenomenal way to cap off the year." 

Check out the NLS Germany photo gallery by clicking here.

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