Northeast Region, Order of the Arrow

By Michael Dioguardi, NE-2B Section Chief

The Northeast Region Gathering of Leaders was held at Camp Alpine, Alpine NJ, on the weekend of September 21-23, 2012. A unique event, with the intention of conveying the fundamentals of leadership to aid in the process of an effective delivery of a Section Conclave, as well as develop an officer’s understanding of their responsibilities in order to turn their existing goals into a reality. Personal guidance and insight was offered by some of the most experienced individuals in the Order of the Arrow such as past national officers.

The weekend activities kicked off with introducing the staff and the facilities and the theme for the weekend “Leading Among Leaders”, which helped shape and reinforce the central values guiding the gathering’s workshops and seminars. 2012 Northeast Region Chief, Eric Bush, delivered a highly effective and motivational vision setting presentation, which sparked the weekend into motion. Each Section congregated individually and mapped out their mission.

Saturday kicked off with team building classes aimed at the execution of a Conclave that encompassed all of its planning and implementation factors. Section chiefs participated in their own session led by past national officers that helped them to further understand the role they play. Simultaneously occurring was the Advisers summit, led by region chairman, Mark Chilutti that focused on developing and expanding the advisers role and promoting the establishment of a strong Section team.

After the morning  sessions concluded, the group gathered for presentations which promoted Order of the Arrow activities such as; OA High Adventure, the importance of Cub Scouting in the future of the Order of the Arrow, and Project 2013 at the National Jamboree.  The group was also visited by the Northeast Region President, Hab Butler, who spoke and inspired all who were present to continue their service to the organization and the Boy Scouts as a whole. Following Mr. Butler’s appearance, the group participated in a team building activity to explore the many leadership styles through the metaphoric sorting of the compass directions.

The evening activities started off with the Adviser Twister competition, coming down to the wire between limber youngsters 2007 NER Chief, Ken Hager, and this year’s regional Twister champion, NE-3A Associate Adviser, Brian Love. Beyond the top-notch training, and the fairly comical high-stakes Twister competition, the region had their first taste of our Section’s many talents (or lack thereof). Completely amazing the crowd with his Gregorian resembling voice, NE-3B Chief Kevin Montano shook the sashes with his rendition of God Bless America, as NE-1A Chief Raymond Cheung proved himself as an outfielder for the future sport of marshmallow mouth catching. Ken Hager further wooed the crowd with his spot-on imitation of our adored former Order of the Arrow Program Specialist, Carrie Miller; meanwhile, NE-3A Chief Will Fansworth proved that balancing objects on one’s head can be both dangerous and entertaining.

A very successful weekend was concluded with an all-faith religious service, and the Section reports, all of which were extremely well thought out and ready to serve as the guide for the Sections’ endeavors this coming year.  The Gathering of Leaders was an incredible experience which provided a solid foundation for the year. A wonderful door of opportunity is opened serving on a sectional and regional level; stay involved, because that same opportunity will find its way eventually to the greatest leaders within our organization.