Northeast Region, Order of the Arrow

By Raymond Cheung, NE-1A Section Chief

They say that everything is bigger in Texas. That mantra certainly rang true during the 2011 National Planning Meeting, where 52 Section Chiefs gathered from across the country and were given the enormous task to lay the groundwork for the 2012 National Order of the Arrow Conference (NOAC). Fortunately, no one from the Northeast had to worry about snowy weather derailing travel plans this year. Alongside Section Advisers and National Committee members, NOAC planning committees were formed and a lot was accomplished in four short days.

The planning meeting officially began with an opening dinner and various presentations by National Committee members. Following that, the Section Chiefs were locked into a room with no outside communications with one key goal in mind: to elect the new National Chief and National Vice Chief. The election process was long, and took around six hours to complete. Once the smoke settled, the Northeast Region’s own John “Fival” Rehm of Section NE-4A was elected the 2012 National Chief. Preston Marquis from Section SR-7A was elected to serve alongside Rehm as the 2012 National Vice Chief.

After a few hours of sleep, the four regions separated to elect the Region Chiefs. Eric Bush from Section NE-4B was elected to lead the Northeast Region into the 2012 conference year! Section Chiefs were given a little time off after the elections, but were soon united again to plan for NOAC. Ten committees were formed as intense planning commenced for two days. Aside from short relaxation periods in between meetings and meals, the rest of the planning meeting was devoted to coming up with ideas for the best NOAC experience for guests next summer.

As final farewells were shared amongst the group, planning meeting attendees departed early Friday morning to go their separate ways in the final moments of the year.

The beginning sparks of a legacy were created that last week of December in 2011. What will you do to add to the fire? Together, we’ll find out what “United, We Leave a Legacy” truly means at the 2012 NOAC.