Gatherings seek to solidify the NEXT message

By: Kyle Hoffmann

Each day at NEXT will be a day of growing and learning. You will grow as a leader within your home lodge, and you will learn how to strengthen your home lodge when you return. You will grow closer to your newfound brothers, and you will learn how, despite the diverse places we come from, we are all united as Arrowmen. The vast majority of this experience will come from time spent with your crew, the group of Arrowmen who you are going through this conference with. However, on a few occasions every delegate at NEXT will gather to learn and grow together.

There will be four gatherings during which you will see how the Order of the Arrow is stepping into our second century. According to Gatherings Team Lead Zach Sager, these will be fantastic opportunities to bring both delegates and staff together. “We’re excited to bring innovation to the stage for the Order’s new century,” Zach explains. Delegates will see how we are continuing to innovate as an Order, finding new ways to serve Scouting and our communities. Delegates, change agents from our lodges across the nation, are going to hear a message of innovation. Hear and see our message, our spark. Be prepared to bring this burning drive to innovate back with you to the members of your home lodge. The ones who chose you need you.

Look around you. Who among you now is ready? Are you? You must choose. Will you simply go through the motions, be silent and be unenthusiastic? Or will you be cheerful, passionate and encouraging of others who share your goal of improvement and innovation?

As we seek to learn and grow together at our gatherings, be sure to remember that we are both members of the Boy Scouts of America and guests at Indiana University. We will be using the Indiana University Auditorium, and must follow their guidelines accordingly. Please refrain from bringing food or drink to the gatherings (water bottles are acceptable). In order to keep from interfering with the gatherings, please do not bring selfie sticks, tripods, or anything that will block the aisle. All backpacks and bags must be able to fit underneath your seat. Please do not bring any distractions, either, such as laser pointers or beach balls. Pick up all trash, even if it was not left by you. We are called as Scouts to leave no trace wherever we visit. The only evidence of our gatherings that should be left is the inspiration that we bring back from them.

See you tonight at 8:00 p.m. in the Indiana University Auditorium!