Every NOAC Arrowmen gather with their sections to foster brotherhood among their local lodges. After the Boulder Bash, each gathering featured its own mix of fun activities, engaging challenges, and some sweet treats to enjoy the evening. These gatherings offer a unique chance for members to dive deeper into the programs and initiatives specific to their section, making the large-scale conference feel more personal and connected.
“My lodge chief keeps me active within my section and it’s always nice to see familiar faces,” remarked Chase L. from Aal-Pa-Tah Lodge, Gulf Stream Council. The chance to meet friends and people from your area while at NOAC proves very beneficial to the spirit of our time at the conference.
Fellowship was on full display at the gatherings. Many sections, like Section E5 and Section E8, offered a chance for Arrowmen to play games and trade patches while they enjoyed some sweet treats to finish off the evening. Section G9 played a guessing game where Arrowmen tried to guess how many Swedish Fish were in the jar. They also played cornhole and had a dance party.
Section G13W made a memorable impact with a vibrant gathering that showcased the unity and spirit of its members. Their members attended in costume for a party while enjoying sweet treats. They also introduced their section officers to the Arrowmen gathered, giving the Arrowmen of the section a chance to become familiar with those leading them into the coming year. The event was a testament to the strength of brotherhood and the rich traditions that define the section.
During the Section E3 gathering at Williams Village, the section leadership took the time to honor one of their own, National Vice Chief John Andrew Segebarth. Segebarth was the former section chief of Section E3 and was awarded the James E. West Fellowship Award on behalf of section leadership, recognizing his contributions to his lodge, his section, and the Order of the Arrow as a whole.
Section E17, which featured the largest number of Arrowmen in attendance at NOAC, used the gathering to recognize the four Arrowmen honored with the OA Distinguished Service Award earlier in the week. The section also highlighted their upcoming Conclave next August at Camp Guajataka in San Sebastián, Puerto Rico.
NOAC helps connect Arrowmen, and the section gatherings are set to play a crucial role in making it a memorable and impactful experience for all participants. Whether you’re a seasoned Arrowman or new to the Order of the Arrow, the section gatherings were a good opportunity to celebrate Scouting’s values, forge lasting friendships, and take home valuable insights and inspiration.