When historians look back on this last year, we are positive 2022 will be a turning point in the success and growth of our time-honored Order. While there have been some obstacles along the way, no obstacle was too grand. Over this year, memories and friendships were made that will last a lifetime. 2022 served as a year that restored energy we have not felt in many years. We want to showcase some of the best things from this year and ways to move forward.
This year was a transition from a four to two-region structure – the Gateway Region and the Eastern Region – with doors open for creativity. We envisioned this year to be an inspiring beginning of a new chapter of the Order of the Arrow, which is exactly what happened. Both regions gathered for fellowship at a national conference, Section Officer Seminars, NLS, and many other events throughout the year. The energy everyone brought together was electrifying. The sparks and ideas forged by the creation of these regions changed the lives of numerous Arrowmen.
This summer, we held the first NOAC in four years and the first since the COVID-19 pandemic. The energy that filled the University of Tennessee’s Thompson Boling Arena and the spirit of our Brotherhood was felt throughout that week in the shouts, chants, and singing of “Sweet Caroline” by over 6,500 Arrowmen. The conference’s success propelled this year towards greatness and demonstrated our movement is as strong as ever.
This year we are proud to say we made huge steps forward as an organization. While many things made this year feel magical and amazing, there is still work to be done to improve the OA further. Every time we look back on this year, we will remember the memories made; from being trusted by our peers to lead, NOAC, and meeting Arrowmen at lodge and section events, and to the end, where we’ll transition to the next group of officers. Most of all, we will not forget about the pledge we made to create tomorrow, today.
Tim Reiss, Steven Buer, Alex Pillis, and Dirk Smelser