For over a year now, we have been inviting you to come to NOAC and Seek New Heights with your fellow Arrowmen. Last night, during the NOAC theme show, we were compelled to continue to seek those heights and become the best we can be as we return home to our lodges and councils.
The show opened by introducing us to Phil and Jane. Phil was a Scout hoping to go on a climbing adventure with his friends and fellow Scouts, and with the climbing instructor, Jane. Phil’s friends didn’t show up, leaving him nervous and unsure, but Jane convinced him to try anyway, to take the leap.
As Phil and Jane climbed, the difficulty grew. Forcing them to overcome (challenges). Through each of these challenges, the two of them reflected on their past experiences that made them who they are. Whether it was Phil’s disastrous attempt at cooking spaghetti and meatballs, or Jane’s attempt to run for chapter chief as a new Arrowmane. The two learned that failures help make them who they are.
As they climbed, a tree blocked their path and Jane stated the conundrum that the two faced. “This tree can either be a roadblock or a toll booth,” she said. Elaborating that roadblocks prevent one from moving forward, while toll booths simply require one to slow down and apply a little more time and effort. When faced with a challenge, you can either give up and let it best you, or power through, overcome it, and become better for it.
By overcoming their challenges Phil and Jane finally reached the summit. Sitting on the peak of the mountain, Phil encourages us to face our fears. The path up the mountain was wrought with challenges, but the view at the top was worth it. The summit, in parallel to our very own conference, was a beautiful sight, a surreal experience. Both experiences also share something else, in that they are fleeting, sure to pass us by. Its important to remember that we should take full advantage of every opportunity.
As NOAC 2024 draws to a close, we must remember one key point. Though we’re gathered here at NOAC to Seek New Heights, we can’t stay at those heights forever. At the same time, this isn’t the end. The purpose of NOAC was to share ideas and experiences with other lodges so that everyone can return home to promote the betterment of local scouting programs.
Eventually, Phil and Jane head back down the mountain. Leaving the mountain forever changed by their experiences. As Phil returns to his daily life, understanding his newfound courage and the ability to overcome his fears as he seeks his next summit.
As we bid you farewell and you disperse across the country, remember the lessons you learned throughout the week, and the insight you gained from Phil and Jane. Leave filled with new knowledge and inspiration to build your units and your lodges up. We can’t wait to see the lasting benefits that are sure to come from the conference!