Non-Member and Alumni Relations

This insightful roundtable discussion will overview the importance of Scouting alumni engagement and the introduction of our program to non-members. Its sparks will drive learners to advocate for the value proposition of the OA’s new vision, mission, and purpose to former and new audiences.

Adviser Forum

Join the section’s advising team for its semi-annual, riveting open forum on topics related to each level of OA program. Come with burning questions and/or suggestions for the section!

Mental Health in the OA

This session will help both youth and adults form a better understanding of what mental health advocacy is, how to best support those struggling with mental health battles, and serves as an introduction to the Mentally Awake Project.

Modern Media Strategies

In this session, learners will be introduced to the world of photos and video and how it is used to share the story of Scouting and the OA. It addition, it will dive into specific techniques to enhance your lodge’s visual media usage and presence.

LodgeMaster Forum

An introductory overview of Lodgemaster for newer Advisers and Scouters led by two of our seasoned staffers. There will be time left at the end of the session for an open forum.

Leading v. Serving

Leaders must recognize the importance of being a servant leader. This session will focus on the difference between simply leading other Scouters and serving other Scouters.

Performing Effectively in Your Role

This session is designed for OA members to define, measure, and achieve success in their leadership positions. Learners will explore strategies for setting clear goals, tracking progress, and evaluating impact within their lodge and chapter. Lastly, it will empower leaders to create meaningful outcomes and continuously improve in their roles.

When to Ask for Help

This session will discuss building and maintaining relationships and how we can harness those relationships to ask for help and delegate in necessary situations.

Balancing Responsibilities

Balancing responsibilities among Scouting and everyday life can be difficult. This session will focus on how to achieve a successful Scouts/life balance.

The “Outdoors” of the OA

This session will explore the various outdoor events that we offer in the OA and how to plan them as leaders. From inductions and lodge service projects, to picnics, this session will provide learners the opportunity to think outside-the-box about our outdoor events.

Maintaining the Vigil Fire

This Vigil Honor-focused session will explore how to embody Scouting ideals, inspire others through selfless service, and ensure the Vigil fire continues to shine as a beacon for future generations. All Vigil members, youth and adult, are welcome to attend. Watchwords are required.

Outside of the OA

This session will equip learners with a thorough understanding of Scouting’s older youth programs beyond the Order of the Arrow, including Venturing, Sea Scouts, and Exploring. Moreover, it will highlight similarities, differences, and unique opportunities to inspire greater involvement.

Sparking your Flame (Introduction)

Welcome to the 2025 Section Leadership Conference! This opening session will definitely spark your flame of leadership while providing important event information.

Youth Panel

Youth members are invited to join the section youth leadership team for an open discussion about how we, as key youth leaders, can ignite the fire of leadership in others.

Seek New Themes

Effectively theming your events can be difficult! This session will focus on how to incorporate new theming and branding into your events to effectively market events to your lodge members.

Leadership in Communication

This session will emphasize finding your brand, how to effectively communicate with large groups, and develop your unit, chapter, and lodge’s social media presence.

Resume Building & Digital Footprint

This youth-focused session helps learners prepare for the college and the professional world by leveraging their Scouting skills on the résumé, LinkedIn, Handshake, and their digital footprint.

Passing the Torch: The Importance of Peer Mentorship

This session will focus on how mentorship within the Order of the Arrow fosters leadership development, strengthens fellowship, and ensures the continued growth of our organization.

Bridging the Gap

The transition from youth to adult can be difficult both in and out of Scouting. This session will explore how to bridge the gap and manage this period.