2004 National Chief Interview
Jeff Hayward, the 2004 National Chief,
was asked by the National OA Web Site Staff to answer some questions about the OA and his experiences. Let's take a look at what he had to say.
How do you feel to be a national officer? What do you find most exciting about the role?
It's definitely a rush! It feels so amazing to have the opportunity to serve this great organization as a national officer. When I was younger, I remember meeting Will Parker and Andy Oh, the National Chief and National Vice-Chief in 1999, and being so inspired by what they said. I think that having the opportunity to inspire others like that is the most exciting part of this position.
What are you most looking forward to?
I'm looking forward to the opportunity to meet new brothers and make new friends this year. This organization has given me the chance to make many great friendships, and I can't wait to make more!
What are your earliest memories of the OA?
I remember my Ordeal experience very vividly. I was so intrigued by everything that weekend, especially with the ceremonies. The following year, I attended the 1998 NOAC in Ames, IA, and had a blast! After that, I just knew that I wanted to continue to be a part of this order, and help it in any way that I could.
What was your first leadership position, and what was the greatest lesson you learned from it?
During my first year in Boy Scouts, I was elected the Black Dragon Patrol Leader. I was really excited about it, especially since our patrol consisted of my friends from school. I quickly learned that sometimes as a leader, you have to make unpopular decisions, and you have to do what is right, even if that isn't what the crowd is telling you to do.
What is the coolest thing you've done in Scouting?
I think the coolest thing I've done in Scouting was working on summer camp staff. I worked at Lewis & Clark Scout Camp for four summers in the First Class Trail, Climbing/COPE, and Scoutcraft program areas. Anyone who has worked on staff at a summer camp knows what I mean when I say those were truly the best summers of my life.
What makes you proudest to be an Arrowman?
Every time that I go to an Order of the Arrow event, whether it is a Section Conclave or a Winter Banquet, I see the same thing. I see the ideals of brotherhood, cheerfulness, and service in the eyes of the brothers of this organization. I'm proud to call myself an Arrowman, and be a brother to everyone who sees this higher vision.
What awesome things have you done in the OA? What makes the OA so cool? What makes the OA so great?
I believe it is the endless amount of opportunities! I have had many different experiences throughout my journey in the Order such as attending national programs like NOAC, Philbreak, and Indian Summer. I served on my lodge's Ordeal ceremony team as Meteu for many years. And, finally, there are countless leadership opportunities available for youth. This organization is great because it allows the youth to lead, and gives them so much experience that will be invaluable to them in the future.
What is your favorite quote?
"Do not go where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail."
-Ralph Waldo Emerson
Revised 4/07/04
|
http://www.oa-bsa.org/
- the Official National Order of the Arrow Web
Site.
Site Info and Policies. Questions and Comments. Copyright © 1997-2008 Order of the Arrow, Boy Scouts of America. All rights reserved. |