Section Chief
Madilynn Puetz (she/her)
“Never feel shame for trying and failing, for he who never failed is he who never tried.” ~ Og Mandino
Madilynn is an Eagle Scout from Kanwa tho Lodge, where she has served as Lodge Chief and formerly Chapter Chief along with other positions. This summer will be her third year as staff for the Three Harbors NYLT course as she serves as SPL. Besides her involvement in the OA, Madilynn enjoys her time within her Scouting America unit and NYLT staff group.
Outside of Scouting, Madilynn studies Cellular and Organismal Physiology at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. In her time outside of Scouting, Madilynn enjoys reading, kayaking, or playing her viola!
Section Vice Chief
Joseph Alvarado (he/him)
"Ability is what you're capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it" ~ Lou Holtz
Joseph is a Brotherhood Honor and Eagle Scout from Takhone Lodge, where he has served as the Vice Chief of Chapters and the Unit Elections Chair. This summer marks Joseph’s fourth year on staff at Owasippe Scout Reservation, where he will return as the Assistant Aquatics Director for Camp Wolverine (Zaxie). Additionally, Joseph is an active member of the Region Merchandise Team and a THRIVE Engagement Partner. Joseph is also a proud recipient of both the James E. West Fellowship and the R.D. Dunkin Award.
When he’s not involved in Scouting, Joseph attends Harper College, where he studies Fire Science and Emergency Medical Services. Outside of school, he works as a junior building engineer at a Catholic school on the north side. In his free time, Joseph enjoys spending time with friends and family, swimming, and cheering for all Notre Dame athletic teams!
Section Secretary
Patrick Reynolds (he/him)
“Wisdom is the knowledge of life" ~ Anonymous
Patrick is an Eagle Scout from Lowaneu Allanque Lodge, where he serves as the Vice Chief of Committees and previously as a Chapter Chief. Patrick is also a proud member of Sea Scouts and Venturing. Beyond the Section, Patrick serves on the National Communications Committee, Gateway Region, and was a 2024 NOAC staff member.
Outside of Scouting, Patrick attends Neuqua Valley High School, where he is an AP student and twice NVHS honors Recipient. You might find him on the track team where he throws Shot Put and Discus. When not studying or on the track, you might find Patrick volunteering as a photographer for the Naperville Astronomical Association, cheering on the Chicago Blackhawks, woodworking, or spending time with his friends.
Section Advisers
Section Adviser
Brian Schaeffer (he/him)
Brian is an Eagle Scout and Vigil honor member in Takhone Lodge. He is a former lodge chief and section chief, he has also served as an associate section adviser and Takhone lodge adviser.
Outside of Scouting, he works as a financial planner and is also the treasurer for a Northbrook based non-profit foundation. Brian is also the proud uncle of three nieces who are Cub Scouts in the Far East Council.
Associate Section Adviser
Cathlynn Peters (she/her)
Cathlynn is a Vigil Honor member of Takhone Lodge, where she just ended her role as an associate lodge adviser and was previously the staff adviser. In the section, she has served as the Activities CVC Adviser. She loves her role in Section G9, working with this awesome leadership team.
Away from Scouting, Cathlynn likes to hike, ski, and dance. Her friendships in the OA got her started backpacking, and now her only wish is that she had started earlier. One of her favorite places is Philmont, where her most recent trek there was last September for Autumn Adventure.
Associate Section Adviser
Tim Welke (he/him)
Tim is an Eagle Scout and Vigil Honor member from Wag-O-Shag Lodge. He has served as a Chapter Adviser, a Section Trading Post Adviser, and currently serves as a Co-Adviser for the Lodge Elections team. He also serves on the Properties Committee for the Potawatomi Area Council.
Outside of Scouting, Tim works for Milwaukee Public Schools in the Facilities and Maintenance Department and is a proud father of 3. In his free time, he enjoys watching the Milwaukee Brewers, traveling, and playing cribbage.