Camp Aruga 2026: Cultivating Leaders, Building Community, Inspiring the Future

From March 20–22, 2026, the Philippine Nurses Association of California Orange County (PNACOC) proudly hosted the 3rd PNAA Western Region Camp Aruga Leadership Bootcamp at the Irvine Ranch Outdoor Education Center in Orange County, California.

More than just a leadership conference, Camp Aruga was an immersive experience designed to strengthen leadership capacity, foster meaningful connections, and inspire Filipino American nurses to lead with purpose and resilience. Bringing together nurse leaders and emerging leaders from across the Western Region, the event provided a unique opportunity to learn, collaborate, and grow in a supportive and engaging environment.

A Weekend Dedicated to Leadership Development

Guided by the vision of empowering nurses to become transformative leaders, Camp Aruga offered a dynamic curriculum focused on leadership, governance, resilience, member engagement, and health equity. Through interactive sessions, discussions, and team-building activities, participants explored practical strategies for strengthening their organizations and advancing the nursing profession.

The bootcamp emphasized four key objectives:

• Cultivating unity among PNAA chapters and members

• Strengthening leadership and governance competencies

• Enhancing engagement, resilience, and well-being

• Developing action plans that support health equity and the Future of Nursing 2020–2030

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These learning opportunities encouraged participants to reflect on their leadership journeys while equipping them with tools to create meaningful impact within their communities.

Learning Beyond the Classroom

One of the defining features of Camp Aruga was its experiential approach to leadership development. Participants engaged in collaborative challenges, team-building exercises, and outdoor activities designed to strengthen communication, trust, and problem-solving skills.

Whether constructing towers, navigating resilience-focused activities, or participating in group discussions, attendees learned that leadership is not simply about holding a title—it is about inspiring others, building relationships, and working together toward a common vision.

The camp environment fostered authentic conversations, mentorship, and camaraderie, creating lasting connections among nurses from diverse backgrounds and experiences.

Building a Stronger Nursing Community

Camp Aruga brought together nearly 100 delegates from across the Western Region, reflecting a shared commitment to professional growth and service. Throughout the weekend, participants engaged in networking opportunities, cultural exchanges, and collaborative discussions that strengthened the bonds among chapters and leaders.

Evening activities, including fellowship events, networking sessions, and the traditional campfire gathering, provided opportunities for participants to celebrate their shared heritage, exchange ideas, and build relationships that extend beyond the event itself.

These moments reminded attendees that leadership flourishes within community and that meaningful change is achieved when individuals work together toward a common purpose.

A Commitment to the Future

As healthcare continues to evolve, the need for strong, compassionate, and visionary nurse leaders has never been greater. Camp Aruga reaffirmed the importance of investing in leadership development and creating pathways for nurses to influence the future of healthcare.

Participants left the bootcamp energized, inspired, and equipped with new knowledge, skills, and connections to bring back to their chapters, workplaces, and communities. The lessons learned during the weekend will continue to shape leadership practices and strengthen the collective impact of Filipino American nurses for years to come.

Gratitude and Acknowledgments

PNACOC extends its sincere gratitude to the Philippine Nurses Association of America (PNAA), the PNAA Foundation, the PNAA Western Region leadership, sponsors, volunteers, speakers, facilitators, and delegates whose dedication and support made Camp Aruga 2026 a tremendous success.

Together, we demonstrated the power of leadership, collaboration, and service.

As we move forward, we carry with us the spirit of Camp Aruga—a spirit rooted in unity, resilience, and a commitment to leading with purpose.

Camp Aruga 2026 was more than a bootcamp. It was a catalyst for leadership, a celebration of community, and a reminder that when nurses come together, we can create lasting change.