PNAA Eastern Region Hosts 3rd Camp Aruga Leadership Boot Camp

STEVENS, Pennsylvania — Nearly a hundred Filipino nurses convened at the Refreshing Mountain Retreat & Adventure Center in Stevens, Pennsylvania, for the 3rd Philippine Nurses Association of America (PNAA) Eastern Region (ER) Camp Aruga, a three-day leadership boot camp focused on developing and strengthening nurse leaders across the profession.

Hosted by the Philippine Nurses Association of Pennsylvania (PNAPA) and led by Chapter President Felicitas Bowie, the event was organized in close coordination with the PNAA Camp Aruga Steering Committee and Dr. Warly Remegio, PNAA ER Vice President. Their collaboration ensured the successful delivery of the program, which aligns with PNAA’s mission to advance professional development, strengthen collaboration, and enhance community engagement among Filipino nurses.

A Vision Rooted in Leadership Development

Camp Aruga, derived from the Filipino word “aruga,” meaning care, traces its origins to the vision of former PNAA President Gloria Lamela Beriones, PhD, RN, NEA-BC. What began as a regional leadership initiative has since evolved into a nationwide program dedicated to developing Filipino and Filipino-American nurses into effective leaders.

“Welcome to Camp Aruga,” said Rosie Antequino, RN, Project Director and former President of the Philippine Nurses Association of Central Florida. “We started this as a leadership workshop in a camp setting. It became clear early on that this model could be expanded to help develop leaders at a national level.” 

Today, Camp Aruga continues to support PNAA’s broader mission of advancing nursing excellence, strengthening leadership capacity, and promoting health equity across communities.

Expanding Leadership Beyond Clinical Practice

The three-day program featured workshops, mentorship sessions, and team-based activities designed to bridge the gap between clinical expertise and leadership skills intentionally held in a camp environment, away from the noise and fast pace of the city.

“Camp Aruga is a wonderful experience,” said Cornelia Corbett, MSN, RN, President of the Philippine Nurses Association of Richmond, Virginia and Board Member of COPRR.

“We learn from each other, share our experiences, and develop as leaders within both the nursing profession and the Filipino community.”

With a national membership base of over 6,000, PNAA continues to invest in initiatives like Camp Aruga to strengthen leadership visibility and collaboration across regions.

Strengthening Community and Mentorship

Participants highlighted the importance of networking and peer support as key elements of the program’s impact.

“We want to learn from each other and continue growing together,” Corbett added.

“There is a strong sense of support and mentorship within the group.” 

For Patricia Po, DNP, APN, AGACNP-BC, GERO-BC, Program Director for Eastern Region Emerging Leaders, the experience offered both professional and personal growth. 

“I joined Camp Aruga for self-development and to better serve my chapter and community,” she said. “One of the most meaningful experiences has been the team-building activities where leaders collaborate and learn from each other, even from the younger generation.” 

Unity in Diversity and Leadership

In a conversation during the event, Jonathan Gapilango, DNP, MMin, RN, NE-BC, OCN, CCRP, FNYAM, the Circle of Presidents Regional Representative of PNAA ER and president of Philippine Nurses Association of New Jersey (PNANJ), highlighted the shared identity of Filipino nurses across regions. He noted that while nurses may come from different parts of the Philippines, they serve with one purpose, united in their commitment to care and excellence.

Addressing the Need for Leadership Training

PNAA President Marlon Garzo Saria, PhD, RN, AOCNS, NEA-BC, NPD-BC, FADLN, FAAN, emphasized the importance of leadership development for nurses navigating increasingly complex healthcare environments.

“Nurses are highly skilled clinically, but leadership requires a different set of competencies,” he said. “It is important for Filipino nurses to step into leadership roles and overcome barriers that may limit their growth.” 

He added that mentorship plays a key role in inspiring future leaders. “Many leaders begin because someone recognized their potential and encouraged them to step forward,” he noted. “We need to continue creating those opportunities.” 

Continuing a National Movement

Since its inception, Camp Aruga has expanded across multiple regions in the United States, producing hundreds of alumni who continue to lead within their respective chapters and communities. The 3rd PNAA ER Camp Aruga builds on that foundation, reinforcing PNAA’s commitment to leadership development and professional excellence.

As participants concluded the three-day program, many left with strengthened networks, practical leadership tools, and a shared commitment to advancing the nursing profession.

Held from April 24 to 26, the PNAA ER Camp Aruga Leadership Boot Camp brought together mentors, emerging leaders, and professionals committed to advancing leadership in nursing, including vice presidents and chapter heads from the Eastern, North Central, Western, and South Central regions.

Camp Aruga continues to serve as a platform for developing leaders who will shape the future of healthcare, within their organizations, their communities, and beyond.