Northern Lights Council #429

Find more information on the National NOAC Site

Do you like great OA shows, Native American events and dancing, and getting to meet 7,000+ other Arrowmen from across the world? Then NOAC is the event for you! NOAC also offers some of the best leadership training in Boy Scouting – share ideas with the other top lodge leaders.  

The National Order of the Arrow Conference is Scouting's second-largest national program event. The reason for its growing popularity can be attributed to the fact that it is planned and carried out by Arrowmen themselves. Youth involvement ensures that the conference program will be exciting, relevant, and non-stop fun.

These gatherings draw over 7000 Arrowmen, traveling from as far away as Europe and Asia, for five days of training, fun, and fellowship. With each conference, NOAC becomes more diversified, more fun, and more exciting.

NOAC has many different aspects and it is impossible to participate in every event in one year. Each year events are added and changed so you could go to NOAC every time and do new things each time. The main activities at NOAC include training, ceremonies evaluation, American Indian events, shows, competitions, and Founder's Day. NOAC has something for everyone of all backgrounds and all ages. It is definitely one of Scouting's most unique and entertaining training events.

Registration for NOAC is Closed.

MAILINGS TO PARTICIPANTS

Mailing 1 - Introduction to NOAC

Mailing 2 - NOAC Delegate Registration

Quick Links for NOAC Participants:

Medical Form

Uniform Order Form

Delegate Registration Instructions

NOAC Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q.  How much does NOAC cost? What do I have to pay to attend?

A.  The registration fee for NOAC is $395 and includes all meals, lodging, and program at NOAC. It does not include travel to and from NOAC or expenses while on the way. We anticipate the total cost, including travel, to range from $500 to $700.

Q.  Is the $100 deposit non-refundable? Can I get my money back if I decide not to go?

A.  Yes, the $100 deposit is non-refundable. This helps ensure everyone attending is committed to attending. However, deposits may be transferred to another individual, but not refunded.

Q.  What about traveling to/from NOAC? Do I have to arrange my own transportation?

A.  Pa-Hin Lodge will be arranging transportation to/from NOAC. We normally spend a couple of days before and after NOAC touring -- usually an amusement or water park, cool museums, plus something else that holds our interest. So plan on holding a couple days on either side of the event for touring. We try to keep costs down by staying in churches or similar -- the anticipated cost is somewhere between $500 - $700, depending on the number attending, gas costs, etc. 

Q.  How many Pa-Hin Members can attend? 

A.  Pa-Hin has 18 spots available for members. Spots for youth are filled on a first-come, first-reserved basis. Preference is given to youth (under age 21). We have received 21 registrations, so we will request additional spots from National.

Q.  Can Adults Attend NOAC? Or just Youth?

A.  Adults are encouraged attend NOAC. It's a great time for everyone. While there is no Youth-to-Adult ration, preference is given to youth (under age 21) members who want to attend. Adult participation will be approved on the basis of the need to provide responsible leadership supervision for the Lodge contingent and ensure two-deep leadership while traveling. 

Q.  I just joined the OA last year, can I attend NOAC? Do you need to be an officer to attend?

A.  Any OA member in good standing (your 2009 dues are paid) is able to attend NOAC. Whether you just joined 6 months or 6 years ago, NOAC offers something for you. For someone who just joined, attending NOAC is a great way to learn about the OA.

Q.  So, is it like going through the Ordeal? You work all day and don't get much to eat?

A.  NOAC is a completely different experience than going through your Ordeal. While service is always a part of the OA, NOAC participants have a lot of FUN! Before attending, you'll get to choose which training sessions you want to attend -- there's one to suit every different taste. At NOAC, there's plenty of entertainment and activities happening during the day. And don't forget the NOAC shows -- for many, they're the highlight of the day with their great special effects.

Q.  Where do we stay -- in tents? Do we need to cook our own food?

A.  NOAC houses all participants in the campus dorm rooms. Since we're at a major university, there's lot of open space while the college students are on summer break. Food is served at the campus dining halls -- no cooking required! Plus, there's always the chance to order in for pizza -- something hard to do at Camp Wilderness!

Q.  What do I do at NOAC? What is my day like? What do we do?

A.  Visit the NOAC Information page -- there's information about what an Arrowmen does there.  A typical NOAC day consists of the following:

• Breakfast

• Morning training sessions

• Lunch

• Afternoon training sessions, athletic competitions and museums

• Dinner

• Evening show

• Evening activities which include open bowling, patch trading, etc.

The training at each NOAC is world class because it brings together the most knowledgeable individuals in the area of your chosen topic. These trainers come from around the world to share their expertise with you so that you may be able to bring these ideas back to your lodge and also for personal enjoyment.  No matter what you are interested in, there is a training session that will create a fire within you.

What would be a gathering of people from everywhere without competitions? The competitions vary is size but there is no shortage when it comes to the breadth of opportunities available for you to showcase your talents. Basketball, Ironman competitions, Volleyball, Ultimate Frisbee, and Kickball are just some of the sports competitions that take place at each conference. For those of you interested in the Native American aspect, we have ceremonies evaluations and Native American dancing to suit your fancy. 

After dinner, all participants and staff members gather in the university's arena for the nightly show. The first show is always one to remember as the youth National Officers are introduced with their respective bonnet placed on their heads. Other nights will feature the finals of the different disciplines involved with Native American dancing. The final evening encompasses a theme show wrapping up the conference. These shows will forever remain in your heart as one of your fondest memories of NOAC. After the show is over there is great opportunity for food, fun, and fellowship with all the participants.

Q.   Where can I go to find out more information?

A.  Go to the National NOAC Information page, and click on the Arrowmen tab to find more information.

 

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