Q. I know registration for the 2015 National Order of the Arrow Conference is at capacity and the likelihood of me attending NOAC is very slim at this point. Therefore, what else can I do to be part of the 100th anniversary of the OA?
A. The 2015 NOAC has generated an unprecedented amount of interest from Arrowmen all over the country. Our conference management team has made every effort to accommodate as many guests and staff members as possible while ensuring that each attendee will have a pleasant and memorable experience at Michigan State University.
The National Order of the Arrow Conference is just one way that we will celebrate the Order of the Arrow's centennial. This summer, we will also share our national centennial experience with Scouts, Arrowmen and alumni throughout the country through ArrowTour (arrowtour.oa-bsa.org/), a traveling centennial showcase. I hope that you will make plans to join us at an ArrowTour venue near you.
Here are some additional ways you may choose to celebrate the centennial:
- Arrowmen of all ages can earn the Arrowman Service Award up until December 31st, 2015.
- Centennial events are taking place across the nation in the form of lodge fellowships and section conclaves. Seek to take part in these activities. Attendance at these events will also help towards the completion of the Arrowman Service Award.
- If you are a youth Arrowman, participate in one of the youth OA High Adventure Programs at Philmont Scout Ranch, Northern Tier, the Summit Bechtel Reserve or Florida Sea Base. A centennial edition of each OA High Adventure participant patch will be available for all participants.
- If you are an adult Arrowman, sign up for the OA Advisers' Conference from June 21st to June 27th, 2015 at the Philmont Training Center.
- Follow us on Facebook or Twitter for real-time updates on what will be happening at NOAC or visit the NOAC website for live streams of the OA shows as well hour-by-hour updates and photographs.
- Volunteer to paint your lodge’s legacy lid to be displayed at NOAC. It will return with your lodge and can be permanently displayed in a place of honor.
- Be part of the group to collect some kiln-dried wood to be burnt in the centennial fire. Each lodge that brings wood to burn will receive a vial of all the ashes from all the lodges mixed together to bring home.
- Help write the history of the Order in the area served, today, by your council.
- Organize a celebration for your OA hometown heroes who will be recognized as Centurions from your lodge.
- Attend Philmont Training Center. If you applied and were not selected to attend the National Order of the Arrow Conference as part of the staff we have an opportunity for you. The National Order of the Arrow committee in partnership with Philmont Training Center will be offering $100 discount to the first 100 applicants, on any Philmont Training Center course this summer that is not invitation only. To take advantage of this one time offer you will need to go to philmonttrainingcenter.org and register for a conference and pay your $100 deposit. Please indicate in the special requests field “NOAC100” and a $100 will be credited to your registration account.
- If you are lucky enough to be attending the World Scout Jamboree this summer, participate in the OA Gathering while you are in Japan.
- Look for details after NOAC about how you can serve your community fueled by the spirit of our centennial.
- Look for a new lodge tool that will assist you in delivering your own 100th anniversary rededication ceremony in the weeks following NOAC.
The most meaningful way that you can commemorate the Order of the Arrow's centennial, though, is by making a difference in your unit and in your neighborhood. This year will be significant because of the service given by Arrowmen, including you and me, in celebration of our 100th year.
WWW,
Ray