Q. Ray,
Several parents have asked me about obtaining a visitor’s pass for the day to visit their son while at the 2015 National Order of the Arrow Conference, similar to the national Scout jamboree. Is this possible? How would I go about obtaining such a pass?
A. Thanks for your question. I’m glad to see that many of our Arrowmen’s parents are excited about NOAC 2015 and our centennial celebration! We are expecting over 15,000 registered participants and staff for our conference. Traditionally, our conference has only been open to registered participants and a select few invited guests/VIP’s. Due to the concerns over youth protection, security, logistics and university requirements, we can allow only these people to participate and experience the NOAC program. There are no “secret events” at NOAC, and we will be encouraging our participants to be active on social media and to be vocal about their incredible experience. I hope that your eager parents will be understanding of the need for this policy and will keep up with their sons through these other avenues.
All members of our Scouting community, whether they are parents, Arrowmen or non-members of the Order of the Arrow are welcome to participate in other planned programs to commemorate the centennial including ArrowTour in the summer of 2015. I’m also certain that your local chapter, lodge and section will be holding events as well. Be sure not to miss them!
Ray