This year, the Order of the Arrow has yet again run an outstanding National Leadership Seminar (NLS) program. These weekend-long seminars are more than just workshops; they are insightful leadership training experiences designed for those ready to aid their local lodges and step into the role of the next leaders and advisers of the OA. The main focus is to provide youth and adult participants with practical skills and knowledge that they can bring back to their lodges, therefore strengthening the overall OA community.
During the NLS weekends, Arrowmen from lodges across the country come together to improve their communication skills by collaborating in crews. They tackle real-world problems that they could face as leaders of their own lodges and practice innovative thinking and problem-solving. The main goal of NLS is to give Arrowmen experience that they can take home and apply to their lodges.
NLS also serves another purpose. Through the networking possibilities offered by these seminars, participants can develop connections with other Arrowmen who are dedicated to service and leadership. The staff who instruct these courses are an important aspect of the NLS experience. They are a diverse group of youth who bring a variety of different experiences to the seminar. The ideas these staff members provide can be key for everyday Arrowmen aspiring to hold leadership positions. Yet, for many new Arrowmen, the idea of stepping into a leadership role can feel overwhelming. However, as 2024 NLS participant Nati A. reflected,
“Actually meeting Arrowmen in [national] positions and hearing their presentations made me realize that these are real Arrowmen in these positions. Listening to their stories of how they started off as regular Arrowmen in the OA was incredibly inspiring and showed me that anyone can achieve what they accomplished.”
Scouts need to remember that the leaders they admire once stood where they do now. Even though starting out as a leader can seem scary, the staff and participants at NLS help encourage everyday Arrowmen to reach out more. Nati A. adds,
“After NLS, I was inspired to run for bigger positions and drive change within our lodge.”
She emphasizes,
“The first step to achieving an OA leadership position is being a good role model. When the members of the lodge look up to you or see you as a good Arrowman, they will respect you as a leader.”
Attending NLS shows dedication to the program and that you want to lead and serve. It shows to your fellow Scouts and Arrowmen that you hope to be a positive role model—someone they can look up to for guidance and inspiration.
The National Leadership Seminar is one of the best ways to empower both new and experienced Arrowmen within the OA. It offers key leadership training while also building up a positive and inspiring atmosphere. Participants engage in crew activities that not only build communication but also encourage creativity. The opportunities available for networking help build lasting relationships between Scouts, making the journey towards leadership more available to the everyday Arrowman.
By creating a positive learning environment that promotes innovative thinking and problem-solving, NLS is the perfect place to begin your leadership journey within the OA, as it is full of inspiring leaders from around the country who are dedicated to leadership, service, and helping others achieve their goals.
Visit the program website to learn more about how NLS can make you a better leader!