We've detected that you're using an unsupported browser. You may experience issues using the OA website. Please visit our supported browsers page for more information.
Dear Arrowman,
We’re writing to share more information with you regarding the National Order of the Arrow Conference, or NOAC, for short! NOAC is a week-long gathering of members of the Order of the Arrow, typically held every other year in early August on a college campus.
Q. I was talking with an Arrowman who had seen some seemingly real policy announcements posted on the Internet from the national Order of the Arrow committee. It turns out that they were intended to be April Fools jokes but were not clearly identified as such. Maybe you could address these in your Ask the Chairman forum?
A. Many people have read blog entries posted on 4-1 which have caused a minor firestorm...these are all practical jokes published in celebration of April Fool's Day...some are pretty funny, but none are official...none of the things they suggest are even being contemplated by the National Order of the Arrow Committee...so, just to dispel rumors, without giving any credence to the actual blog or writing, I will state unequivocally that the following are myths:
April Fools Myth #1- The Vigil Requirements have changed to make it easier to be elected. Untrue
April Fools Myth #2- The National Chief is now going to be called the National President. Untrue
April Fools Myth #3- The Order of the Arrow has restricted the type of wood to be burnt in ceremonial fires. Untrue
April Fools Myth #4- Bonnets and Regalia have been banned. Ceremonial and official positions will be designated with large neck medallions. Untrue
April Fools Myth #5- There is a new list of 8 requirements to become a Vigil Honor member. Untrue
April Fools Myth #6- There a national tracking sheet to score potential candidates for the Vigil Honor. Untrue
The authors of these joke posts actually date their entries to help dispel the very rumors they create with their posts...please do not believe very much of what you read about the OA outside of the official OA
site: www.oa-bsa.org
The Adult Adventure Weekend is a brand-new, once-in-a-lifetime program offered this summer at the Summit Bechtel Reserve from June 20-24th. The youth leaders of the Order of the Arrow could not do everything they do without the support of their advisers; now is your chance to enjoy more of what Scouting has to offer.
Chaired by OA Committee Member Toby Capps, the adult adventure weekend will offer exciting activities both on and off the Summit property. From shooting sports to whitewater rafting -and everything in between- there is an exciting adventure for every Scouter.
Looking for more information? Make sure to visit the Summit Bechtel Reserve’s official Adult Adventure Weekend site, or check out Scouting magazine’s “Bryan on Scouting” blog.
Issue 4
Post 9/11 - one Scout's project to last a lifetime in remembrance
Planning and executing an Eagle Scout service project is one of the most challenging, yet most rewarding, steps on the trail to Eagle. Troy Neubecker of Tisquantum Lodge of Old Colony Council, which oversees part of eastern Massachusetts, wanted to make his project special.
Matt Dukeman selected as new OA Team Specialist
On September 15, Matt Dukeman began his service as the Order of the Arrow's fifth OA Specialist.
Arrowman recruits 30 others to serve on Project 2013 staff
One Arrowman, Brady Kumler, took it upon himself to get the word out about this great project and was able to recruit 30 Arrowmen from his lodge and surrounding area to serve on the Project 2013 staff.
Issue 2
Harnesssing the Power of Twitter
For those who have not glanced at the social network in which users send messages or "tweets" throughout the day, they are missing out on a great way to blog-without the blog part.
Issue 1
Defining what your lodge has accomplished: The Annual Report
Looking for new ideas for your lodge's annual report? Learn how Witauchsoman Lodge has created a video that is part of the annual report that high lights information and statistics of the year.
Service About Self
You may recall the devastating tornado that struck Tuscaloosa, Alabama in April 2011. What you may not know is that an Arrowman took action to help those in need. Brotherhood member James O'DWyer co-founded Magnolia Disaster Relief to assist those in need.
Like. Comment. Share. Hashtag. Retweet.
Social networking has surrounded daily life. Youth Arrowmen interact with social networks on a daily basis. Learn how social media can enhance the experience of the lodge, chapter and Arrowman.
Social Media Management Best Practices
Maintaining a consistent and professional social media image can be a daunting task. Learn about one application that can assist you with keeping that polished presence.
In 2017, the jamboree program will encourage Scouts to intentionally reflect and record how Scouting has impacted their lives and communities in journal entries throughout the experience. Scouts will also collect program stamps in their journals. Trek Guides will be instrumental in introducing the program to Scouts on arrival day and facilitating the program on the Day of Service and trek to Garden Ground Mountain.
Inspiration for the program comes from National Geographic Fellow Paul Salopek, who is on a 21,000 mile “Out of Eden Walk” from Africa to South America. As he treks, he reflects on his own life, and on the people and events around him.
Two Scouts or Venturers will have the opportunity to join Salopek for two days on his trek in Asia. Applicants must attend either the 2017 National Jamboree or a 2017 trek at Philmont Scout Ranch, and write an essay about the value of slowing down to absorb one’s surroundings, record milestones from their jamboree or Philmont experience, and finish other Out of Eden Walk tasks.
One Scout has already joined Salopek on his walk; you can read about Boy Scout Nicholas Fahy’s September 2016 walk with Paul in Uzbekistan. For more information, you can also read Bryan on Scouting’s blog entry about this opportunity.
Operation Arrow leadership invites you to learn more about this program and to think about how character, citizenship and cheerful service impact your life as part of Scouting!