April 26, 2024

What is NOAC?

Every two years, Arrowmen from around the country have the unique opportunity to gather together for the National Order of the Arrow Conference commonly referred to as NOAC. NOAC’s generally have over 7,000 Arrowmen in attendance that are seeking many of the aspects you are looking for: fun, fun and more fun. Each time a conference is held, Arrowmen coming from around the world gather at a major university to share their ideas on lodge leadership, activities, and ceremonies as well as participate in a large variety of competitions. This six day adventure is unlike any other event in Scouting and is unique to just members of the Order of the Arrow.

NOAC is comprised of all aspects of the Order, which include ceremonial evaluations to learning about the latest in metalsmithing capabilities. 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. The latest in bead weaving techniques will help you make your very own beaded items or Native American headdress. 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. A wide variety of sports competitions 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. Through these competitions, Arrowmen are able to not only better themselves physically but also mentally. If these don’t appeal to you, there are a multitude of other competitions that will helpful ignite your inner competitive juices.

Also in the afternoons, the National Order of the Arrow Museum will be on display showcasing the national chief and national vice-chief’s bonnet, respectively. Much of the lore spoken of in the Order will be found within this novel place. For many people, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to see pictures of our founder, Dr. E. Urner Goodman and co-founder, Carroll Edson. You will also have the opportunity to see the history of Order of the Arrow sashes not found anywhere else in the world. You won’t want to miss out on this chance.

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. These impressive young men will welcome each of us to the conference and will share memories of their past that have helped to shape the people they have become today. Some of the other evening shows have depicted messages like an awards evening where the Order of the Arrow will bring in its latest class of Arrowmen to receive the Distinguished Service Award and Lifetime Achievement Award. 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.

After an exciting six day adventure like this, what more can a person do than SLEEP! With the amount of activities on the horizon for the coming day, you are going to need your rest but most of all you won’t want to miss NOAC 2006. Don’t miss your chance at participating in history. Sign up today!