In this email you will find:

Something really cool is making news on the OA scene – NOAC re:MIX

NOAC re:MIX is a social networking site just for Arrowmen attending NOAC 2009. It is a way to connect with other Arrowmen who will be at NOAC before NOAC, and to connect with those you met at NOAC after NOAC is over. Like other social networking sites, NOAC re:MIX allows you the freedom to connect with people all over the nation. Unlike other social networking sites, NOAC re:MIX is built just for Arrowmen, and is built for your needs, wants and desires as members of the Order of the Arrow.

Don’t wait too long, go establish your profile for NOAC re:MIX. Approved NOAC staff have already received their invitation to join, and all NOAC guests will be receiving their invitation to join around May 20. If you or your contingent leader have not provided an email address for you individually in the NOAC registration system, then you will only receive an invite that will be sent to your contingent leader’s email. To be sure this doesn’t happen, ask your contingent leader to update your lodge records in the NOAC registration system to reflect correct names and individual email addresses for everyone in your lodge attending NOAC.

Feature Program: The Experience

The Experience is an interactive outdoor camping expo designed to educate and entertain Arrowmen who attend. A wide variety of companies will come together at NOAC to promote the latest advances in outdoor camping technology, and to let Arrowmen get a hands-on look at their products. There will also be information booths with the latest news on camping ethics, feats accomplished, and ongoing developments in the Boy Scout program. We will also be holding a skills competition each day where lodges will compete to see who has mastered their outdoor skills, and who needs to review the old Handbook.

Our goal is to provide an experience that makes an impression on everyone exposed to it. In addition to the many booths and vendors, there will be interactive activities designed to test outdoor skills, lots of giveaways and prizes, and a wealth of information, not to mention air conditioning as well. We want all who attend to learn something new and to walk away so excited about us that they will want to return and bring all their friends. Attendees are in for a treat as this truly will be an awesome experience for all.

Feature Program: National Council of Chiefs (NCOC)

The tradition of the National Council of Chiefs will continue this year at NOAC. With the success of last conference’s NCOC, this year’s NCOC will continue to gather our Order’s leaders to witness first hand the introduction of the newest resources and programs available.

During the NCOC, there will be a break-out meeting with several national OA programs, allowing participants to give direct feedback on what they see currently, and how they could be more beneficial.

Only one youth and one adult from each lodge, typically the lodge chief and lodge adviser, may attend this meeting. The NCOC will take place on Tuesday morning during regular training periods.

Make sure your lodge is represented at the National Council of Chiefs!

Arrowmen in Action: Hitting a Home Run for the Community

What would happen if you could hit a baseball as far as you dreamed?

Brant Taylor could hit a grand slam, and then some.

When Brant was 14, he dreamed of a ball park that would be accessible to everyone, especially those with special needs. Brant’s older brother, Austin, a developmentally disabled 25 year old with mild cerebral palsy, has been part of the Challenger Baseball League in Greensboro, NC, at Pomona Park for years, with Brant watching.

Brant also noticed that the field was in poor shape – the slick gravel infield, the dusty conditions on dry days, and the muddy outfield. The conditions were not good for the athletes, especially with many using walkers or wheelchairs. Brant realized that the league needed a better place to play.

Brant tackled the $200,000 project with ease – approaching the City Parks and Recreation Department, the city council, the Grasshopper’s Minor League Team, and even their national affiliate, the Florida Marlins. After a lot of run-around, and steady determination from Brant, he was able to secure the materials, funding, and labor to build the new field – with a solid rubber infield to make getting around much easier.

It all came together this spring when the field was completed and the first game was played. The true reward for Brant was the atmosphere of the new field and the smiles of the athletes playing on it.

It is fairly safe to say that Brant hit this one out of the ballpark.

Featured Trading Post Item: NOAC Starter Pack

Can’t decide what souvenirs to pick up from NOAC? Look no further than the NOAC Starter Pack! For only $99.25, you can get a little bit of everything NOAC related, including one of each of the following items: OA Computer Bag, 2009 NOAC Patch, NOAC 2009 Back Patch, 2009 NOAC Embroidered Neckerchief, 2009 NOAC Embroidered Baseball Cap, NOAC 2009 Hat Pin, 2009 NOAC Neckerchief Slide, 2009 NOAC Hiking Staff Medallion, 2009 NOAC Belt Buckle, and 2009 NOAC Bolo Tie. This package saves you more than 8% off of the individual prices for these items.

Since NOAC items with the conference logo are not released until the conference, a set of shirts from the 2006 NOAC are pictured here. Find the starter pack here.

Reminder: Full Payment Due May 31

The conference fee is $395.00 for youth and adult members who pay their total conference fee by May 31, 2009 (postmark date). Conference fees paid after May 31, 2009, will incur a late fee. All late fees must be received by the OA Director no later than June 30, 2009. The fee includes five night's housing, 14 meals, program and support materials, registration materials, and recognition items during the six-day conference.

Remember the Power of One

“Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does.” - William James

Questions?
The answers to "Frequently Asked Questions" are on the NOAC Website at http://event.oa-bsa.org/events/n2009/faq.htm. Please send any questions regarding NOAC to nept@oa-bsa.org. Questions regarding your lodge contingent should be directed to your lodge contingent leader.
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