The National Conservation and Leadership Summit is a new event by the Order of
the Arrow, deigned with a twofold purpose to prepare and assist lodges implementing
the Order of the Arrow's strategic plan, as well as to train staff and squad leaders
for the Order of the Arrow's 2008 service project, ArrowCorps5. Below are a few
common questions we've received, and answers to them. This page will constantly
be updated, but if you don't see the answer to a question you have, please contact
nclsfaq@event.oa-bsa.org so that we can help you
and all others that may have the same question.
"What are the two distinct parts of NCLS and who should
attend each?"
"I am a part of my lodge leadership, why should I or anyone
in my lodge attend?"
"All our lodge leadership is busy during NCLS."
"One or two youth want to attend, but there aren't enough adults
to go (Youth Protection Issues)."
"I want to go but no one from my lodge has contacted me, I don't
even know if my lodge is attending?"
"What is the role of section/region leadership?"
"What are the two distinct parts of NCLS and who should attend
each?"
The Summit is divided into two distinct parts, one focusing on training and preparation
for ArrowCorps5 staff and the other training lodge leaders how to implement the
new strategic plan. First and foremost, lodge leadership (particularly the current
and possibly future lodge key-3 are encouraged to attend). 5 members from this leadership
group from each lodge should attend, as 2 adults and 3 youth.
If you plan on staffing ArrowCorps5, attending the conservation side is paramount
to training on trail building, communication structure, and other relevant aspects
of the service project. If you are a part of you lodge leadership and also hope
to staff ArrowCorps5, you will still have the opportunity. For those lodge leaders
and NCLS staff members who plan to staff ArrowCorps5, information will be provided
to you at the summit on how to prepare.
Back to Top
"I am a part of my lodge leadership, why should I or anyone
in my lodge attend?"
The primary focus of the leadership track is to implement and roll out the Order
of the Arrow's new strategic plan, providing a roadmap for lodges to effectively
implement all programs within their lodge. As a lodge leader, think of this event
as the opportunity to evaluate the programs running in your lodge, find solutions
to fix those programs which you see trouble or need help with, and share ideas with
other lodges across the country. With all the many programs the Order of the Arrow
is responsible for providing (Scoutreach, OA Troop Team Representatives, Council
Service, Brotherhood Retention, etc) lodges can become overwhelmed, and this is
an opportunity for every lodge to share and learn best methods, as well as focusing
attention on the programs that can best help your lodge, and the units and council
you serve.
Don't discount the fun factor either! NCLS will still include time for tons of
fun for you to share with the many lodge leaders from around the nation you will
meet in Indiana !
Back to Top
"All our lodge leadership is busy during NCLS."
Although members of the Key-3 are highly encouraged to attend, there are other
members of the lodge leadership that can attend the NCLS. The primary focus is to
bring together those individuals who will be leading your lodge not just this year,
but for the next few years (we don't have a NOAC to meet together again until 2009),
so those individuals who may be future lodge leaders are highly encouraged to attend.
It is important to send representatives to report on your lodges' progress and bring
back information even if key leadership is unable to attend, although it is still
highly encouraged to send that leadership. If your lodge cannot think of individuals
to attend, start looking for upcoming leaders that may be able to bring the information
back to your lodge. Section Chiefs and Advisers have been instructed to help lodges
with this task if they have trouble finding individuals to go, so before deciding
not to attend contact your local Section Chief or Adviser.
Back to Top
"One or two youth want to attend, but there aren't enough
adults to go (Youth Protection Issues)."
There probably are some other adults in your lodge that may be future lodge advisers
(perhaps chapter advisers at the moment), so first look out for other possible attendees.
If there still aren't adults able to go, or you have trouble meeting youth protection
requirements, contact your section adviser to arrange transportation with a neighboring
lodge, or with section leadership. No lodge should be held back because of these
issues, there are enough people going from around the country that lodges can pair
together to attend. Conservation participants will also be attending, and more youth
and adults from your lodge can join the NCLS on that side of the program (Same location
and date).
Back to Top
"I want to go but no one from my lodge has contacted me,
I don't even know if my lodge is attending?"
Contact your lodge chief and adviser and see if you might be a part of the lodge
leadership to attend. You may be able to go with them, or if they have already filled
their leadership contingent you can still go with the conservation program. Conservation
participants are encouraged to travel to the Summit with their lodge contingents.
Back to Top
"What is the role of section/region leadership?"
Section leaders will attend the NCLS. Five leaders from each section will be
invited to attend. Contact your Section Adviser or Region Leadership for more information.
Back to Top
|