2012 National Order of the Arrow Conference

by Devin Boyer 

“It felt neat that we were honoring another culture.” This is how Sam B. of the Mawat Woakus Lodge #449 describes participating in the American Indian dance competitions at NOAC 2012. Throughout the week, Arrowmen from across the country have competed in various styles of American Indian dancing and singing. The best performances in the country competed in the final round last night, in a beautiful display of talent showcasing intense preparation by Order of the Arrow members.

There were 341 total dancers participating in six different styles of dance during the competition. Grass dance and traditional dance were the two most popular styles, accounting for nearly 200 of the dancers. The other four styles of dance, while not drawing pools of dancers quite as large as the first two styles, are certainly no less impressive in terms of skill required. These styles consisted of prairie chicken dance, fancy dance, Old Time Sioux dance and straight dance. Finally, four lodges brought teams to participate in the group dance competition.

Besides the dance competition, there were also two singing competitions that took place. 15 lodges participated in the Southern Drum competition, with two additional lodges bringing teams to participate in the Northern Drum competition.
Jaren M. of Eglin, Texas, a member of Tonkawa Lodge knows firsthand the amount of training that goes into a high-quality dance routine. When he completed his Ordeal, his father had friends who had regalia, and that helped him to get started with dancing.  He’s also completed service projects which have enabled him to obtain more regalia he can use for dancing and ceremonies.

Jaren works hard to prepare himself for performance. “It’s much easier if you know the songs beforehand. I try to memorize them.” Technology helps with this. Jaren notes that can find songs for MP3 players and that his lodge chief even has them on his iPhone.
His hard work and training paid off, as he and another Arrowman from his contingent took first place in the straight dancing competition. The competition has inspired him to continue dancing.
By participating in these dance competitions lodges can further improve themselves and show great respect for the Order’s Native American heritage. There are other benefits as well: “If you want to run for office, participating in the dance and ceremonials teams helps you to move up in the OA,” says Jacob P. from Caddo Lodge in Shreveport, La.
With three years until the next NOAC, there is plenty of time to get involved with your Lodge’s dance or song teams if you are interested. Jaren M. encourages all Arrowmen to take up the hobby, “Everyone should at least give it a try.”

by Jonathan D. from Tecumseh Lodge 65

2015 marks the 100^th anniversary of the Order of the Arrow. Many preparations are being made for programs designed to commemorate this milestone in BSA history. One of these programs was just introduced at NOAC, known as the “box initiative.” The box initiative is designed to help plan for the 2015 NOAC, which will be the largest event of the 100^th anniversary.

The legacy box invites each lodge to place a few items inside the box including an engraved rock which will be used to build a fireplace and fuel for a literal fire of cheerfulness. The lid of the box is being utilized as canvas space for lodges to personalize and paint their lodge symbols. Many other programs are being prepared as well, all being designed to be bigger and better than ever before. Arrowmen are advised to stay tuned for more forthcoming details on the exciting programs that will be offered at the 2015 NOAC!