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Words from the Chief To my Brothers,
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National OA Conference 2012 July 30th - August 4th, 2012, Michigan State University This past summer, several of the lodge members had the opportunity to travel back to Michigan State University for the 2012 NOAC. NOAC is a scouting event that shouldn't be missed. I know, I've now been to seven, four as a youth, and three as an adult. As an adult and the lodge adviser, I've come to appreciate the extraordinary effort and devotion of the volunteer staff that organizes and coordinates the entire event. From the first opening of the registration portal, to the final check-out on the last day, the whole process is run professionally and with great organization. There are too many events at NOAC, so you can only attend a fraction of the offerings. Over the years I've enjoyed the morning classes (on an amazing number of topics) and the lodge competitions in the afternoons. But what I appreciate most is the fantastic evening shows. The quality is fantastic, with professional quality results. The enthusiasm is infectious. 2015 is the 100th anniversary of the OA, and the 2015 NOAC should be the biggest and best yet. I hope you will consider being part of the 100th anniversary celebration! Patches, Patches, and more Patches At NOAC patch trading was as popular as ever, Arrowmen were constantly on the lookout for the perfect deal to complete the desired set or add a new patch to the collection. The Order of the Arrow naturally attracts some of the most dedicated of scouts, and this years NOAC was no exception. Many scouts came to the conference with stacks of patches valued at hundreds of dollars by the end of the week.
Opportunities One of my favorite things about the Order of the Arrow is its ability to help scouts travel, Experience new ideas, and meet and build strong fellowship with arrow men all across the nation. No organization is more effective in combining all three of these characteristics and remaining youth run and very minimal in cost. I have personally had the privilege of attending multiple conclaves, OA Canadian Odyssey, and now two National Order of the Arrow Conferences. Thanks to our very close friend, Indy Nelson, Evans and I had the pleasure of being on staff for the Founders day, planning and executing the final day of NOAC. The three of us arrived early in Michigan with another friend from Alaska to stay with Evans relatives. The instant that we set foot on the Michigan State campus, I saw the familiar craze over patches. The ice hockey arena had been covered over and completely filled with tables, all crowded with people trading patches. For some arrow men, patch trading was the main thing that they would be doing for the entire week. Although I wasnt quite this obsessed, I did a fair bit of patch trading, mainly using it to meet new arrow men from across the country. However, after each day I had about a 200% growth rate in patches. Along with patch trading, I spent a good amount of time at all of the high adventure activities available, including a BMX course, Rock Climbing, and Ice-Pick Climbing. But by far the coolest, and always my favorite event was the Native American dancing. I have been competing in the fancy feather for a few years at conclave, and being able to watch the national champions was amazing! Staff, Work, and Fun Eight Thousand Arrowmen attended the 2012 NOAC at Michigan State University. One thousand of those eight was staff, showing what the OA is really about, cheerful service. Most of their work started months before to allow NOAC to run smoothly and provide excellent entertainment for the seven thousand participants. Then during the week, many of the staffers worked from after breakfast till several hours after dinner for the first four days out of five. But then they got a break on Friday, Founder's Day. Founder's Day was our day, the big celebration of the end of NOAC. I helped Indy Nelson plan and carry out the live entertainment for the day. I worked with the central region to create a forty minute show that illustrated the central regions flair, intense region pride and some American Indian dancing, which was much better than Southern regions I might add (Taylor Swift and a lot of other country music). Defining Moment I was one of a lucky few that got the opportunity this summer to attend NOAC 2012 at Michigan State University. NOAC, or the National Order of the Arrow Conference, was arguably one of the best outings I've been on as a scout, and one of the defining moments of my recent memory. NOAC is a huge deal. The National Council throws an absolutely obscene amount of money into the event, and the money goes to high-budget shows and extensively planned events that everyone loves. The National OA Lodge Chief is in attendance, along with his cabinet, and makes regular appearances on stage. Over 8,000 arrowmen are in attendance, and all of them receive the opportunity to attend classes, performances, and activities, along with free meals and housing. |
If you have any suggestions, comments, or questions regarding the content of this newsletter, please contact us. Send an email to adviser@OA466.org. |