The NOAC 2018 Trading Post invites delegates to pick up a neckerchief for Scout Scarf Day! On Wednesday, August 1, all past and present Scouting members are asked to wear a Scouting neckerchief or scarf.

NOAC 2018 neckerchiefs are only $15, but for this very special day, NOAC 2015 neckerchiefs will be $1.00 – which is a deal!

Remember, there is a limited quantity of items left, so stop by the Trading Post located at the Indiana Memorial Union Alumni Hall.

The post Join in Scout Scarf Day on August 1, 2018 appeared first on NOAC 2018.

By Kevin Clipper

Michael Kipp serves as the 2018 national vice chief for the Order of the Arrow. Kipp is an Eagle Scout, and Vigil Honor member of Sakima Lodge. Previously, Michael served as section chief for C-6A, and is a recipient of the Founder’s Award. Michael is a strategy and organizational management major at Purdue University and plans to pursue a career in human resources management.

When asked about his most significant experience in Scouting, Kipp turned to time he spent on the trail at Philmont Scout Ranch with the OA Trail crew.  “Encountering challenges and then working together as a crew to overcome them was something special,” he said. “Not only did it force us to work closer together, it proved to us we were able to achieve whatever we put our minds to. Having attended Philmont previously with a troop, it was amazing to get to revisit everything I loved about the ranch and experience it in a whole new way.”

Kipp values the opportunities as national vice chief. “I’ve made a lot of great friends throughout my time in the OA,” Kipp explained. “Serving as the national vice chief this year has given me the opportunity to reconnect with so many people I otherwise wouldn’t see. Most importantly, it has allowed me to continue making even more friendships with even more people. Seeing so many of them together at this national conference is truly special.”

Kipp’s thoughts for the week ahead elaborated that he wants Arrowmen not only to bring the experiences from the conference home with them, but take action on them.  “This week is going to be a lot of fun and it could all just going to turn into a distant memory if we don’t do something with this experience when we get back,” said Kipp. “We have to choose to apply the skills we’ve learned this week and engage in the leadership of our lodges and chapters. If we don’t, Scouts just like yourself might miss out on phenomenal experience and opportunities like NOAC down the road,” he added.

Meet National Chief Anthony Peluso in this article!

The post National Vice Chief Interview appeared first on NOAC 2018.

Bright and early Monday morning, NOAC staff members were hard at work putting the finishing touches on what will be the most innovative NOAC ever. Planning for this event began just as NOAC 2015 came to a close three years ago, and now it’s showtime!

The first contingent arrived before most of the staff started breakfast. All the way from San Francisco, 6 youth and 3 adults from Achewon Nimat Lodge ended their long journey around 6:00 a.m. when their shuttle dropped them off at the Foster Quadrangle. They were exhausted and fatigued, but nonetheless excited to be here. These delegates left San Francisco on July 23rd, taking both Amtrak and Greyhound across the country to get to NOAC. They reported the worst part of their journey was when their train ran out of garden salads and they were forced to eat $8.00 microwavable cheeseburgers. The delegates from Achewon Nimat Lodge spent a couple of days touring Chicago before making the final push to Indiana University. They are now checked-in and ready for an exciting week!

Agaming Maangogwan from Michigan and Lo La’Qam Geela from Oregon both arrived at Wright Quadrangle at the same time and were psyched to go through the check-in process and start exploring the conference. The Arrowmen from Michigan are most excited about participating in the Spartan Race and patch trading, while the delegates from Oregon are looking forward to participating in the ceremonies competitions. Like these two lodges, most contingents are anticipating the many adventures and activities to be had at NOAC 2018.

All NOAC activities are now in full swing. Seek is taking both delegates and staff by storm. The Arrowman to meet the most people through Seek will win a grand prize at the end of the week, and delegates are already racking up points in the hopes of earning other rewards. Make sure to stay current with the Seek leaderboard to track your progress and see which badges you’ve earned!

Much like Seek, patch trading is also making its way onto the grounds of Indiana University. Lodges throughout our Order have created some amazing patches and patch sets reflecting their creativity and local style. Patch Trading Monitors and designated trading areas will give delegates a pleasant and safe experience while engaging in the popular pastime.

All of these activities, and many more will enable Arrowmen of all ages to decide their destiny at NOAC and beyond.

The post NOAC Arrival Day Coverage appeared first on NOAC 2018.

Dear Arrowmen,

Life is defined by our choices: what you do with your hours, who you associate yourself with, the decisions you make, the life you choose to live. Decisions like these are unavoidable — yet, they aren’t something to be scared of. This week, we’re challenging you to Decide Your Destiny, to take ownership of your life, and to make choices that better those around you.

When I was first asked to decide my destiny, I couldn’t help but think about my initial steps into the Order of the Arrow. I was hesitant to get involved, to put myself out there, to really make a difference. I saw how the older Arrowmen had the ability to impact and influence those they worked with and how dedicated leaders seemed to boost the energy and drive of everyone around them. This inspired and pushed me to make positive change however I could, wherever I was.

This year at NOAC, try something new. Go forth toward new adventures and don’t be afraid of what you might find along the way. Remember that you are not alone. Nearly 7,000 brothers are here to share ideas, meet new friends, and build upon the legacy of previous generations. Go to exciting training and challenge yourselves to try new experiences, and most importantly meet new people. It is within each Arrowman’s control to shape their future through the decisions they make. This week, embrace the control you have over your own future. Blaze a new trail, Decide Your Destiny, and, most importantly, enjoy the 33rd National Order of the Arrow Conference.

Yours in Brotherhood,

Anthony Peluso
National Chief

The post Welcome to NOAC 2018 appeared first on NOAC 2018.

By Kevin Clipper

Welcome to the 2018 National Order of the Arrow Conference at Indiana University! After traveling to Bloomington, IN via planes, trains, and automobiles, your conference experience begins.

Check out the many activities happening around campus this afternoon. Stop by Adventure Central or the Conservation Village. Recreation activities include open swim, log rolling, cup stacking, patch trading, and the Spartan Race. Make a visit over to the Willkie Quadrangle for the grand opening of the Goodman Edson Observatory, which tells the story of the Order’s heritage through displays, memorabilia, and exclusive programming. For times and locations, check out the official NOAC schedule via the conference app.

Visit the American Indian Dance Staff Exhibition located outside the Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

This evening, The Opening Show: Decisions will be at the Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall. Doors will open at 7:15 p.m. and the show will begin at 8:00 p.m. Bring your shows ticket wi