By Brant Portner

NOAC 2018 was an event filled with tradition and excitement. Each Arrowmen will take home tons of amazing memories and a lot more patches than they came with. However, this NOAC was a little different. The OA’s commitment to sustainability enabled this NOAC to be our first ever low-waste event. Across the conference, we were able to reduce food waste by serving portion sizes and using compostable plates, cups, and utensils at all the dining halls. We partnered with Indiana University’s Office of Sustainability to provide delegates with reusable water bottles that could be refilled in dining halls, campus buildings, and at outdoor water refill stations. Together, we diverted over 10 tons of waste from being put in landfills by reducing, reusing, and recycling.

Our positive impact was not only in reducing landfill waste, we also challenged delegates to reduce their energy and water usage in the residence halls. By turning off the lights, reducing water use, and more, Arrowmen were able to use less resources and help the university reduce utility costs. For the results of the challenge, please visitnoac2018.org/energychallenge.

In addition to waste, energy, and water, we provided educational opportunities via training sessions and information on sustainable DIY projects at the Sustainability Central booth in the NOAC Experience tent. Panel discussions featured speakers such as Robert Birkby, author of books such as the multiple editions of the Boy Scout Handbook and the Fieldbook, and Mike Hoffman, chairman of the national Order of the Arrow committee. There was also a tour of LEED certified Luddy Hall, where STEM@NOAC was located, where the University’s architect showcased the sustainable engineering and architecture of the building.

This is just the beginning of sustainability at NOAC, in the OA, and back at home. We heard over and over how the decisions we make today have an effect on the reality of our lives tomorrow and further into the future. By being conscious about how we live our lives in terms of using resources, reducing waste, and caring for our environment, our lives will be better in the future. We can decide our destiny by considering how our actions affect the future of our lives and the world around us.

The post First Ever Low-Waste NOAC Helps #SustainIU appeared first on NOAC 2018.

Arrowmen, parents, and visitors,

After five incredible days, the 2018 National Order of the Arrow Conference has finally come to a close. We’ve made new connections, reaffirmed old friendships, and explored how the choices we make every day will ultimately decide our destiny.

Innovation was a major focus of this NOAC, and the conference staff worked hard to plan and deliver new programs and approaches—including in the realm of communications. For the first time, those who couldn’t make it to NOAC in person had the opportunity to log into the website, access training sessions and other content, and participate in the conference experience as remote delegates. This year’s NOAC website also featured an improved schedule, a photo gallery, and a number of other new features to enhance the conference experience.

It’s safe to say that this is the most advanced conference website the Order of the Arrow has ever had, and the reason behind that can be found in the NOAC website staff—Matthew, Tristan, Jacob, Eric, Cam, Adam, and John—seven of the finest Arrowmen I’ve ever had the privilege of working with. They put in countless hours to build the website and keep it updated throughout the conference, oftentimes working straight through lunch or supper to build a necessary component or post an article for the Navigator. A special thanks goes to my adviser, Eric Silva, who was an invaluable resource and support during the eight months it takes to prepare and run a NOAC website. And I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the year round web team, who also worked hard to support the construction of the NOAC website (and many of whom served on the NOAC web team as well).

To put this in perspective, during the conference we had over 13,800 unique users access the NOAC site, for a total of over 86,600 page views. Nearly a thousand on-site and remote delegates logged into the site to access exclusive content. After the home page, the most commonly viewed pages were NOAC TV, the NOAC Weeklong Menu, Remote Delegates, and the Schedule, respectively. Finally, 70% of website views were on mobile devices, 25% on desktops, and 5% on tablets.

Throughout this week, we’ve explored how the choices we make will decide our destiny. Together, we’ve navigated the maze that led us to NOAC 2018; together, we now look forward to the journey that leads on from the conference.

What will your journey be?

Yours in Service,
Nathan Vick
NOAC 2018 Website Lead

The post Goodbye from the Web Team appeared first on NOAC 2018.

The National Order of the Arrow Committee is pleased to announce that the 2020 National Order of the Arrow Conference will be held at Michigan State University from August 3-8, 2020, in East Lansing, MI. MSU is home to three past NOACs including 2006, 2012, and the 2015 centennial conference. See you at MSU in 2020!

The post NOAC 2020! appeared first on NOAC 2018.

By Kyle Hoffmann

Our National Order of the Arrow Conference has come to a close. Each of us walks away from this week with memories we will keep forever, friends we will grow closer with, and a motivation to return to our home lodges to take them to new levels. While it’s impossible to experience everything NOAC has to offer in the time we are here, there were some aspects of the program particularly memorable for all of us.

One impossible-to-miss part of NOAC were the shows. Each of the four shows dazzled us in a different way, but hammered home a common theme of urging our brothers to rededicate themselves to Scouting’s values. From the ceremonial parts of Monday’s show, to Tuesday’s celebration of “keepers of the flame,” to Wednesday’s journey through The Vault, to Friday’s incredible theme show, everyone was entertained.

Training sessions revealed new perspectives on our favorite parts of the Order of the Arrow. Advisers learned how to better connect with youth. Youth learned how to better connect with all different facets of the OA – from ceremonies, to Brotherhood candidates, to one’s lodge executive committee. Arrowmen learned from training that will be brought back home to elevate their lodge’s program.

Now, remember when each region cheered so loud at the opening show it made the house shake? Well, on Thursday the four regions got together again at their respective region gatherings for even more fun. Lodges who won region-wide awards were recognized, as well as the lodges from each region that earned Exemplar status in ceremonies. The time set aside solely for interacting with other Arrowmen from one’s own region certainly made everyone’s time here even more cheerful.

Finally, the Wayfinder Festival gave every lodge the chance to put themselves on display for the rest of the country. Arrowmen were given a direct opportunity to network with those from different lodges and have one last celebration before heading home. All the music, goodies, and fellowship at the festival made it a hallmark of NOAC 2018.

The 2018 National Order of the Arrow Conference has been an incredible event, and we hope to see you at NOAC 2020 to make even more memories!

The post NOAC 2018 Recap appeared first on NOAC 2018.

In the summer of 2019, Arrowmen interested in technology and STEM related fields will have the opportunity to attend the Order of the Arrow’s premier technology experience, the 2019 OA Hackathon. Arrowmen will have opportunities to expand their own technical knowledge through various trainings and activities, as well as make connections with various technology industry employees. Additionally, Arrowmen will be collaborating to create solutions for lodge technology challenges across the nation. Whether you’re a first time Arrowman with an interest in technology or you have years of technology experience, this event will have something for you! If you’re interested in attending, stay tuned for more information to be released this fall.

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Alberto D. from Occoneechee Lodge went through the race at the 2017 National Scout Jamboree and was excited to complete it again this year. “It’s pretty tough, but if you’re in decent physical shape, you can make it,” said Alberto. Canon A., also from Occoneechee Lodge, was going through the race because “Alberto asked me to do it, but now that I’m here I kind of want to do it; not just to beat the course, but also to pass Alberto’s time.” When asked what he was looking forward to the most about the race, Canon said it was “getting to say that I did it.”

At the end of the course, Jeremiah F. from Colonneh Lodge said that he decided to try the course because “why not, you don’t have to complete it by a certain time, you can take it at your own time and give it your best shot.” Richard L. from Amangi Nacha Lodge, who had just completed the race, said that he gave it a try because “it seemed really fun.” Both Jeremiah and Richard said the hardest point in the race was where it required delegates to climb a rope and ring a bell. Both finishers said it was a challenging, yet rewarding experience and would recommend the race to anyone who would be willing to step up to take the challenge. “It’s tons of fun…I’m wiped, but it was a lot of fun,” Richard said at the end of the race.

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The first-ever week-long summit for Scouting Historians, jointly sponsored by the Order of the Arrow and the National Scouting Museum, will be held at Philmont Scout Ranch from June 9 – 15, 2019. Participants will immerse themselves in the Rules, Tools, & Strategies for capturing and preserving Scouting’s rich heritage. Scouting Historian experts will guide Scouts and Scouters in a variety of essential topics including:

• Archival & Preservation Best Practices
• Digital & Physical Preservation
• Preservation Strategic Planning
• Developing Scouting History Websites
• Conducting Living Histories and Interviews
• Exhibiting & Displaying Scouting Memorabilia
• Publishing Scouting History Books
• Historical Narrative Storytelling
• Preserving your Council and Lodge History
• Scouting Art Preservation
• Advanced Management of Collections

Space is limited with only 100 seats available. To register, visit www.Philmonttrainingcenter.org, select “2019 Conferences” from the left-side menu and follow the prompts to register for the National Scouting Historian Summit. If you have any questions, please email Lodge_History@oa-bsa.org.

The post The National Scouting Historian Summit appeared first on NOAC 2018.

Meet Arrowmen from Black Eagle Lodge 482 of the Transatlantic Council. They represent 200 units with 6,000 Scouts from 62 countries in Europe, Africa and the Middle East. The majority of their units are spread throughout European military bases, U.S. embassies, and U.S. companies in Russia, Germany, the United Kingdom, Belgium, France, and Italy. Their most distant Scout is a Lone Scout in South Africa and their most distant troop is from Abu Dhabi, UAE.

90% of the members of the Transatlantic Council are connected to U.S. military families. Military families are required to move often on assignments which last anywhere from one to three years. They learn to make new friends quickly. A transient life puts a different perspective on normal and Scouting provides a comfort level and familiarity they depend on.

Michael P. is an Eagle Scout from Kaiserslautern, Germany. “Being a military kid is like being a Scout, you arrive set up, camp, then move on,” said Micahel. His mom is a school nurse for the DODEA and dad serves in the U.S. Army. Michael started his Scouting in South Korea, was inducted in Gila Lodge (TX), completed his Brotherhood with Wipala Wiki Lodge (AZ), and is currently a Vigil candidate in Germany.

“Boy Scouts is the only constant factor in my life,” shared Bannon M., an Eagle Scout. He joined as a Bear Cub Scout and was inducted into Occoneechee Lodge (NC), he sealed his membership with Lowanne Nimat Lodge (NY), and kept his Vigil in Amangamek Wipit Lodge (DC). His parents are attached to the NATO forces in Italy, where he currently resides and will start college next year.

Skylor M. is an Ordeal member and a Life Scout. Skylor joined Scouting in Texas as a Tiger Cub and earned his Arrow of Light in Florida before he crossed over, but the majority of his Scouting experiences have been in Germany. Skylor helped clean the 4,399 headstone crosses at the Florence American Military Cemetery in Italy as an Ordeal candidate. Shawn is a brotherhood member and has been involved in Scouting in Washington, D.C., Colorado, England, Italy, and Germany.

Tom Backner, their Lodge Adviser, served for 30 years in the U.S. Air Force, the last 4 with NATO, and has served in eight different councils. His wife was a volunteer with the Boy Scouts in Okinawa when they met. “She was looking for someone with the same values that would be a role model for her two sons,” Tom stated proudly. He staffed NYLT and earned his woodbadge at Gilwell Field in England.

Being part of Black Eagle Lodge and the Transatlantic Council has given these delegates some worldly experiences. Keep in mind they may have to travel to another country or continent before you protest driving across a state border or the few hours to get to a service weekend.

No matter where their families assignment may take them, whether home or abroad, these Arrowmen can count on their Brothers and fellow Scouts to keep them connected and feeling at home. When they return, these brothers are hoping their experiences at NOAC 2018 will help them motivate other Black Eagle Lodge members to make the trip in 2020.

If you, your family, or someone you know in the Order of the Arrow is moving to a different country – and wants to stay involved – visit the Transatlantic Council website, http://tac-bsa.org/programs/oa/.

The post Eagles “Flying” Far and Wide appeared first on NOAC 2018.

The World Scout Jamboree is an event that brings together the world’s youth to promote peace, mutual understanding, and to develop leadership and life skills and will feature the hallmarks of past world jamboree programs such as the Global Development Village, the World Scout Centre, a special sustainability initiative, and the socialization elements that allow participants to make lifelong friends from around the world.

The Summit Bechtel Reserve is a world-class and sustainable Jamboree site and will be home to the 24th World Scout Jamboree. The Summit Bechtel Reserve is located in West Virginia, USA, and is comprised of more than 14,000 acres of beautiful forested mountains adjacent to more than 70,000 acres of national park in the scenic New River Gorge area of West Virginia. Sustainable practices will be evident everywhere you look, as they are at the core of the Summit Bechtel Reserves infrastructure, and sustainability will be a core part of the World Scout Jamboree program.

The 24th World Scout Jamboree will be unique because it is a team effort by Scouts Canada, Asociación de Scouts de México, and the Boy Scouts of America. These three countries are getting ready to welcome Scouting friends as family to “Unlock a New World.” Unlike any other youth event, the World Scout Jamboree invites you to surround yourself in diverse global cultures by joining your new Scouting friends at a single destination for 12 unforgettable days. The jamboree experience extends beyond your home—and beyond the boundaries of our countries—to create a global adventure lasting a lifetime!

Scouts have two amazing opportunities to join the staff of the World Scout Jamboree as part of our Rover Brigade and provide service in support of the 50,000 scouts from over 160 countries we will be hosting. The Rover Brigade is composed of two teams, the Puma Patrol and the Baden-Powell Corps. For additional information, visit here.

To learn more about the Boy Scouts of America contingent to the 2019 World Scout Jamboree, visit here and the World Scout Jamboree website here.

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THREE TEAMS ACHIEVE EXEMPLAR STATUS AT NOAC 2018!

This past May, teams from all over the nation submitted their ceremonies work on video, reaching towards the extremely high standards demanded of the Order of the Arrow Exemplar and Honor teams.

The new Exemplar Recognition program challenged ceremonialists to “Decide their Destiny” and serve as role models for their brothers nationwide. It required significant preparation in advance by the teams, who aimed for letter-perfect memorization and excellence in seven ceremonies skills. Once the videos were all in, 25 evaluators conducted over 75 reviews and produced over 100 pages of feedback on the ceremonies.

Out of almost 300 lodges, only four teams were selected to deliver their ceremony at NOAC 2018. As with Honor Teams, Exemplar status is only granted at NOAC itself. It is not earned through the video submission, and the teams must maintain and even improve their standard to earn an Exemplar rating in their NOAC evaluation. Three of the finalist teams earned Exemplar status here in Bloomington, in the first year of this new program!

All four finalists delivered their ceremonies in front of an audience of around 160 attendees and allowed the audience to remain during their evaluation. Their courage and cheerful service helped inspire and train the many attendees who watched their ceremonies and the subsequent feedback from expert evaluators.

One of the finalists, Illinek Lodge, also earned a National Honor Team rating in the process, improving dramatically over their video submission. Eric H. portrayed Allowat Sakima, Louis C. portrayed Meteu, Ryan N. portrayed Nutiket, and Glen G. portrayed Kichkinet. We also want to extend thanks to their adviser, Brian Denney.

The three other finalist teams recognized as National Exemplars have truly risen to the challenge. They demonstrated their commitment to consistency, excellence, and service by performing repeatedly at high levels against challenging national standards, both in their videos and live demonstration at NOAC. Our Exemplars will serve as national role models, with video and commentary provided on the ICE Portal as a national training aid for teams across the country.

The 2018 NOAC Exemplar Teams are:

From O-Shot-Caw Lodge, demonstrating their Pre-Ordeal ceremony:
Allowat Sakima – Jordan B-R.
Meteu – Arturo F.
Nutiket – Nicolas V.
Kichkinet – Tyler S.
Adviser, Jeff Robinson.

From Tutelo Lodge, demonstrating their Pre-Ordeal ceremony:
Allowat Sakima – Jacob R.
Meteu – Ben M.
Nutiket – Riley M.
Kichkinet – Sam B.
Adviser – Gary Harvey.

From Uh-Tō-Yeh-Hut-Tee Lodge: demonstrating their Brotherhood ceremony:
Allowat Sakima – Thomas D.