The Program Registration Guide is a resource for lodge contingent leaders, delegates, staff, parents, and others interested in the training and program opportunities that will be available at the 2024 National Order of the Arrow Conference. This guide complements the NOAC 2024 Activities Catalog available through the National Order of the Arrow Registration System (NOAERS), which can be found here.
Between April 22 and May 17, delegate, staff, and contingent registration for conference program will open in NOAERS. Beginning April 22, delegates, staff, and contingent leaders need to individually log in to choose their activity preferences. This guide lists the conference program currently scheduled to be offered, and should be used as a reference as you choose your preferences on the registration website. If delegates wish to take part in any activity labeled a “contingent” activity, they should speak with their contingent leader, as delegates will be unable to register for these events themselves.
Featured Programs
ACES Village – Engage with some of the country’s leading conservation experts at the ACES Village. The village will feature conservation exhibitors from the local area and nationally such as Leave No Trace, Open Space and Mountain Parks, US Fish and Wildlife, US Forest Service and many more. The village hosts a variety of activities: come play in the dirty in our trail building sandbox, shoot some disc golf while learning the importance of low impact sports and test your scouting skills in the OA High Adventure area!
Boulder Bash – Boulder Bash is the ultimate celebration of camaraderie and community at NOAC! Our lineup of events promises something for everyone, from live musical entertainment to friendly yard games that will put your skills to the test. Join us as we pay tribute to our nation’s first responders and military with a heartfelt salute, honoring their service and sacrifice.
Elevate Festival – During the Friday of NOAC, delegates will become fully immersed at the Elevate Festival. The three features of the Elevate Festival include:
Experience – Whether it’s chowing down on some food from a food truck, jamming out at the silent disco, taking on a giant obstacle course, or just vibing in a chill tent, the options for fully immersing yourself in the final hours of NOAC will leave delegates with new experience and memories to take home.
Entertainment – Elevate festival will feature loads of entertainment including live music, special stage presentations, a mascot conga line, and special drops of Elevate-exclusive giveaways.
Exchange – Lodges will compete in multiple categories to see which Lodge brings the best booth. You are encouraged to feature your best practices, exciting activities, regional culture, lodge history, and unique experiences from their home area.
Shows – Come on out for our shows, taking place Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday night! Shows will be held in CU events center, and will be attended by thousands of your fellow Arrowmen. Don’t miss out on one of the biggest highlights of NOAC!
Section Gatherings – Immediately following the Boulder Bash, you will have the opportunity to engage in fellowship with Arrowmen from across your section!
And So Much More!
Program Categories
Athletics – Get ready to break a sweat and unleash your competitive spirit in our Athletics category, featuring a lineup of exhilarating sports and physical activities designed to challenge, energize, and foster teamwork among participants!
Recreation – Embark on unforgettable adventures and create lifelong memories in our Recreation category, where you can unwind, have fun, and connect with nature through a variety of exciting outdoor activities and leisure pursuits.
Special Receptions and Meals – Indulge in moments of camaraderie and celebration with our Special Receptions and Meals, where you can enjoy delicious cuisine, forge new friendships, hear from special guests, and connect with other NOAC delegates from across the nation.
Training – Sharpen your skills, expand your knowledge, and unlock your potential with our transformative trainings, featuring dynamic workshops, insightful seminars, and hands-on learning opportunities tailored to empower and equip you for success in your Scouting journey.
Other Program – Explore the unexpected and embrace the extraordinary in our eclectic Other category, offering unique experiences, surprises, and adventures that promise to ignite your curiosity and leave you inspired.
Open Program – Dive into a world of limitless possibilities with our open program sessions, where you can explore diverse topics, engage in interactive workshops, and discover new passions alongside fellow Arrowmen. Activities will include the Goodman Edison Observatory (GEO), Boulder Bash, the Elevate Festival, Trading Post, and more! Registration is not required for these events, but be sure to check them out at NOAC!
Program Registration FAQs
Q: How does program registration work?
A: Beginning April 22, delegates requested activities of interest in NOAERS and chose their activity preferences. The last day to make initial requests was May 17. In early July, delegates, staff, and contingent leaders were provided their conference schedules via NOAERS. Delegates are able to edit their throughout the duration of the conference.
Q: What is the difference between an individual activity and a contingent activity?
A: Individual activities are signed up by delegates themselves through their NOAERS Attendee Dashboard. Contingent activities are often team or leadership events that are limited to a certain number of people per contingent. Contingent activities must be signed up by the contingent leader through their contingent leader dashboard. Notify your contingent leader if you are interested in participating in a contingent activity.
Q: How many events should I put on my preference list?
A: It is recommended for each youth delegate to put eight training activities and five general activities on their preference list. Youth are required to put at least six training activities on their list. Adult delegates are required to put at least two training activities on their list. Be sure to reorder your preferences with the activity you are most interested in participating in at slot #1. Schedules have been fitted based on these preferences working from your #1 slot to the end of your list.
Q: What if I miss the program registration close date?
A: If a delegate did not express interest in any program by May 17, they will not have received an initial schedule in early July. However, they will be able to login to NOAERS after initial schedules are published and add any activity that has capacity remaining. Please note, with NOAC 2024 being sold out, we do not expect extra capacity available in July.
Q: When will schedules be released?
A: Schedule were released in the first week of July after the capacity of each program offering is finalized. All registered NOAC attendees were notified via email when activity schedules are available.
Q: What if I don’t like my schedule?
A: Activity requests are fulfilled based on availability, interest, and scheduling needs of the conference. Conference staff will do their best to match your requested schedule; however, it is possible that some activity requests may not be fulfilled. Throughout the conference, you have the ability to modify your schedule (drop or add activities) based on remaining session availability. Schedules will remain editable throughout during the conference.
Q: How much do the activities with a $ marker cost?
A: Each event with a cost will be listed with the specific cost in NOAERS. Current prices are listed on the activity catalog, but are subject to change.
Q: How do I pay for an event that has a cost?
A: When schedules were released in July, delegates enrolled in an activity with a cost was added to their dashboard in NOAERS. Delegates needed to pay these fees independently through NOAERS by July 19. If the fees were not paid by July 19, unpaid enrolled delegates and staff will be dropped from the activity. Contingent leaders and councils cannot pay for activity fees on behalf of their delegates.
Q: Do any activities require supplemental waivers?
A: There are some activities that require a secondary waiver outside of the general conference waivers and agreements. Delegates who are scheduled into these activities were notified via email of the additional requirement(s) and submission deadline(s). Any delegate who does not submit the required paperwork will be removed from the activity.
Q: I have questions about a specific program. Who do I contact?
A: Delegates should reach out to their contingent leader. Any contingent leader who has a question or receives a delegate question they cannot answer should contact their Contingent Concierge or concierge@oa-bsa.org