National Order of the Arrow Conference


The National Order of the Arrow Conference is a multi-day event where Order of the Arrow delegates from all lodges gather for training and activities. NOAC usually takes place on a university campus in the United States. NOACs are held every two years, with exceptions made to align the event with significant scouting anniversaries.

History

The first NOAC was held in 1948 at Indiana University Bloomington. They have occurred every two years since, with a few exceptions. NOAC 2008 was moved to 2009 in order for NOAC 2014 to align with the OA’s centennial in 2015. Similarly, deferrals from 1960 to 1961 and from 1985 to 1986 aligned the schedule with the OA's 50th and 75th anniversaries in 1965 and 1990, respectively. The 2020 conference also had to be delayed to 2022 due to COVID-19, with Arrowmen up to age 23 allowed to attend instead of 21.
The organization’s Distinguished Service Award is presented at NOAC.

Previous National Events

Grand Lodge Meeting

In 1927, the decision was made to hold regional meetings in alternate years to national Grand Lodge Meetings. The Grand Lodge Meeting was delayed from 1935 to 1936 to avoid a conflict with the planned 1935 National Jamboree. In 1936, the event name was changed to National Lodge Meeting.

Table of National OA Events

  • NCLS = National Conservation and Leadership Summit
  • TOAP = The Outdoor Adventure Place