The National Order of the Arrow Conference (NOAC) is the premier event of the Order of the Arrow and is Scouting’s second-largest national event. Arrowmen from across our nation gather both in person and virtually for an inspirational and unforgettable experience full of fellowship, training, adventure, and fun!
Register online: Alamo Area Council NOAC Event
- When: Sunday, July 28 to Sunday, August 4 (including travel days)
- Where: University of Colorado Boulder
- Cost: $1,200
- Youth Leader: Madison Smith (assisted by Alex Ortiz)
- Adult Leader: Penny Ludy (assisted by Steve Ortiz, advised by Selynda Noland)
- Email: noac@ainatopahutsi.org
- More Information: NOAC 2024 Order of the Arrow BSA
Frequently Asked Questions
What will participants do at NOAC?
During NOAC, Arrowmen will participate in a six-day conference that includes top-notch training sessions, cool recreational opportunities, evening shows full of theatrics and special effects, and exciting programs. An Activity Schedule with specific individual and group activities will be made available in the spring.
Who is eligible to attend?
Any currently registered and active member of the Boy Scouts of America and the Order of the Arrow. Attendance requires the review and approval of your local Scout executive or their designee.
How are we traveling?
It will depend on the number of registered participants. Currently, we expect to rent 15-passenger vans, but if we have more participants register, a bus may become cost effective. We will stop to spend the night near Amarillo, Texas and are currently seeking a scout-friendly church in the area to stay but may choose a hotel if none are available.
Can we travel separately?
We would like to travel together as much as possible, but recognize some families may also be traveling and prefer to drop-off in Boulder. Please speak with the contingent leaders to coordinate this on a case-by-case basis.
Where will participants sleep at NOAC?
Participants will stay in one of several residence halls. To see what dorm rooms look like, see UC Housing Photos.
What is the food situation?
Meals will be provided during travel to Boulder as part of the registration cost. While at NOAC, we will eat at the CU dining facilities. Participants may bring snacks or purchase snacks along the way or on campus. We should be able to support specific dietary needs, but please coordinate with contingent leaders so we can plan accordingly.
What does the registration fee cover?
It includes the conference fee, travel expenses, and contingent merchandise. The goal is to break even, so the better we can do on travel expenses, the more swag we can afford to give each participant.
What is contingent merchandise?
We plan to provide each participant with a contingent shirt and custom lodge flap, and are firming up plans for additional items (activity backpack, additional shirts, name tags, patches). The goal of contingent merchandise is to foster a sense of identity, and we look forward to working with our scouts to foster their merchandise ideas. Please contact contingent leaders if you would like to help design, source, or share ideas regarding contingent merchandise. Additional shirts and patches may also be available for purchase separately.
How can I pay?
The event page includes payment details, including payment plans and minimum downpayment. There is a Trailblazer Scholarship you can apply for, but please note it must be submitted by January 31. Fundraising is also available. Council Adventure Cards can be sold and 50% of each sale will go to the scout to help pay for NOAC. Any and all other fundraising ideas will be considered if volunteers are available to step up and help to organize them. Please speak with contingent leaders if you are interested in additional fundraising opportunities.
What about cancellations or refunds?
The Standard registration fee of $675 is refundable, minus a $100.00 deposit, until June 28, or it can be transferred between delegates within the same contingent. Travel fees are also refundable until June 28th. Contingent fees are non-refundable if merchandise has been ordered prior to the cancellation notice.
Is NOAC like National Jamboree?
Both are large national BSA events held periodically, but NOAC is specifically for members of the Order of the Arrow, while National Jamboree is open to all Scouts. Both offer opportunities for scouts to meet others from around the country, to participate in fun activities and classes, to trade patches. At NOAC, scouts sleep in dorm rooms and enjoy a campus setting instead of sleeping in tents and a more outdoorsy setting. NOAC includes more frequent shows, and an emphasis on leadership. Both offer a one-of-a-kind experience for participants!