NOAC 2027
One week, one campus, and thousands of Arrowmen from every section in the country. The National Order of the Arrow Conference returns in 2027.
Order of the Arrow, Scouting America · NOAC 2024The largest gathering the Order holds
For one week, a university campus becomes the Order of the Arrow. Thousands of Arrowmen from every section in the country arrive as lodge contingents and spend the week training, competing, performing, trading, and meeting the people who will still be their friends decades later.
NOAC is youth-led in a way few events of its size are. The shows are written and staged by Arrowmen, the training is taught by Arrowmen, and the national officers elected at the conference lead the Order for the year that follows.
What the week holds
Six things happen at NOAC. Most Arrowmen come back talking about a different one.
Bob Black / Order of the Arrow, Scouting AmericaTraining
Dozens of tracks across leadership, ceremonies, lodge operations, American Indian affairs, and outdoor program — taught almost entirely by youth.
Order of the Arrow, Scouting America · NOAC 2024Evening shows
Arena-scale productions written, staged, and performed by Arrowmen. This is the thing first-timers do not expect and never forget.
Order of the Arrow, Scouting America · NOAC 2024Competitions
Ceremony evaluations, dance and regalia competition, and lodge-versus-lodge events that run all week.
Order of the Arrow, Scouting America · 2023 Operation ArrowPatch trading
The largest trading floor in Scouting. Bring your lodge’s issue and expect to spend hours here whether you planned to or not.
Order of the Arrow, Scouting America · 2026 National Planning MeetingNational elections
The Order elects its national youth officers at the conference. Delegates hear from candidates and vote as sections.
Order of the Arrow, Scouting America · NOAC 2024Fellowship
The reason most people go back. A week alongside Arrowmen from every corner of the country turns an honor into a network.
Roughly how it goes
Illustrative only — the published schedule governs.
How a Scout gets there
Frequently Asked Questions
Anything specific to cost or travel is set by your lodge contingent, not nationally.
Any member of the Order in good standing with their lodge, youth or adult. Contingents are led by adults but the trip is built around the youth members attending.
A conference fee plus travel, both set and collected by your lodge contingent rather than nationally. Lodges commonly run fundraising and offer assistance — ask early, because contingent budgets are set well in advance.
In university residence halls, with meals in campus dining facilities. Youth and adults are housed under Scouting America youth protection standards throughout.
Yes. Each contingent travels with trained adult leadership, and the conference operates under the same youth protection and health standards as any national Scouting event.
Long days, a lot of walking, and more Arrowmen in one place than most members ever see. Scouts who arrive knowing nobody outside their contingent generally leave with friends in several states.