What is the National Leadership Seminar?
The National Leadership Seminar (NLS) is a weekend conference focused on the skills and attributes of leadership. The program enhances the leadership skills of the Order of the Arrow’s key youth and adult members as they seek to improve their services to the Boy Scouts of America and the greater community. The weekend format complements the longer, more detailed Junior Leadership Training program (for youth) and Wood Badge program (for adults). During the seminar, participants make a contract with themselves to apply the skills learned on projects in the lodge, council, and community. NLS prepares Arrowmen to become better leaders both within and outside of the Scouting program.
Who Should Attend?
Every Arrowman will benefit in some way from attending NLS. Youth participants should be at least 15 years of age or a lodge officer. Completion of a Lodge Leadership Development (LLD) course is desirable. The seminar is an intensive experience in learning about the nature of leadership and practicing some of the skills that a leader uses. While fun, the course challenges participants mentally as well. Participants should be developmentally, physically, and mentally prepared to engage actively in an exhausting, invigorating weekend.
How Do I Attend?
The NLS program is offered several times a year at various locations in each region. Scheduled dates are given on the National OA Program Calendar, and more detailed information is available from your lodge leaders, the Section Chief or Adviser, or the Region Chief or Region Chair.
If you are interested in attending an NLS, please contact your Lodge Chief or Adviser for registration information or visit registration.oa-bsa.org.
NLS and DYLC Dates and Locations
- March 17-19 – St. Louis, MO
- March 24-26 – Minneapolis, MN
- March 30 – April 2 – Boise, ID
- September (TBD) – Phoenix, AZ
- November (TBD) – Dallas, TX