Muscogee Lodge #116 has the opportunity to have a delegation to participate in the National Leadership Seminar (NLS) and Developing Youth Leadership Conference (DYLC) from January 26-28, 2024. Even more exciting is that our lodge will be providing service to this event as it will be held right in Columbia, SC at the Double Tree by Hilton Hotel on Broad River Road.

What to Expect:

• National Leadership Seminar (NLS): The 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. 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.

  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.

• Developing Youth Leadership Conference (DYLC): The DYLC will deepen an adviser’s capacity to develop youth leadership within the lodge and chapter. Conference topics will include fostering a growth mindset, promoting resilience, providing constructive feedback that leads to changes in youth behavior and creating a life-long coaching/mentoring relationship. Conference participants will gain insights necessary to successfully coach youth applying the leadership skills they gained during the National Leadership Seminar.

  The Developing Youth Leadership Conference will move us beyond lodge mechanics and operations to establishing a lodge and chapter culture that grows youth who are capable of establishing goals, building teams, and guiding the lodge’s work to achieve within the Performance Measurement Program. Prior participation in the National Leadership Seminar is encouraged, but not required.

How Much:

• $225 which includes program cost, food, and lodging (Muscogee Lodge Financial Assistance is available for this event. Click here for information).

When to Come / How to get there:

• Registration begins at 6:00 pm and the event is scheduled to begin at 8:00 pm. The seminars will conclude at 1:15 pm on Sunday afternoon.
• Location: Double Tree by Hilton, 2100 Bush River Road, Columbia, SC 29210.

Important Details:

• Participation in NLS or DYLC must be approved by the Lodge Adviser and Council Scout Executive. If for some reason you are not approved or there are no remaining slots available, you will receive a full refund.
• Provide a current, complete, and signed BSA Medical Form (Part A & B – no doctor signature required). A BSA Medical Form is valid for 12 months from the date it was signed.
• Dinner is NOT provided Friday night. Please eat before you arrive, bring a bag dinner, or if traveling with the group bring money for a stop along the way.
• There may be opportunities for being a participant or to provide service to Arrowmen who attend from throughout the region. If you are interested in providing service, please contact adviser@muscogeelodge.org.

What to Bring:

• Personal toiletries
• Medications (if applicable) - Inform those in charge of check-in on Friday night if you have prescribed medications.
• Pen and notepaper
• Spending money for the OA trading post and religious service offering
• Full BSA field uniform with OA sash
• Laptop, tablet, or another smart device
• Scout Activity Uniform (Scout T-Shirt, Polo, etc)
• Change of clothes
• Great attitude

Registration Notes:

• To be fully registered, you must complete registration through this site AND the National Order of the Arrow Event Registration System (NOAERS). If you have not done so already, you must go to the NOAERS event site to complete your registration.
• OA event registrations requires the use of your BSA Member ID. If you are unsure of your number, please visit my.Scouting or the OA Member Portal.
• If you have issues registering, contact info@muscogeelodge.org for assistance.