Tokyo, Japan, has been selected to hold a National Leadership Seminar (NLS) and Developing Youth Leadership Conference (DYLC) from March 1-3, 2024. NLS is for youth AND adult OA Members, and the DYLC is for adult advisers. Further information about what you can expect is below.
National Leadership Seminar (NLS)
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 contract with themselves to apply the skills learned on projects in the lodge, council, and community. NLS prepares Arrowmen to become better leaders within and outside the Scouting program.
Who Should Attend?
Every Arrowman will benefit in some way from attending NLS. Youth participants should be at least 15 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 a leader’s skills. While fun, the course challenges participants mentally as well. Participants should be prepared developmentally, physically, and mentally to engage actively in an exhausting, invigorating weekend.
Developing Youth Leadership Conference (DYLC)
The Developing Youth Leadership Conference 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 by 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 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.