Wiatava, Cahuilla, Tiwahe, and Navajo Lodges descended on Iowa State University August 1st along with six thousand other arrowmen to partake in the biggest Order of the Arrow gathering in 2004. NOAC provides lodges from across the nation to partake in high-quality activities, including the Goodman games, scuba diving, Native American Dance, and much more. This year Section W4B brought one of the largest contingents in it's history, with over 200 people!

The theme of the 2004 NOAC was Chosen to serve, Inspired to Lead. Throughout the conference the National OA Conference Committee provided inspiration to lead scouts and scouters into the future of our program. In closing the National Chief, Jeff Hayward commented about the importance of taking the NOAC back home and share what our brotherhood is all about and teach others about servant leadership.

At the conference, the National OA Committee also revealed its plan to open a new high adventure program in the Southern Region, at the National Sea Base, in Key West Florida. The OA Ocean Adventure program is scheduled to open in the summer of 2005 and spaces are filling up fast because of the popular demand.

Overall the experience was amazing and everyone is looking forward to the 2006 NOAC which will be held at Michigan State University. Read More!

Within the next two months, the site for the 2005 Section W4B Conclave will be announced, but the planning has already begun! Your CVC's and Lodge Chiefs have been working diligently to plan this years Conclave, which will include more exciting training, many new events, and brotherhood amongst all four lodges in our section. Keep checking w4b.org for up to the minute information on Conclave 2005 planning!

If you are a youth or adviser interested in being part of the planning and execution of the 2003 Section W4B Conclave, we would like to hear from you!

The Order of the Arrow, in cooperation with the Florida Sea Base is offering you an opportunity to cheerfully serve the greatest ecosystem on our planet; the ocean. Under the direction of the National Marine Sanctuary and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), experienced Florida Sea Base staff with strong Order of the Arrow backgrounds will lead participants on a two week scuba diving adventure in the beautiful waters of the Florida Keys.

The program is a 13 day experience in which participants will have the opportunity to explore and serve the undersea world. One-half of the Ocean Adventure program will be PADI SCUBA training and certification, which will be held at the Florida Sea Base. The remaining portion of the program will focus on rendering cheerful service to the ocean marine life and coral reefs of the Florida Keys.

PADI SCUBA certification requires a significant amount of independent study, which will need to be completed prior to arrival at the Florida Sea Base. The service will consist of a variety of projects, as defined by the National Marine Sanctuary and NOAA, some of which will be underwater cleaning or monitoring projects. In addition to SCUBA certification and undersea service, participants will strengthen leadership skills, learn more about marine environments, strengthen understanding of the Order of the Arrow, and explore the history of the beautiful Florida Keys.