The National Leadership Seminar (NLS) is a weekend conference focusing on the skills and characteristics of leadership. It is intended primarily to enhance the leadership skills of the Order of the Arrow’s key youth and adult members, as they seek to improve their service to the Scouting America and the greater community. The weekend format is designed to complement the longer, more detailed Wood Badge and Junior Leadership Training programs. NLS prepares Arrowmen to become better leaders both within and outside of the Scouting program. 

NLS Learning Outcomes:

By the end of NLS, learners will be able to:

1. Recognize their leadership abilities

2. Utilize self-awareness to show ethical leadership

3. Adapt to situations around you

4. Cultivate a mindset of resilience

5. Integrate a values-based framework into your leadership

6. Distinguish the strengths of others

7. Generate a renewed passion for service

Who should attend NLS?

It is recommended that youth participants be at least 15 years of age or a lodge officer. Completion of Lodge Leadership Development (LLD) 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 it is designed to be fun, the course challenges participants mentally as well. Participants should be developmentally, physically, and mentally prepared to actively engage 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.

2025 Dates and Locations -