Training Opportunities
Chapter Officer Training (COT)
Chapter Officer Training is a foundational development experience specifically for chapter leaders, such as the chapter chief, vice chiefs, secretary, and treasurer. This program delivers essential training in leadership, team-building, and effective communication, empowering youth officers to serve their chapters confidently. Interactive sessions focus on setting goals, programming exciting chapter events, managing budgets, and fostering membership engagement, all while upholding the values of the Order of the Arrow.
Beyond practical skills, COT is a catalyst for unity and vision within the chapter. It encourages officers to share best practices, learn from one another, and cultivate a positive chapter culture. By providing clear role expectations and offering strategies for successful planning and execution, Chapter Officer Training helps youth leaders thrive, and in turn, energize the entire chapter experience.
COT aims to be held in or around November, after chapter elections have concluded.
Chapter Officer Training (COT)
Chapter Officer Training is a foundational development experience specifically for chapter leaders, such as the chapter chief, vice chiefs, secretary, and treasurer. This program delivers essential training in leadership, team-building, and effective communication, empowering youth officers to serve their chapters confidently. Interactive sessions focus on setting goals, programming exciting chapter events, managing budgets, and fostering membership engagement, all while upholding the values of the Order of the Arrow.
Beyond practical skills, COT is a catalyst for unity and vision within the chapter. It encourages officers to share best practices, learn from one another, and cultivate a positive chapter culture. By providing clear role expectations and offering strategies for successful planning and execution, Chapter Officer Training helps youth leaders thrive, and in turn, energize the entire chapter experience.
COT aims to be held in or around November, after chapter elections have concluded.
Lodge Leadership Development (LLD)
Lodge Leadership Development is a locally delivered training program designed to equip current and future lodge and chapter leaders with the skills they need to serve effectively. Each lodge customizes its LLD course to address local goals and challenges, offering sessions on communication, event planning, team dynamics, and living the values of the Order of the Arrow. The program is typically held annually and serves as a key opportunity to build unity, inspire service, and prepare officers, committee chairs, and advisers for the year ahead.
LLD isn’t just about learning how to run a lodge. It’s about developing servant leaders who can create meaningful experiences for their fellow Arrowmen. Whether you’re a newly elected officer or a seasoned adviser, LLD helps strengthen your ability to lead with purpose and support the lodge’s mission.
LLD is usually held the 2nd week of February.
Section G6: Foundations
Section G6’s Foundations Conference is a weekend training event aimed at empowering chapter and lodge leaders across the Gateway Region. Previously known as “ACT” (Adapt, Collaborate, Thrive) until 2025, Foundations retains that same spirit by helping attendees adapt to new challenges, collaborate across lodges, and set up thriving programs. Led by Arrowmen from each lodge, attendees engage in interactive workshops, discussions, and hands-on activities tailored to key leadership roles like inductions, unit elections, and event planning.
Foundations is designed for all Arrowmen serving in chapter or lodge leadership, whether youth or adult, who seek to elevate their lodge’s impact and effectiveness. Beyond learning practical tools for promotion, recruitment, and operations, participants build relationships with peers across the section, share innovative solutions, and return to their lodges ready to grow membership, strengthen service, and elevate the OA experience locally.
National Leadership Seminar (NLS)
The National Leadership Seminar is a high-impact weekend retreat designed to elevate the leadership capabilities of both youth and adult Arrowmen. Structured to complement programs like National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) and Wood Badge, NLS emphasizes self-discovery, goal-setting, resilience, and values-based decision-making. Participants leave with practical leadership tools and make a personal commitment to apply these skills to meaningful service projects within their lodge, council, and broader community.
Developing Youth Leadership Conference (DYLC)
The Developing Youth Leadership Conference is tailored for adult advisers and emphasizes the art of cultivating youth leadership. This weekend event focuses on coaching techniques such as fostering growth mindsets, resilience, constructive feedback, and mentorship. While prior NLS attendance is encouraged, DYLC stands on its own as a powerful platform for adults to learn how to guide and empower the next generation of lodge and chapter leaders.