Hello Everyone,

First of all, I would like to say that I am thrilled to have the opportunity to be working with you this coming year as your Section Chief. I hope that, with constant communication, I am able to serve you to the best of my ability.

This summer, the Order of the Arrow is hosting an exciting event, the National Conservation and Leadership Summit. The event will take place from July 28, 2007 through August 1, 2007 at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana. This summit has a twofold purpose. The first purpose is to train key site leadership and squad leaders for the 2008 ArrowCorps5 (pronounced Arrow Corp Five). The second purpose of NCLS is to introduce the 2008-2012 Order of the Arrow Strategic Plan to key leaders of lodges and sections.

The event is open to <strong>ALL </strong>Order of the Arrow members and I would like to <strong>HIGHLY </strong>encourage each lodge to send at least one representative to the summit! You do not have to be a lodge leader or vigil to attend; anybody and everybody can come to NCLS this summer.

Luckily, National has chosen to get rid of the late fee for this event. All participants will be required to pay a $295 fee and arrange their own transportation. I would like to encourage lodges to help Arrowmen cover this expense by offering financial support. The deadline to sign-up is the end of June, so <strong>sign-up now</strong>!

I know it may be difficult to send lodge members after the expenses of NOAC last year, but NCLS is sure to be worth the trip. Any financial support lodges can offer to help Section NE-1B have a huge outcome at NCLS would be outstanding. This event will provide the tools for your lodge to have great success in the future and it is surely worth the expense

As lodge leaders, I would like to challenge you to sign-up for NCLS right now, but if you cannot, please encourage others to do so. Send an email to a lodge group, make a phone call or two, and just get the word out. Anything you guys can do to get participation in your lodges’ would greatly appreciated!

Please give me a call or send me an email with any questions or concerns regarding NCLS. Also if you ever need to contact me for any other reason, I am always available.

For more information on NCLS please visit the website: http://event.oa-bsa.org/events/ncls07/.

Thanks,

Greg Burke
NE-1B Section Chief