Purpose
The purpose of the Order of the Arrow is fourfold:
- To recognize those Scout campers who best exemplify the
Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives and by such
recognition cause other campers to conduct themselves in
such a manner as to warrant recognition
- To develop and maintain camping traditions and spirit
- To promote Scout camping, which reaches its greatest
effectiveness as a part of the unit's camping program, both
year-round and in the summer camp, as directed by the local
council's camping committee
- To crystallize the Scout habit of helpfulness into a
life purpose of leadership in cheerful service to others
Order of the Arrow founders E. Urner Goodman, left, and
Carroll A. Edson |
History
The Order of the Arrow was founded by Dr. E. Urner Goodman
and Carroll A. Edson in 1915 at the Treasure Island Camp of the
BSA's Philadelphia Council. It became an official program
experiment in 1922 and was approved as part of the Scouting
program in 1934. In 1948, the OA, recognized as the BSA's
national brotherhood of honor campers, became an official part
of the Boy Scouts of America.
In 1998, the Order of the Arrow was recognized as Scouting's
National Honor Society when it expanded its reach beyond camping
to include a greater focus on leadership development, membership
extension, adventurous programming, and broader service to
Scouting and the community. Today, its service, activities,
adventures, and training for youth and adults are models of
quality leadership development and programming that enrich,
support, and help extend Scouting to America's youth.
Membership
The OA has more than 180,000 members located in lodges
affiliated with more than 300 BSA local councils.
Eligibility
To become a member, a youth must be a registered member of a
Boy Scout troop or Varsity Scout team and hold First Class rank.
The youth must have experienced 15 days and nights of Boy Scout
camping during the two-year period prior to the election. The 15
days and nights must include one, but no more than one,
long-term camp consisting of six consecutive days and five
nights of resident camping, approved and under the auspices and
standards of the Boy Scouts of America. The balance of the
camping must be overnight, weekend, or other short-term camps.
Following approval by the Scoutmaster or Varsity team Coach,
Scouts are elected to seek membership in the Order by their
fellow unit members. Then, after completing an Ordeal
experience, they become members of the Order of the Arrow.
Adult selection is based on the ability to perform the
necessary functions to help the Order fulfill its purpose, and
is not for recognition. Selected adult Scouters must be an asset
to the Order because of demonstrated abilities and provide a
positive role model for the youth members of the lodge.
Induction
The induction process, called the Ordeal, is the first step
toward full membership in the Order. During the experience,
candidates maintain silence, work on camp improvement projects,
and sleep apart from other campers. The candidate is expected to
use this time to strengthen his involvement in the unit and
encourage Scout camping.
|
Ordeal
member |
Year |
| C. Hale |
2007 |
| K. Jeffrey |
2008 |
| B. Johnson |
2009 |
| E. Moss |
2009 |
| L. Johnson |
2010 |
| D. Johnston |
2010 |
| M. Price |
2010 |
| Mr. Fred
Wilson |
2010 |
| W. Frost |
2011 |
| Mr. Scott
Price |
2011 |
| |
|
Brotherhood Membership
After 10 months of service as an Ordeal member and after
fulfilling certain requirements, a member may take part in the
Brotherhood ceremony, which places further emphasis on the
ideals of Scouting and the Order. Completion of this ceremony
signifies full membership in the Order.
|
Brotherhood
member |
Year |
| Mr. Chris Brown |
2005 |
| Mr. Jim Kelly |
2006 |
| Mr. Jack Scott |
2007 |
| S. Adams |
2008 |
| A. Kelly |
2008 |
| E. Scott |
2008 |
| H. Brooks |
2009 |
| J. Edmunds |
2009 |
| Mr. Robert
Johnson |
2009 |
| Mr. Daniel Truelove |
2009 |
| Mr. Ken
Truelove |
2009 |
| Mr. Jerry
Brooks |
2010 |
| L. Tremblay |
2010 |
| S. Truelove |
2010 |
| T. Wilson |
2010 |
| |
|
Vigil Honor
After two years of service as a Brotherhood member, and with
the approval of the National Order of the Arrow Committee, a
Scout or Scouter may be recognized with the Vigil Honor for
outstanding service to Scouting, his lodge, and the community.
This honor is bestowed by special selection and is limited to
one person for every 50 members registered with the lodge each
year.
Lodges
Each local Boy Scout council is encouraged to have an Order
of the Arrow lodge. The OA lodge helps the local council provide
a quality Scouting program through recognition of Scouting
spirit and performance, development of youth leadership and
service, promotion of Scout camping and outdoor programs, and
enhancement of membership tenure.
