Information about the Order of the Arrow
The Order of the Arrow is Scouting's National Honor Society. 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
To develop and maintain camping traditions and spirit
To promote Scout camping
To crystallize the Scout habit of helpfulness into a life purpose of leadership in cheerful service to others.
The Order of the Arrow (OA) was founded by Dr. E. Urner Goodman and Carroll A. Edson in 1915 at the Treasure Island Camp of the Philadelphia Council, Boy Scouts of America. It became an official program experiment in 1922 and was approved as part of the Scouting program in 1934.
New Members and Parents
To become a member in the Order of the Arrow a scout must hold the First Class rank, have experienced fifteen days and nights of Boy Scout camping during the past two-years and be elected by their fellow Scouts.
Adults (21 or older) who are registered in the BSA and meet the camping requirements may be selected following nomination to the lodge adult selection committee. Adult selection is not for recognition of service but is based on their ability to provide a positive example and help the Order fulfill its purpose.
Following the election and call out, Scouts can attend an induction ceremony called the Ordeal. This is the first step toward full membership. During the experience, candidates maintain silence, work on camp improvement projects, and are required to sleep apart from other campers. The entire experience is designed to teach significant values.
The Jumpstart website is the best resource to learn more about the Order of the Arrow and will help answer many of your questions. The site requires a password that can be found in your Order of the Arrow handbook.
As a parent of an Order of the Arrow member we appreciate your support. While many organizations have specific commitments for every member, the Order of the Arrow is unique because it offers each Scout a multitude of opportunities to serve, and your son can tailor his involvement accordingly.
The Order of the Arrow is Scouting's National Honor Society. 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
To develop and maintain camping traditions and spirit
To promote Scout camping
To crystallize the Scout habit of helpfulness into a life purpose of leadership in cheerful service to others.
The Order of the Arrow (OA) was founded by Dr. E. Urner Goodman and Carroll A. Edson in 1915 at the Treasure Island Camp of the Philadelphia Council, Boy Scouts of America. It became an official program experiment in 1922 and was approved as part of the Scouting program in 1934.
New Members and Parents
To become a member in the Order of the Arrow a scout must hold the First Class rank, have experienced fifteen days and nights of Boy Scout camping during the past two-years and be elected by their fellow Scouts.
Adults (21 or older) who are registered in the BSA and meet the camping requirements may be selected following nomination to the lodge adult selection committee. Adult selection is not for recognition of service but is based on their ability to provide a positive example and help the Order fulfill its purpose.
Following the election and call out, Scouts can attend an induction ceremony called the Ordeal. This is the first step toward full membership. During the experience, candidates maintain silence, work on camp improvement projects, and are required to sleep apart from other campers. The entire experience is designed to teach significant values.
The Jumpstart website is the best resource to learn more about the Order of the Arrow and will help answer many of your questions. The site requires a password that can be found in your Order of the Arrow handbook.
As a parent of an Order of the Arrow member we appreciate your support. While many organizations have specific commitments for every member, the Order of the Arrow is unique because it offers each Scout a multitude of opportunities to serve, and your son can tailor his involvement accordingly.