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. 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.
History:
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. In 1948 the OA, recognized as the BSA's national brotherhood of honor campers, became an official part of the national camping program of the Boy Scouts of America.
Membership:
The OA has more than 176,000 members located in lodges affiliated with approximately 327 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 camping during the two years before his election. The 15 days and nights must include six
consecutive days (including 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. Scouts are elected to the Order by their fellow unit
members, following approval by the Scoutmaster or Varsity team Coach.
Induction:
The induction ceremony, called the Ordeal, is conducted at Scout camp and is the first step
toward full membership. During the experience, candidates will reflect upon their role in scouting and contemplate on Scouting's values.
Brotherhood Membership:
After 10 months of service and 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 OA.
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 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 Order of the Arrow lodge is granted a charter from the National Council, BSA, upon annual application by the local council. 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.
Sections:
An Order of the Arrow section consists of lodges within a geographic area of the region. Once every year, representatives of lodges in the section come together for a conclave to share in fellowship, skills, and training. All of the elected section chiefs form the conference committee for a national Order of the Arrow event, which is held under the guidance of the national Order of the Arrow Committee.
The regional chief is the youth leader of the region elected by the section chiefs for a term of office specified by the national Order of the Arrow Committee, which coincides with the term of national chief