The Order of the Arrow

The Order of the Arrow

The Order of the Arrow (OA), which celebrated its 100^th anniversary in 2015, recognizes Scouts and Scouters who best exemplify the Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives. This recognition provides encouragement for others to live these ideals as well. Arrowmen are known for maintaining camping traditions and spirit, promoting year-round and long term resident camping, and providing cheerful service to others. OA service, activities, adventures, and training for youth and adults are models of quality leadership development and programming that enrich and help to extend Scouting to America’s youth.

A Scout cannot simply choose to be a member of the Order of the Arrow. As Scouting’s National Honor Society youth must qualify, be chosen by their peers, and prove their willingness to exemplify cheerful service to others within Scouting and the community.

The Election Process

To qualify as a member of the Order of the Arrow a Scout must hold the First Class rank or above, have experienced 15 days and nights of camping during the two year period prior to the election, participate in Troop activities, adhere to the Scout Oath and Law, and have the approval of their Troop leader.

Qualified Scouts are then chosen by vote of the youth in their Troop. Voters select the candidate(s) they feel have set the best example of brotherhood, cheerfulness, and service – and believe will continue in unselfish service - or turn in a blank ballot if they feel that no one is worthy. All eligible youth who receive votes from at least 50 percent of those who turn in ballots are elected.

Once elected, a scout remains a candidate until completion of the Ordeal and Ordeal Ceremony held by the Lodge. (If the period of candidacy exceeds one year, his name is dropped, and he must re-qualify and be re-elected.)

The Election Process

To qualify as a member of the Order of the Arrow a Scout must hold the First Class rank or above, have experienced 15 days and nights of camping during the two year period prior to the election, participate in Troop activities, adhere to the Scout Oath and Law, and have the approval of their Troop leader.

Qualified Scouts are then chosen by vote of the youth in their Troop. Voters select the candidate(s) they feel have set the best example of brotherhood, cheerfulness, and service – and believe will continue in unselfish service - or turn in a blank ballot if they feel that no one is worthy. All eligible youth who receive votes from at least 50 percent of those who turn in ballots are elected.

Once elected, a scout remains a candidate until completion of the Ordeal and Ordeal Ceremony held by the Lodge. (If the period of candidacy exceeds one year, his name is dropped, and he must re-qualify and be re-elected.)

The Ordeal

The purpose of the Ordeal is to have the candidate reflect on their own Scout life and character and come to a deeper understanding of the Scout Oath and the principles of the Order. The Ordeal is a series of tests to prove sincere dedication to the principles of the Order of the Arrow. Once qualified, the candidate is accepted as a member in a colorful Ceremony.

Ordeal Member

As an Ordeal Member, a Scout will be provided ample opportunity to increase their knowledge of the Arrow and make it work for them. By striving to fulfill their Obligation, they will provide the higher vision of Brotherhood, Cheerfulness and Service to their fellow Scouts. [Ordeal Members wear the sash with the red embroidered arrow.]

Jump Start for Arrowmen is a good site for those Scouts who have been inducted into the Order of the Arrow to learn more. http://jumpstart.oa-bsa.org/

Brotherhood Member

After at least 10 months of active service to their Troop as an Ordeal Member, an Arrowman will be eligible to seal their membership in the Brotherhood Ceremony. There are five challenges that must be met to show that the Arrowman has learned about the ideals of the Order and made those ideals a part of their life. Once accomplished they may enter the Circle of the Brotherhood, which marks the completion of their induction into the Order of the Arrow. [Brotherhood Members wear the sash with a red embroidered arrow enclosed by two red bars.]

Vigil Member

The Vigil Honor is the highest honor that the Order of the Arrow can bestow. It is a mark of distinction and recognition reserved for those Arrowmen who, by reason of exceptional service, personal effort, and unselfish interest, have made distinguished contributions beyond the immediate responsibilities of their position or office to the Order of the Arrow, Scouting and/or their Scout camp. After at least two years of Brotherhood membership, a member may be recommended for the Vigil Honor. Members of the Order can be inducted into the Vigil Honor only with written approval of the National Order of the Arrow Committee. [Vigil Members wear the sash with a red embroidered arrow enclosed by two red bars, bearing a red triangle superimposed on the arrow shaft – within the red triangle are three white arrows.]

OA Troop Representative

The OA Troop Rep maintains an effective relationship between his Troop and his Lodge and Chapter. He provides communication and is the program link to both Arrowmen and nonmembers in the Troop, making sure they are aware of chapter and lodge news and activities. He also coordinates OA Elections, teaches Scout skills, promotes Scout camping and spirit, sets the example, and encourages Arrowmen in the Troop to be active in the Order by becoming Brotherhood members. The OA Rep is appointed by the Senior Patrol Leader with the approval of the Scoutmaster, and is a recognized position of responsibility.

Adult Members

The Troop Committee may recommend adults to become members of the Order of the Arrow. The adult must have demonstrated abilities that fulfill the purpose of the Order. In addition, the same camping requirements set forth for youth members must also be fulfilled by the adult for them to be considered. The Lodge’s adult selection committee and the Scout Executive must approve all recommendations.

OA Troop Representative Adviser

The OA Troop Representative Adviser is an adult that actively coaches and mentors the OA Troop Representative, and facilitates the OA Troop Representative's performance of his responsibilities so that he may succeed in his role as the communications and program link between his troop and his lodge and chapter. In addition, the OA Troop Representative Adviser seeks to include OA ideals and activities in the program of the troop. By setting a good example, the OA Troop Representative Adviser enhances the image of OA as a service arm of the troop.

Chapter and Lodge

With the change to districts in 2018, the OA chapters have also changed. Troop 22 Order of the Arrow members are part of the Lemhee-Yekchi Chapter (previously it was the Ayochatta Chapter) and Tipisa Lodge. To check out more about what our Lodge is doing, see Chapter Newsletters, and register for Lodge Events, please visit their web pages.

Lemhee-Yekchi Chapter: https://www.lemheeyekchi.com

Tipisa Lodge: https://tipisa.org/ and on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/tipisa

Section S-4: http://www.sections4.org/

To learn more about the Order of the Arrow, please visit their web site: http://www.oa-bsa.org/