About Us

Read below, to learn about the history, purpose, and traditions of the Order of the Arrow.

History

The Order of the Arrow (OA) is the National Honor Society of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). Founded in 1915 by Dr. E. Urner Goodman and Carroll A. Edson, the OA was created to recognize Scouts and Scouters who best exemplify the Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives. The organization was inspired by the traditions of the Lenni Lenape Native American tribe, integrating their customs and values to create a unique brotherhood of cheerful service.

The Order of the Arrow promotes camping, responsible outdoor adventure, and environmental stewardship as essential components of Scouting. Over the years, it has grown to include thousands of members across the United States, all dedicated to service and leadership in their communities and the Scouting movement.

Purpose

The Order of the Arrow serves four primary purposes:

  1. Recognize those who best exemplify the Scout Oath and Law: Members of the OA are chosen for their commitment to these principles.
  2. Promote camping and outdoor adventure: Encouraging Scouts to embrace the outdoors and understand the importance of conservation and environmental stewardship.
  3. Develop leaders: Providing opportunities for personal and leadership development through service and fellowship.
  4. Crystallize the Scout habit of helpfulness into a life purpose of leadership in cheerful service to others: Inspiring members to become lifelong advocates for community service.

Traditions

The Order of the Arrow is steeped in rich traditions that emphasize brotherhood, cheerfulness, and service. These traditions include ceremonial inductions, unique handshakes, and distinctive regalia, such as the OA sash and lodge-specific patches. The organization’s ceremonies are designed to inspire and educate members about the values and history of the OA, fostering a sense of unity and purpose.

The OA also holds regular events, such as Conclaves and National Order of the Arrow Conferences (NOAC), where members gather to share experiences, learn new skills, and strengthen the bonds of brotherhood.

Eligibility

To become a member of the Order of the Arrow, a Scout must:

  • Be a registered member of the Boy Scouts of America.
  • Have experienced 15 nights of camping while registered with a troop, team, ship, or crew within the two years prior to election. This must include one, but no more than one, long-term camp consisting of at least six consecutive nights of camping, and must be completed under the auspices and standards of the Boy Scouts of America.
  • Hold the First Class rank of the BSA.
  • Be elected by the youth members of their troop.

Induction

The induction process into the Order of the Arrow is called the Ordeal. It involves a series of challenges designed to test a candidate’s commitment to the principles of the OA and to foster personal growth and understanding of the values of brotherhood, cheerfulness, and service.

Candidates participate in the Ordeal as a way to reflect on their dedication to the Scout Oath and Law, as well as their willingness to serve others. The Ordeal includes tasks that emphasize silence, physical effort, and solitary reflection, culminating in a ceremony that formally welcomes them into the Order.

After successfully completing the Ordeal, new members are encouraged to continue their journey in the OA by participating in service projects, leadership opportunities, and fellowship events, furthering their commitment to cheerful service and the principles of the Order of the Arrow.