Gaining membership in the Order of the Arrow (OA), Scouting's National Honor Society, involves meeting specific eligibility criteria and participating in a unique induction process focused on service, cheerful service, leadership, and camping.
Eligibility for OA Membership
To be considered for membership in the Order of the Arrow, a Scout must first meet several fundamental requirements, ensuring they are actively engaged in the Scouting program and exemplify its ideals.
Key Membership Requirements
The following table summarizes the primary requirements for youth membership in the OA:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| BSA Registration | Must be a currently registered member of the Boy Scouts of America. |
| Camping Experience | The youth must have experienced 15 nights of Scout BSA camping while registered with a troop or team within the two years immediately prior to the election. This includes resident camp, troop/team campouts, and high adventure. |
| Scout Rank | Must hold the rank of First Class Scout or higher. |
- Adult Leaders: Adults (21 years of age or older) who meet the camping requirements may also be selected. Their selection is based on their ability to exemplify the Scout Oath and Law, and their role in providing a positive example for the youth members of the OA. Adults cannot nominate themselves and must be selected by the unit committee.
The OA Unit Election Process
Once a Scout meets the eligibility requirements, the next step is the unit election.
- Troop or Team Vote: Eligible youth members of a Scout BSA troop or Venturing team hold an election. During this election, candidates are nominated based on their adherence to the Scout Oath and Law, their active participation, and their display of cheerful service.
- Secret Ballot: The election is conducted by a representative from the local OA lodge, and members vote by secret ballot. Only youth members of the troop or team are eligible to vote.
- Majority Vote: To be elected, a candidate must receive a majority of the votes cast by the youth members present.
The Ordeal: The Induction Process
Being elected is just the first step. Those elected must then complete the Ordeal, which is the induction into the Order of the Arrow.
- A Weekend of Self-Discovery: The Ordeal is a weekend experience, typically held at a Scout camp, where candidates reflect on their commitment to Scouting's ideals. It involves a series of challenges that include:
- Solitude: Periods of silent reflection.
- Manual Labor: Contributing to camp improvements through service projects.
- Limited Food: Simple meals to promote humility and appreciation.
- Sleeping Apart: Spending a night sleeping alone outdoors.
- Symbolic Journey: The Ordeal is a symbolic journey that represents the challenges and growth Scouts undertake, emphasizing self-reliance, service, and the core values of the OA. Upon successful completion, candidates become members of the OA.
Embracing Brotherhood Membership
After completing the Ordeal, members are encouraged to seal their membership by achieving Brotherhood membership. This is an optional, but highly encouraged, step that typically occurs 6-10 months after the Ordeal.
- Deeper Understanding: Brotherhood membership offers an opportunity for members to gain a deeper understanding of the OA's purpose and traditions through further service, reflection, and an understanding of the Obligation.
- Commitment to Service: It signifies a heightened commitment to the ideals of the Order and continued cheerful service to Scouting.
The Spirit of the OA: Service and Leadership
Membership in the Order of the Arrow is not merely an honor; it is an ongoing commitment to service and leadership within Scouting. OA members are expected to:
- Promote Camping: Encourage and support long-term camping.
- Serve Units: Provide service to their individual Scout units.
- Develop Leaders: Help develop the character and leadership abilities of Scouts.
- Live the Scout Oath and Law: Exemplify these principles in their daily lives.
The OA provides numerous opportunities for leadership development, service projects at council and district levels, and fosters lifelong friendships among Scouts who share a common bond of service. For more details, visit the official Scouts BSA Order of the Arrow page.
