If you’ve seen Scouts with a white sash and red arrow or heard about those secretive Order of the Arrow ceremonies, you might wonder what it means and how it fits into Scouting. This article offers a straightforward explanation of the Order of the Arrow, its purpose, and how Scouts can join.
Get ready to learn the history, purpose, and structure of OA, how membership works, and what makes the group stand out in Scouting. Whether you’re a Scout aiming for OA, a parent, or a leader, you’ll find practical information about the OA to understand the honor and responsibility that come with it.
What Is the Order of the Arrow?
The Order of the Arrow (OA) is essentially Scouting America’s national honor society. Founded in 1915, OA recognizes Scouts and Scouters who best live out the Scout Oath and Law in their everyday lives. Membership in the Order of the Arrow is based on peer recognition. Your fellow Scouts elect you based on how well you live the Scout Oath and Law during camping experiences.
To be eligible for OA election, you must be a registered member of Scouting America, hold at least First Class rank (or equivalent in Venturing/Sea Scouts), and have completed 15 nights of Scout camping, including one long-term camp experience. Youth members must be under 21 at the time of election. The camping requirement ensures that potential members have demonstrated their commitment to one of Scouting’s core methods over an extended period.
OA members focus on four main areas:
- Recognize those who exemplify the Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives and, through that recognition, cause others to act in the same way.
- Reinforce a life purpose of leadership in cheerful service to others.
- Create and deliver peer-led, adult-guided, advanced leadership experiences for Scouts and Scouters that positively impact their unit, community, and ultimately our nation.
- Be an integral part of Scouting America and encourage participation in all it offers through units, outdoor adventures, and national events to further the Scouting experience.
The organization is known for its distinctive white sash with a red arrow, its youth-led structure, and its commitment to service. Members are organized into local lodges, which plan activities, service projects, and ceremonies throughout the year. Each lodge serves one or more Scout councils and operates with significant autonomy in planning programs that meet local needs.
For Scouts interested in learning more about OA’s ceremonies, traditions, and member experiences, watching educational content can provide valuable context before considering membership or participating in elections.
The Order Of The Arrow’s Core Values
The foundation of OA is built on brotherhood, cheerfulness, and service. These values guide everything OA does, from welcoming new members through the Ordeal ceremony to leading community service projects that benefit both Scouting and the broader community. Brotherhood emphasizes the bonds formed through shared Scouting experiences. Cheerfulness reflects the positive attitude members bring to challenges and service opportunities. Service represents the commitment to help others without expectation of reward.
OA members are expected to set an example for other Scouts and help strengthen Scouting in their local communities. This responsibility is about living Scout values daily and stepping into leadership roles that help Scouting programs thrive. The peer nomination process reinforces these expectations, as Scouts elect those they genuinely respect and want to follow.
Many Scouts discover that OA’s emphasis on cheerful service creates unique opportunities to develop leadership skills in situations that mirror real-world challenges. OA leadership requires motivating and organizing others, often without formal authority. Arrowmen learn to lead by influence, which is a useful skill inside and outside Scouting.
A Brief History of Order of the Arrow
The Order of the Arrow began in 1915 at Treasure Island Camp near Philadelphia, created by Dr. E. Urner Goodman and Carroll A. Edson. These two young leaders faced a challenge that many Scout camps still wrestle with today: how to recognize and encourage Scouts who truly live out Scouting’s ideals in their actions and attitudes. Their solution was to create an honor society that would identify these exemplary campers through peer recognition.
Goodman and Edson designed OA ceremonies inspired by American Indian traditions, understanding that meaningful rituals create lasting memories and stronger commitment to values. The ceremonies blended pageantry with carefully crafted experiences, challenging new members and helping them understand the weight of the honor they were receiving. This approach worked because it treated young people as capable of serious commitment rather than needing constant entertainment.
The Order of the Arrow grew quickly as other camps saw its effectiveness in building camp spirit and recognizing quality leadership. By 1934, OA had gained official recognition from the Boy Scouts of America, becoming an integral part of the national Scouting program. By 1934, OA received official national recognition from the Boy Scouts of America, confirming that the program aligned with Scouting’s goals of service and leadership.
The organization reached full integration into Scouting’s national camping program by 1948. This milestone meant OA became woven into the fabric of Scouting at camps across the country, becoming an essential part of the experience. Today, OA has over 150,000 members across more than 290 local councils, making it one of the largest youth-led honor societies in the country.
| Year | Milestone | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1915 | OA Founded | Treasure Island Camp, Philadelphia |
| 1934 | Official BSA Recognition | OA becomes part of BSA’s national program |
| 1948 | Full Integration | OA fully integrated into national camping program |
| Present | Over 150,000 Members | 290+ local councils, nationwide lodges |
What makes OA’s history particularly significant is how its founding principles have remained consistent for over a century. The use of peer nomination for membership has helped keep its standards high and its traditions strong throughout decades of change in Scouting. When your fellow Scouts choose you for OA membership, it carries weight because they know your character and commitment firsthand. When fellow Scouts nominate someone, they’re choosing a peer they trust and respect, which keeps the program focused on character.
The longevity of OA’s approach proves that young people respond well to high expectations when those expectations are paired with meaningful recognition and real responsibility. OA has maintained a high standard of peer-nominated membership, helping preserve its values and purpose over the decades.
How OA Membership Works
The Order of the Arrow operates on a foundation of peer recognition and earned respect. Unlike other Scouting programs where you can simply sign up, OA membership requires meeting specific requirements and being chosen by fellow Scouts who know your character firsthand.
Who Can Join?
OA membership is open to Scouts and adult Scouters who meet specific requirements. For youth members, you must be a registered member of a Scouts BSA troop, Venturing crew, or Sea Scout ship and hold the First Class rank or higher. The camping requirement is particularly important: you need at least 15 nights of camping within the two years immediately prior to your election.
Adults can join through a different path. Unit leadership can nominate adult Scouters who demonstrate exceptional service and embody Scouting’s values. These nominations recognize adults who go above and beyond in supporting youth development and the Scouting program.
The camping nights must be official Scout camping experiences, including troop campouts, summer camp, high adventure trips, and other council-approved activities. Day camps and family camping trips don’t count toward this requirement. Keep track of your camping nights in your Scout handbook or a separate log to ensure you meet this threshold.
The Selection Process
OA candidates are nominated and elected by the youth members of their troop or crew. This peer selection process is a core tradition that has remained unchanged since 1915. Your fellow Scouts evaluate whether you consistently demonstrate Scout spirit, camping skills, and leadership potential.
The election process typically happens during a troop meeting or campout. Youth members discuss potential candidates privately, considering their camping experience, leadership abilities, and adherence to the Scout Oath and Law. Only registered youth members can vote, and the process is designed to be fair and confidential.
Once elected, candidates participate in an induction ceremony called the Ordeal. This experience tests your commitment to service and the OA’s values through meaningful challenges and ceremonies. The Ordeal typically takes place over a weekend at a council camp or similar outdoor setting.
| Step | Description | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Meet Requirements | First Class rank, 15 camping nights, active membership | Ongoing |
| Peer Election | Youth members vote on candidates during unit meeting | Annual or biannual |
| Ordeal Induction | Weekend ceremony testing commitment to service | Within 6 months of election |
| Full Membership | Complete Ordeal requirements and ceremony | End of Ordeal weekend |
Scouts who prepare for the Ordeal by learning about OA’s history and values often find the experience more meaningful and rewarding. Read about the organization’s founding principles, understand the significance of the ceremonies, and reflect on what service means to you personally. This preparation helps you approach the Ordeal with the right mindset rather than simply trying to get through it.
The beauty of OA’s selection process lies in its authenticity. Your peers choose you based on real interactions and observed behavior, not applications or interviews. The best preparation for OA membership is consistently living the Scout Oath and Law in your daily Scouting activities.
It’s perfectly normal for elections to take more than one attempt. Use any disappointment as motivation to continue growing as a Scout and leader. Many outstanding Arrowmen were elected after their second or third opportunity, having used the time to develop stronger camping skills and demonstrate greater leadership.
OA Organization and Traditions
The Order of the Arrow operates through a well-structured system that puts youth leadership at the center of everything. Each lodge connects to a local Scouting America council, creating a network that spans the entire country. This structure allows OA members to participate in both local service projects and national gatherings while maintaining the personal connections that make the experience meaningful.
Lodge leadership is entirely youth-driven. Elected officers including the lodge chief, vice chief, secretary, and treasurer plan and execute all major activities. These positions give Scouts real responsibility for budgets, event planning, and leading their peers. The lodge chief, in particular, serves as the primary leader for hundreds of Arrowmen, making decisions that affect the entire lodge’s direction and success.
OA ceremonies incorporate American Indian themes as a way to honor tradition and create a sense of belonging among members. These ceremonies are designed to be meaningful experiences that connect Arrowmen to the values of service, leadership, and brotherhood. The ceremonial aspects help create a shared identity that extends beyond individual troops or crews.
Key OA Traditions That Define the Experience
The OA sash serves as the most recognizable symbol of membership. The white sash with its distinctive red arrow is worn at all OA events and ceremonies, creating an immediate visual connection between Arrowmen regardless of their home lodge. The sash represents the three levels of OA membership: Ordeal members wear the basic white sash with red arrow, Brotherhood members add a red bar, and Vigil Honor members wear a special sash with additional markings.
Lodge totems give each lodge its unique identity. These symbols, often featuring animals or natural elements significant to the local area, appear on patches, ceremonial items, and lodge materials. Your lodge totem becomes part of your Scouting identity, connecting you to the specific history and character of your region. Many Arrowmen develop strong loyalty to their lodge totem and the traditions it represents.
Annual events form the backbone of OA activity throughout the year. Most lodges host four to five major events, including service weekends where members work on camp improvement projects, fellowship gatherings that combine fun activities with leadership training, and ceremonial events for new members. These gatherings provide opportunities for Arrowmen to camp without their regular units, take on leadership roles, and build friendships across troop boundaries.
Service weekends often focus on improving Scout camps through trail maintenance, facility repairs, and conservation projects. These events demonstrate the OA’s commitment to preserving the outdoor spaces that make Scouting possible. Fellowship events typically include activities like competitions, training sessions, and social time that strengthens the bonds between lodge members.
To see how these traditions come together in practice, the video below shows what happens behind the scenes at OA lodge events and service projects.
The video “5 Most Asked Questions About the Order of the Arrow” explains key facts about Scouting America’s national honor society, including its founding in 1915 to recognize Scouts who exemplify cheerful service, its mission to promote leadership and fellowship, and eligibility requirements like 15 nights of camping and rank-specific approvals. It outlines OA’s seasonal events that provide Scouts with leadership opportunities beyond their troop and explains how these experiences help retain older Scouts by keeping them engaged. In fact, over 80% of Eagle Scouts are OA members.
The traditions and organizational structure of OA work together to create an environment where Scouts can develop leadership skills they won’t find anywhere else. Youth officers make real decisions about budgets, event planning, and lodge direction. This responsibility prepares Arrowmen for leadership roles in their home units and in their communities after Scouting.
Understanding these traditions helps new members appreciate why the OA has remained relevant for nearly a century. The combination of meaningful ceremony, practical service, and youth leadership creates an experience that builds character while serving the broader Scouting community.
The Purpose and Impact of OA
The Order of the Arrow serves as Scouting America’s honor society with a clear mission: to achieve the mission of Scouting America through transformative fellowship that ignites limitless Scouting journeys. As of 2024, the OA mission is: “To achieve the mission of Scouting America through transformative fellowship that ignites limitless Scouting journeys.
The OA’s purpose centers on three core pillars that shape everything the organization does. First, it recognizes and honors Scouts who demonstrate exceptional character and leadership in their units. Second, it promotes camping, outdoor adventure, and environmental stewardship through hands-on service projects and conservation efforts. Third, it develops leaders through meaningful service opportunities that teach Scouts how to lead by example rather than by authority.
Leadership development stands as one of the OA’s most significant contributions to Scouting. The organization provides leadership opportunities found nowhere else in the program, especially for older Scouts who are ready for advanced challenges. Youth members take on roles as lodge officers, chapter chiefs, and ceremony team leaders, gaining real-world experience in planning events, managing budgets, and leading their peers. These positions teach Scouts that effective leadership is rooted in serving others—a principle that stays with them into adulthood.
The impact of OA membership extends far beyond individual development. OA members often become the backbone of their units, taking on senior leadership positions and setting the standard for younger Scouts to follow. They lead by example during troop meetings, on camping trips, and during service projects, demonstrating what it means to live the Scout Oath and Law daily. This influence creates a positive cycle where strong OA members inspire others to strive for excellence.
Service projects represent the most visible way the OA makes a difference in communities and camps across the nation. Lodge members regularly organize conservation projects at Scout camps, building trails, restoring habitats, and maintaining facilities that benefit thousands of Scouts each year. These projects teach environmental stewardship while providing tangible improvements to the places where Scouts learn and grow.
Community service extends beyond camp boundaries as OA members tackle local needs through organized projects.Whether cleaning waterways, supporting food banks, or assisting with disaster relief, Arrowmen learn that service makes a real difference in people’s lives. These experiences build character while teaching Scouts practical skills in project management and teamwork.
The lifelong friendships and brotherhood formed through OA membership create networks that support Scouts throughout their lives. The shared experiences of induction ceremonies, service weekends, and lodge events forge bonds that extend well beyond the Scouting years. Many adult leaders point to their OA experience as foundational in developing their commitment to service and leadership.
This practical approach to leadership development helps Scouts understand that making a difference requires more than good intentions; it demands consistent action and a willingness to serve others without expecting recognition. OA teaches that leadership is service. Members learn to take action and create positive results without seeking credit.
The true impact of the Order of the Arrow is seen in the character it builds in young people, as well as in the service they give and the projects they complete. OA members carry the lessons of cheerful service and principled leadership into their schools, workplaces, and communities, multiplying the organization’s positive influence far beyond the boundaries of Scouting itself.
Quick Takeaways
- The Order of the Arrow is Scouting America’s honor society, designed to recognize Scouts who best exemplify the Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives. This organization focuses on three core pillars: service to others, leadership development, and preserving camping traditions that have shaped Scouting for generations.
- Membership is something you earn through effort and commitment. Scouts become eligible through peer nomination by their fellow troop members, followed by an induction ceremony called the Ordeal. This process ensures that only those who truly demonstrate Scout values and leadership potential join the organization. The peer nomination system means your fellow Scouts, who know your character best, choose you based on your actions and example.
- The Order of the Arrow operates as a youth-led organization with over 150,000 members nationwide. According to the Order of the Arrow’s official website, this represents approximately one-seventh of all registered Scouts and adult leaders. Youth members hold leadership positions at every level, from local lodges to the national organization, giving them real responsibility and decision-making authority.
- OA members serve as examples and strengthen Scouting in their home units and communities. They lead service projects, help run major Scouting events, and support camping programs that benefit thousands of Scouts each year. The 2024 OA Impact Report shows that nearly 100,000 active members contributed significant volunteer hours to projects ranging from trail maintenance to disaster relief.
- The organization provides leadership opportunities found nowhere else in Scouting, especially for older Scouts who want to develop their skills beyond their home troop. Members learn to plan large-scale events, manage budgets, coordinate with adult advisors, and inspire other Scouts through their service and dedication.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Order of the Arrow?
The Order of the Arrow serves as Scouting America’s National Honor Society, recognizing Scouts who consistently live by the Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives. The organization focuses on three main purposes: promoting camping and outdoor adventure programs, developing youth leadership through meaningful service opportunities, and preserving Scouting traditions that strengthen local units.
OA members become the backbone of many Scouting activities in their councils and districts. They help staff summer camps, organize service projects that benefit both Scouting and the broader community, and mentor younger Scouts who are working toward their own leadership goals. The honor society creates a network of dedicated Scouts who understand that true leadership means serving others first.
How do you become a member of OA?
Becoming an Order of the Arrow member requires meeting specific requirements and earning recognition from your peers. You must be a registered member of Scouting America, hold the First Class rank (or equivalent), and have completed at least 15 nights of Scout camping while registered with your troop, crew, or ship. Additionally, you need approval from your unit leader, who confirms that you exemplify the Scout Oath and Law.
The election process happens within your unit, where fellow Scouts vote for candidates they believe best represent Scouting’s ideals. This peer nomination system ensures that OA members are chosen by the Scouts who know them best. After election, new members complete an Ordeal induction ceremony that tests their commitment to service and introduces them to OA traditions.
The camping requirement highlights your commitment to one of Scouting’s core activities. Those 15 nights show you’ve embraced the outdoor program and understand why camping builds character, leadership, and practical skills that last a lifetime.
What do OA members do?
Order of the Arrow members take on significant service roles that directly strengthen Scouting programs in their communities. They organize and lead service projects ranging from trail maintenance and conservation work to community improvement initiatives that benefit everyone. Many OA members serve as staff at Scout camps, where they teach skills, lead activities, and help create positive experiences for younger Scouts.
During district and council events, OA members often handle logistics, registration, and program support that makes large Scouting gatherings possible. They might coordinate flag ceremonies, assist with advancement boards of review, or help train new Scout leaders. The key principle is that OA members lead by example, showing other Scouts what dedicated service looks like in practice.
The honor society also maintains its own lodge meetings and activities, where members plan service projects, participate in training sessions, and build the leadership skills they’ll use throughout their Scouting careers. These experiences prepare them for greater responsibilities both within Scouting and in their future careers and communities.
Why do OA ceremonies use American Indian themes?
The Order of the Arrow incorporates American Indian-styled traditions and ceremonies to create meaningful, memorable experiences that honor the spirit of brotherhood and service. These ceremonial traditions were created in 1915 to promote values like courage and dedication. Today, they are conducted respectfully and focus on universal themes.
The ceremonies use symbolism and storytelling to teach important lessons about leadership, service, and personal growth. The American Indian themes provide a framework for creating experiences that are different from everyday Scouting activities, helping new members understand the significance of their commitment to the honor society.
It’s important to note that these ceremonies are conducted with respect and are focused on universal values rather than specific tribal practices. The approved ceremonial attire and procedures ensure that OA traditions honor the spirit of service and brotherhood while maintaining appropriate respect for Native American heritage.
Is OA only for youth?
No, the Order of the Arrow welcomes both youth and adult members who demonstrate exceptional service to Scouting. Adult Scouters can be nominated for membership based on their outstanding service to youth and their exemplary character in living the Scout Oath and Law.
Adult members typically serve as advisers and mentors, helping guide the youth-led organization while allowing young people to maintain primary leadership roles. They bring experience and stability to lodge operations, assist with training programs, and help ensure that OA traditions are properly maintained and passed down to new generations.
The adult nomination process is different from youth elections; adults are usually nominated by unit committees, district committees, or the lodge itself based on their demonstrated commitment to Scouting’s mission. Like youth members, adults must complete the Ordeal ceremony and commit to ongoing service within the organization.
Having both youth and adult members creates a balanced organization where young leaders can develop their skills with guidance from experienced mentors. This structure reflects Scouting’s overall approach of youth leadership supported by caring adults who help Scouts reach their full potential.
