Order of the Arrow Membership Requirements

The Order of the Arrow plays a special role in Scouting. It recognizes Scouts who live the Scout Oath and Law in daily life. These youth are noticed by others, not because they seek attention, but because they serve. The Order of the Arrow focuses on service, leadership, and strong character. These values support the goals of every Scouting unit.

Youth do not ask to join the Order of the Arrow. Instead, they are elected by the members of their unit. This makes the honor meaningful. Fellow Scouts choose those they respect. The process helps youth think about what leadership looks like in action. It also teaches that good conduct matters even when adults are not watching.

Camping plays a big role in the Order of the Arrow. Time outdoors helps Scouts learn teamwork and self-reliance. It also builds shared experiences. These shared experiences create strong bonds. Scouts who meet the camping requirement have shown commitment to their unit and the program over time.

The Order of the Arrow also helps camps and councils. Members often lead service projects. They repair trails, help with events, and support camp programs. This service benefits many Scouts, not just OA members. It also gives youth chances to lead outside their home unit.

Families sometimes hear about OA and feel unsure. That is normal. The traditions may feel unfamiliar at first. With time, most families see the value. OA gives youth another way to grow while serving others. It works best when units understand the purpose and process.

The Order of the Arrow exists to support Scouting values. It encourages Scouts to help others and lead by example. OA members are expected to serve their units, councils, and camps. The focus is not on status. The focus is on action and responsibility.

Service is a core part of OA life. Members give time to camp work days and council events. These projects keep camps running and programs strong. Youth learn that leadership includes work that may not be exciting. They learn that service still matters even when no one is watching.

Leadership in the Order of the Arrow looks different from unit leadership. Youth often lead peers from many units. This helps them grow confidence. They practice speaking, planning, and working with new people. These skills carry back to their home units.

The Order of the Arrow also builds friendships. Scouts meet others who enjoy camping and service. They share long days of work and evenings around camp. These shared moments build trust. Many Scouts stay active because of these connections.

OA also helps Scouts stay involved as they get older. It offers new challenges beyond rank advancement. Older youth can take on roles that fit their skills. This helps keep experienced Scouts engaged and active in Scouting.

Youth must meet specific requirements to be eligible for OA. Camping is a key part. Scouts must show they enjoy and support the outdoor program. This shows commitment over time, not just a short effort. Camping together helps units grow stronger.

Rank also matters for eligibility. In Scouts BSA, youth must earn First Class rank. In Venturing, the Discovery rank is required. In Sea Scouts, the Ordinary rank is required. These ranks show basic skills and dedication.

Youth must also be elected by their unit. This step is important. It means peers believe the Scout lives Scouting values. Election is not automatic. Even eligible Scouts may not be chosen. That helps keep the honor meaningful.

Adults may also be selected for the Order of the Arrow. Adult selection supports youth leadership. Adults provide guidance and safety at events. They are chosen for their service and support, not for recognition. The focus stays on youth leadership.

Adult involvement helps OA events run well. Adults handle tasks youth cannot do alone. This balance allows youth to lead while staying safe. When done well, adults stay in the background and let youth grow.

Order of the Arrow elections are different from many awards. Every youth in the unit can vote. This includes Scouts who are not OA members. This approach gives the whole unit a voice. It encourages honest thought about leadership and service.

Before voting, an election team explains the process. They remind Scouts to vote for those who live the Scout Oath and Law. Popularity should not guide the vote. The goal is to choose those who serve quietly and consistently.

This process helps younger Scouts learn what matters. They see examples of good leadership. They think about behavior, not badges. This lesson helps build a stronger unit culture.

The election is usually held during a regular meeting. This keeps it simple and familiar. Leaders step back so youth can vote freely. Privacy in voting helps Scouts feel comfortable making honest choices.

After the vote, results are handled carefully. Not all eligible Scouts are elected. Leaders should support all youth, chosen or not. The election is one moment in a long Scouting journey.

For many years, only Boy Scouts could join the Order of the Arrow. This matched how Scouting was structured at the time. Families who have been in Scouting for a long time remember this clearly. It shaped how people thought about OA membership.

In February 2019, Scouting changed in a big way. All registered youth became eligible for the Order of the Arrow if they met the requirements. This included Venturers and Sea Scouts. It also included all youth in Scouts BSA units.

This change reflected the growth of Scouting programs. Youth now participate in many different ways. The Order of the Arrow adjusted to include those paths. The focus stayed on service, camping, and leadership.

Units needed time to adjust. Leaders learned new rules and explained them to families. Election teams updated their materials. Over time, the process became familiar again.

Today, OA membership reflects the full range of Scouting. Youth from different programs work together. This brings new ideas and energy. It also strengthens service at the council level.

OA Membership

Cheerful Service Scoutmaster Minute

What is the Order of the Arrow?

The Order of the Arrow is Scouting’s honor society. It recognizes youth who show strong character, leadership, and service. Members are chosen by their peers. The program focuses on service to camps, councils, and units. It also supports youth leadership development.

Who can be elected to the Order of the Arrow?

Youth in Scouts BSA, Venturing, and Sea Scouts can be elected if they meet the requirements. They must meet camping rules and hold the required rank. They must also be elected by their unit.

Do Scouts ask to join the Order of the Arrow?

No. Youth do not apply or ask to join. Eligible Scouts are placed on the ballot. The unit then votes. This helps keep the honor meaningful. It shows that others see the Scout living Scouting values.

Who gets to vote in an OA election?

All youth members of the unit can vote. They do not need to be OA members. This includes younger Scouts. This process helps the whole unit think about leadership and service.

Are adults allowed to join the Order of the Arrow?

Yes. Adults can be selected to join. Adult selection helps support youth leadership. Adults provide guidance and safety at events. They are chosen for their service to Scouting, not for recognition.

When did girls and other programs become eligible?

In February 2019, all registered youth became eligible if they met the requirements. This opened OA membership to Venturers, Sea Scouts, and all members of Scouts BSA. The focus on service and camping stayed the same.

Does being elected mean a Scout is better than others?

No. OA membership is not about being better. It recognizes service and leadership. Many Scouts serve their units well without being elected. Every Scout’s effort matters.

What happens after a Scout is elected?

Elected Scouts are invited to take part in an induction weekend. This is often called an ordeal. It includes service and reflection. After that, they can take part in OA activities and service projects.

The Order of the Arrow plays an important role in Scouting. It recognizes youth who live the Scout Oath and Law through daily actions. These Scouts do not seek attention. Instead, others notice their service and leadership. Election by peers makes the honor meaningful. Camping, service, and strong character are at the center of the program and guide everything members do.

Order of the Arrow elections are unique. Every youth in the unit can vote, even those who are not OA members. This helps Scouts think about what real leadership looks like. Eligibility is based on camping and rank requirements. Youth from Scouts BSA, Venturing, and Sea Scouts can be elected. Adults may also be selected to support youth leadership and help events run safely.

In 2019, the Order of the Arrow opened membership to all registered youth who meet the requirements. This change reflected how Scouting has grown. Venturers and Sea Scouts now share this path of service. The purpose of OA stayed the same. It continues to support camps, councils, and units while helping youth grow through service, responsibility, and leadership.