Boy Scout Troop 63

Order of the Arrow

Purpose

To recognize those Scout campers who best exemplify the Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives

To develop and maintain camping traditions and spirit

To promote Scout camping

To crystallize the Scout habit of helpfulness into a life purpose of leadership in cheerful service to others

History

The Order of the Arrow (OA) was founded by Dr. E. Urner Goodman and Carroll A. Edson in 1915 at the Treasure Island Camp of the Philadelphia Council, Boy Scouts of America. In 1948, the OA was recognized as the BSA's national brotherhood of honor campers and became an official part of the national camping program of the Boy Scouts of America. Today, the OA is recognized as Scouting's National Honor Society.

Eligibility

To become a member, a youth must be a registered member of a Boy Scout troop and hold First Class rank. The youth must have experienced 15 days and nights of camping during the two years before his election. The 15 days and nights must include one, but no more than one, long-term camp consisting of six consecutive days and five nights of resident camping, approved and under the auspices and standards of the Boy Scouts of America. The balance of the camping must be overnight, weekend, or other short-term camps. Scouts are elected to the Order by their fellow troop members, following approval by the Scoutmaster.

Induction

The Ordeal induction ceremony is often conducted at Scout camp and is the first step toward full membership. During the experience, candidates maintain complete silence, receive small amounts of food, work on camp improvement projects, and are required to sleep alone, apart from other campers, which teaches significant values.

Participation

Once inducted into the Order of the Arrow, Scouts are considered youth members until their twenty-first birthday. They may attend monthly Chapter meetings, where youth members, under the guidance of adult advisors, plan upcoming activities and service opportunities. As Brothers, they have the opportunity to join the Gold Feather Dance Team, which has it's own schedule of activities and events. To help promote camping, OA Brothers participate in camp maintenance and raise money for new equipment and camperships.

Fellowship weekends and Conclaves are good opportunities for Brothers to meet one another and have some fun! Members also provide service at District and Council events and at National and World Jamborees. There are special High Adventure opportunities at Philmont Scout Ranch available only to OA members.