What is the Order of the Arrow in Boy Scouts?

The Order of the Arrow (OA) is Scouting’s national camping honor society. It recognizes Scouts and Scouters (adults) who best exemplify the Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives. Scouts are elected to the Order by their peers in Scouts BSA Troops, Venturing Crews, or Sea Scouting Ships.

What is the Order of the Arrow initiation?

Initiation ceremonies are rarely so rigorous. This one takes at least two days and involves a 24-hour vow of silence, smaller-than-usual meals and strenuous manual labor in the wilderness.

What are the ranks in the Order of the Arrow?

Membership Levels in the Order of the Arrow There are three levels of membership in the Order of the Arrow: Ordeal, Brotherhood, and Vigil Honor. After undertaking the Ordeal, one has attained Ordeal membership. Brotherhood membership is attained after 6 months of service to the lodge.

Is the Order of the Arrow offensive?

Controversies. The Order of the Arrow has been protested and criticized for engaging in cultural appropriation and spreading stereotypes of, and racism against, Native Americans. Protester concerns include OA’s imitation of Native American ceremonies, regalia, and artwork they consider to be offensive.

What is the OA password?

Some material on this site is only available to those who are already members of the Order of Arrow. For material secured with an Ordeal safeguard, the password is the Admonition of the Order (in all lower case letters, no spaces, no quotes, no punctuation).

What happens at the Order of the Arrow ordeal?

The induction ceremony, called the Ordeal, is the first step toward full membership in the Order. During the experience, candidates maintain silence, receive small amounts of food, work on camp improvement projects, and sleep apart from other campers.

What happens at an Order of the Arrow ordeal?

Can adults join the Order of the Arrow?

The OA is unique in that nonmembers are often the ones that elect Scouts in their troop for membership. Adults (age 21 or older) who are registered in the BSA and meet the camping requirements may be selected following nomination to the lodge adult selection committee.

What is the OA handshake?

The handclasp is basically a left handed hand shake, the only difference is that you need to keep your pinky finger open to interlock with the one you are shaking hands with, this is the same handshake the 4 principles would have greeted you with after inducting you into the lodge.

What happens during OA ordeal?

What is the Order of the Arrow What is the primary function of OA?

As Scouting’s National Honor Society, our purpose is to: Recognize those who best exemplify the Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives and through that recognition cause others to conduct themselves in a way that warrants similar recognition.

What are the OA requirements?

Discuss the requirements for OA membership: Be a registered member of the Boy Scouts of America. 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.