The Order of the Arrow is considered the Boy Scouts' Camping "National Honor Society." Founded in 1915, the Order of the Arrow recognizes Boy Scout campers who exemplify the Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives, develop and maintain camping traditions and Scout spirit, promote Scout camping and encourage the Scout habit of cheerful helpfulness to others at all times.

Purpose

The purpose of the Order of the Arrow is fourfold:

• 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

Eligibility

Scouts are elected to the Order by their fellow unit members, following approval by the Scoutmaster or Varsity team Coach. To become a member, a youth must be a registered member of a Boy Scout troop or Varsity Scout team and hold First Class rank. The youth must have experienced fifteen days and nights of Boy Scout camping during the two-year period prior to the election. The fifteen 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.

Adult selection is based on their ability to perform the necessary functions to help the Order fulfill its purpose, and is not for recognition. Selected adult Scouters must be an asset to the Order because of demonstrated abilities, and provide a positive role model for the youth members of the lodge.

Lodges

Each local Boy Scout council is encouraged to have an Order of the Arrow lodge. Each lodge is granted a charter from the National Council, BSA, upon annual application. The OA lodge helps the local council provide a quality Scouting program through recognition of Scouting spirit and performance, development of youth leadership and service, promotion of Scout camping and outdoor programs, and enhancement of membership tenure.

 For more information about the OA or Penateka Lodge (the Council's lodge) OA, please contact Chris Bell via email by clicking on his name. You may also visit the Penateka Lodge website or call the council office (325-677-2688).