ORIGINS:
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. Originally known as the "Wimachtendienk W. W.
Society", it became an official program experiment in 1922
and was approved as part of the Scouting program in 1934.
In 1948 the OA, recognized as the BSA's national
brotherhood of honor campers, 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.
THE
PROGRAM: OA has changed little since it became part
of BSA. 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. Scouts are elected to the Order by their fellow
troop or Varsity team members, following approval by the
Scoutmaster or Varsity Scout Coach.
The
induction ceremony, called the Ordeal, is conducted at
Scout camp and is the first step toward full membership.
After 10 months of service and fulfilling certain
requirements, a member may take part in the Brotherhood
ceremony, which places further emphasis on the ideals of
Scouting and the Order. Completion of this ceremony
signifies full membership in the OA.
After two years of service as a Brotherhood member, and
with the approval of the national Order of the Arrow
Committee, a Scout may be recognized with the Vigil Honor
for outstanding service to Scouting, his lodge, and the
community. This honor is bestowed by special selection and
is limited to one person for every 50 members registered
with the lodge each year.
ORIGINS:
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. Originally known as the "Wimachtendienk W. W.
Society", it became an official program experiment in 1922
and was approved as part of the Scouting program in 1934.
In 1948 the OA, recognized as the BSA's national
brotherhood of honor campers, 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.