History of the Order

The Order of the Arrow has a rich history spanning 100 years, from its beginnings at a Boy Scout summer camp to its present role as a part of the Scouting program.

Organization & Structure

The Order of the Arrow has over 150,000 members nationwide. Although the Order of the Arrow is a thing of the spirit, there are several layers of organization, each with its own role.

Membership Requirements and Inductions Process

Learn about the requirements to become an Arrowman, the induction process, and the levels of memberships within the Order.

Leadership

The Order of the Arrow is led by youth leadership (national chief, national vice chief), the national Order of the Arrow chairman, the OA director, and the OA associate director. In addition, the National Order of the Arrow Committee provides direction for the yearly program.

Volunteer Board

This volunteer board is a compilation of volunteer positions within the Order of the Arrow at a national level. As a nonprofit organization that prioritizes youth leadership, the OA relies on a dedicated team of youth and adult volunteers to ensure the successful operation of its programs. The organization is incredibly grateful to these volunteers and your potential interest in lending some of your time and talent to the OA.

For over 100 years, the Order of the Arrow (OA) has recognized Scouts and Scouters who best exemplify the Scout Oath and Law daily.  This recognition encourages others to live these ideals as well.  Arrowmen are known for maintaining camping traditions and spirit, promoting year-round and long-term resident camping, and providing cheerful service to others.  OA service, activities, adventures, and training for youth and adults are models of quality leadership development and programming that enrich and help to extend Scouting to America's youth.

Mission

The mission of the Order of the Arrow is to fulfill its purpose as an integral part of Scouting America through positive youth leadership under the guidance of selected capable adults.

Purpose

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.

  • Promote camping, responsible outdoor adventure, and environmental stewardship as essential components of every Scout’s experience in the unit, year-round, and in summer camp.

  • Develop leaders with the willingness, character, spirit, and ability to advance the activities of their units, our Brotherhood, Scouting, and ultimately our nation.

  • Crystallize the Scout habit of helpfulness into a life purpose of leadership in cheerful service to others.