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The Order of the Arrow (OA) is a camping honor society within the Boy Scouts of America. The OA is dedicated to service and camping. The youth are elected by the members of their Troop. To be eligible, the scout must have the following experience: 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 selection process is an election conducted by the Order of the Arrow Lodge. After being contacted by the Scoutmaster or the OA Representative, the Lodge provides an election team. For any election to take place, fifty (50) percent of the registered active scouts must be present. To be elected, fifty (50) percent of those who cast ballots must vote for the Scout. Adults may also become members of the OA. However, unlike the election of the boys, selection of an adult to become a member of the OA is not an honor, but is for the purpose of promoting the OA. Adults are selected in two manners. One is by their Troop Committee, but must meet the same camping requirements of the boys. The number of adults eligible for nomination is limitd to one for every 50 registered youth. The other is an adult works in a council or district position. The Lodge Adviser, the district chairman, council president, or council professional staff may recommend an individual for membership to the lodge adult selection committee. The Scouting Executive, sitting as the Supreme Chief of the Fire, must approve all adult nominations. The requirements are the same except the camping requirement may be waived by agreement of the Lodge Adviser and Scouting Executive. Adults may be nominated once a year based on their primary registration. All council OA members are members of the Bob White Lodge. Our Lodge is divided into OA chapters which correspond to the Districts of the Council. Brotherhood 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. Vigil Honor 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. Here are some important websites for the OA. National Order of the Arrow Website Southern Region Section 5 This is the home page for the Southern Region, Section 5 of which the Bob White Lodge is a part. Bob White Lodge This is our Lodge's Website. For you patch traders, here is a site: Brush Creek Trading Company: OA Patch Supplies The remainder of the lodges in Section 5 have valuable information also. Here are the links to them. American Indian Links Here are some links for American Indian history and culture. Wildwood Wisdon from 1945 This older text has some useful information about Tipi's and setup. David Ellis David Ellis sells all sorts of canvas tents, but has pretty good instructions on how to set up a Tipi. |