Order of the Arrow is ..... 

   an honor camping program which is run by scouts and lead by scouts. It is a program which has certain requirements which you first must meet in order for you to be considered for election. Both scouts and adults can become members. It is a National organization found all over the United States.

In 1915, on a wooded Island in Delaware, the Order of the Arrow was founded by E. Urner Goodman and Carroll A. Edson. On Treasure Island in Philadelphia, the first ceremony took place with only a few being inducted that year.  Over the years, the Order spread slowly across the nation.  In 1926, Camp Naish in Kansas City opened as property of the Boy Scouts of America, Kaw Council.  As the Order spread it reached Camp Naish in 1939, where Tamegonit Lodge became the 147th Lodge to charter with the National Council.

If you see scouts or adults with a black patch rimmed in red with "Tamegonit Lodge 147" (new style) or a green patch rimmed in white with "Tamegonit Lodge" ( old style) on their right pocket of their scout uniform this signifies they are a member of the Order of the Arrow. This is the Tamegonit Lodge patch. In addition if you see anyone wearing a distintive lanyard with an wooden arrowhead with beads above and sometimes below it, they are also Order of the Arrow or OA members.

The purpose of the Order of the Arrow is .....

• 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.
  

Levels Of Membership

In the Order of the Arrow there are three degrees of membership. We do not have ranks or elevations. All Arrowmen are equal, as we are brothers. The first stage in the Order of the Arrow is Ordeal membership. This is the "joining stage", and should be only temporary. The second degree of membership is Brotherhood, "where an Arrowmen completes his induction, and seals his membership in the Order.

Brotherhood membership does not provide a special degree of rank, status, or special honor (like that of the Vigil Honor). Instead, the Brotherhood is an opportunity for members to evaluate their past service to Scouting and to their lodge, and to reaffirm their belief in the high purposes of the Order. The ceremony is intended as a source of inspiration that motivates brothers to give even greater service to Scouting.

The Vigil Honor is a high mark of distinction and recognition reserved for those Arrowmen who, by reason of exceptional service, personal effort, and unselfish interest, have made distinguished contributions beyond the immediate responsibilities of their position or office to one or more of the following: their lodge, the Order of the Arrow, Scouting, or their Scout camp. The Vigil Honor is the highest honor that the Order of the Arrow can bestow upon its members for service to a lodge, council, or Scouting. Naturally, many Arrowmen desire the Vigil, but few are granted. It is not despicable to desire the Vigil, but the Vigil Honor cannot be achieved by conscious endeavor. It is awarded as a recognition of unselfish leadership in service.
 

How To Become a Member

To become a member of the Order of the Arrow, you must meet several requirements. They are: be approved by your Scoutmaster; camp 15 days and nights, at least 5 nights and 6 days must consist of long term or summer camp; be elected by the youth members of the Troop; be a First Class Scout and finally, pass the Ordeal.

The Ordeal is a series of tests, that you pass in order to prove your dedication to the principles of the Order ... specific information on the tests are confidential to only members of the Order of the Arrow.

If you have further questions contact Peter B. as he is our scout Troop representative for OA.

                               OA Links

http://event.oa-bsa.org/events/arrowcorps5/index.php?p=promovideo

 This is the promo video link for Arrow Corp 5.

 http://event.oa-bsa.org/events/arrowcorps5/index.php?p=home

 This is the website home for Arrow Corp 5.

 http://adventure.oa-bsa.org/

 This is the website home for the OA High Adventure program.

 http://www.main.oa-bsa.org/

 This is the national OA website.

 http://www.jumpstart.oa-bsa.org/

 This is the Jumpstart home.