Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Order of the Arrow? The Order of the Arrow is Scouting’s National Honor Society. Sometimes referred to as the OA, the Order recognize those Scouters who best exemplify the Scout Oath and Scout Law in their daily life.
What’s a lodge? Each local BSA council has their own group of the Order of the Arrow called a lodge. Our lodge is Tschipey Achtu Lodge, home of the ghost deer. In 1915, Dr. E. Urner Goodman and Carroll A. Edson began the Order of the Arrow at Treasure Island Camp to recognize those Scouts and Scouters who best exemplified the Scout Oath and Scout Law in their daily life. The lodge is broken down into five chapters, each representing a district in Seneca Waterways Council. The chapter holds the same name as the district.
Who runs the lodge & chapters? Tschipey Achtu Lodge is run by the Lodge Executive Committee (LEC). The LEC is composed of lodge officers, chapter officers, and lodge operating committee chairs. The seven officers of Tschipey Achtu are the Lodge Chief, the Vice Chief of Administration, Vice Chief of Program, Vice Chief of Service, Vice Chief of Inductions, Vice Chief of Communications, and Vice Chief of Finance. Lodge officers and chapter officers are elected for a term of one year, and operating committee chairs are appointed to the committee for the term of one year. The lodge officers, chapter chiefs, and operating committee chairs comprise the voting membership of the executive committee. All voting members are youth members, meaning they are under the age of 21.
These youth leaders are guided by a lodge adviser who is appointed by the Scout Executive.The Lodge Adviser then appoints associate lodge advisers, chapter advisers, and operating committee advisers to assist in this mentorship. The Scout Executive also assigns a member professional staff to serve as the lodge staff adviser. Although members of the Executive Committee, none of the adult advisers are voting members.
When does the Lodge Executive Committee meet? The Lodge Executive Committee meets one Sunday afternoon a month at the Seneca Waterways Council Office. Meetings begin at 1:00 pm. All OA members are welcome to attend.
How does someone become a member of the Order of the Arrow? The OA has different procedures for youth and adults becoming members. Youth members (under the age of 21) are elected by the other youth members of their troop, crew, or ship at an election conducted by the lodge. At least 50% of the registered youth members of the unit must be present for an election to be held. The OA is unique in this respect because candidates are elected by OA members and non-OA members alike. Adult members (over the age of 21) are nominated by the unit committee and the nomination is forwarded to lodge adviser for consideration.
What are the requirements for becoming a member of the Order of the Arrow? To be considered for election, a youth must be registered in a troop, crew, or ship. Scouts BSA members must have achieved the rank of First Class, Venturers must have been recognized with the Discovery Award, and Sea Scouts must have reached Ordinary Rank. Each candidate needs unit leader approval and have a minimum of 15 days and nights of camping under the auspices of the Boy Scouts of America, including one long term camping experience within the two years prior to the election. With the exception of the rank requirement, an adult nominee must meet the same camping and membership requirements to be eligible for the OA.
How many elections can my unit have per year? Each unit is entitled to one election each year. It can occur any time during the calendar year. Elections can be completed at summer camp or CTC or be scheduled for a unit meeting by emailing lodge.communications@senecawaterways.org or email your chapter chief directly.
How do I nominate an adult for membership? Adult nomination forms are available from the election team or your chapter adviser. The form must be filled out accurately and completely, and be signed by the unit committee chair. Completed forms should be submitted to the chapter adviser, who will forward it on to the lodge adviser for consideration. If your unit does not have a youth election, an adult nomination form can not be submitted.
How many adults may my unit nominate? The number of adults nominated can be no more than one-third of the number of youth candidates elected, rounded up where the number of youth candidates is not a multiple of three. In addition to the one-third limit, the unit committee may nominate the currently serving unit leader (but not assistant leaders), as long as he or she has served as unit leader for at least the previous twelve months.
Once elected, am I member? Election into the Order of the Arrow is only the first step in your membership journey. Once elected, you must complete your Ordeal to be considered a full member of the OA. For more information regarding the Ordeal and other information for elected candidates, check out the Newly Elected page.
What lodge activities can I participate in? The lodge holds numerous activities throughout the year. Fellowship weekends are held every March and November at Camp Cutler. There are two inductions a year, in May and September. The annual lodge dinner is held every January. Our Community Service Day is held in April. Check out the Upcoming Events page for more details and sign-up information.
Are there yearly dues for the Order of the Arrow? In order to be considered a member in good standing, members of Tschipey Achtu Lodge, must pay their lodge dues annually. Yearly dues help support the lodge operating budget, give each member the right to wear a lodge flap, and allow you the ability to participate in lodge activities. Check out Pay My Dues for more information and to pay your lodge dues.
I am moving out of the Council, is my OA membership transferable? Your membership is absolutely transferable to another lodge. Once you’re settled in and registered in your new council, have their lodge contact us for your membership record. Once you’re registered in your new lodge and council, you can no longer remain a member of Tschipey Achtu as you can only belong to one lodge at a time – per National policy.
Do I have to be registered in the BSA to be member of the lodge? YES. You must be registered as a unit, district, or council level Scout or Scouter to be considered an active member of the lodge and participate in lodge events, in addition to having your dues paid. All members 18 years of age and older must also have a valid Youth Protection training certificate.
Where can I purchase lodge flaps and other OA related supplies? Lodge flaps, OA sashes, and lodge merchandise can be purchased at each Executive Committee meeting and at all lodge functions. Lodge flaps are also available in the lobby of the Seneca Waterways Service Center.
Where do I get more information? Explore the remainder of the lodge website for information regarding news updates, events, history, membership, and more. If you want to know more information about a specific topic or you have a specific question, please Contact Us and one of our lodge officers will be happy to help you.