Newly Elected
Congratulations on your election to the Order of the Arrow, Scouting’s National Honor Society. To be chosen by your fellow Scouts for membership is a great honor, and you should be proud of your invitation. As a candidate for membership, you more than likely have many questions. Hopefully, this page answers them all for you, and prepares you for the next step in your journey!
Are you a parent or guardian looking for information before your youth joins the Order of the Arrow?
What is the Order of the Arrow?
The Order of the Arrow is Scouting’s National Honor Society. Each local BSA council has their own group of the Order of the Arrow called a lodge. Our lodge is Tschipey Achtu Lodge, the 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 – just like you! In 1948, the Order of the Arrow became an official program of the Boy Scouts of America. In 2019, membership in the Order of the Arrow expanded to welcome new members from Scouts BSA troops, Venturing crews, and Sea Scout ships, both male and female participants alike.
What is the Purpose of the Order of the Arrow?
At its core, the Order of the Arrow has four main areas of purpose:
To recognize those who best exemplify the Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives.
To promote camping, responsible outdoor adventure, and environmental stewardship in the unit, year-round and in summer camp.
To develop leaders with the willingness, character, spirit, and ability to advance the activities of their units, our Order, and Scouting.
To grow the Scout habit of helpfulness into a life purpose of leadership in cheerful service to others.
When can I complete my Ordeal?
As a newly elected candidate, completing your Ordeal is the next step in becoming a member of the OA. From the time of your election, you have 18 months to become a full member of the Order of the Arrow. There are multiple opportunities offered throughout the year for you complete your Ordeal. Our lodge hosts two inductions per year, one in May and one in September.
Why is the Ordeal such a big secret?
Tschipey Achtu Lodge does not intend to keep any information from its newly elected candidates. However, any secrecy around the Ordeal is meant for a single purpose: the Experience. Revealing too much information before the Ordeal would hurt the full experience of your membership journey. The Ordeal is meant to be a chance for you to reflect on Scouting and grow in your service to others. If you have concerns, please reach out, we are happy to answer any questions.
What should I bring to my Ordeal?
Ten Essentials: Sleeping Bag, Sleeping Pad, Tarp, Tent with ground cloth (for after your Ordeal), work clothes, work gloves, personal grooming gear, full Field (Class A) Scout Uniform (for your induction ceremony), a current and complete BSA Medical form (along with any prescription medications), and A POSITIVE SCOUT ATTITUDE.
More Questions?
If you have any other question, or if you would like to confirm eligibility, please feel free to contact us at lodge.inductions@senecawaterways.org