The Order of the Arrow is BSA’s National Honor Society. It recognizes Boy Scouts, Venturers, Sea Scouts, and Scouters (Adult volunteers) who exemplify the Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives. Scouts who inspire other Scouts and have completed certain milestones are eligible to become an Arrowman.
CLICK HERE to learn what it takes to become an Arrowman.
Candidates are invited to an Induction weekend (aka the “Ordeal”) by the OA Chapter Advisor. Parents should attend the Ordeal’s Sunday morning presentation, to learn how to support their Scout.
After the Ordeal, New Arrowmen are given a Handbook which explains the role and purpose of an Arrowman in detail. Included in the Handbook are a list of “Challenges of Brotherhood Membership” which must be met before a Scout can enter the Brotherhood Circle, which is an additional distinction within the Order.
Why Be An Arrowman? What Does it Mean?
- Order of the Arrow is a life-long “Brotherhood”. Arrowmen serve their own Troop first by inspiring other Scouts to participate. They organize camp-outs and service events, provide friendship, and show cheerful leadership to all.
- OA Members also can attend Lodge or Chapter events that focus on the ideals of Scouting. These events bring Lodge and Chapter OA members together, to meet and experience high adventure, leadership, and service opportunities beyond their own Troop or Crew.
- New members are encouraged to regularly attend monthly meetings at Pacifica District Roundtable, where they learn about upcoming OA events and leadership opportunities. Ask your Troop OA Representative or the Pacifica Chapter Advisor, if you have questions.
- Arrowmen are expected to serve at their District events, such as Webelo Woods, Boo Fest, Camporee, and others, where they will help run the activities. If serving, please check with your OA Advisor as to whether registration for the event is needed.
How is the OA Organized? How Do I Register for Events?
- Order of the Arrow is organized into Lodges, which serve the Council area, and by Chapters, which serve the District area.
- The GLAAC area is served by the Tuku’ut Lodge and Pacifica District area is served by the Lakota Chapter.
- See Useful Websites (top menu) for the GLAAC Order of the Arrow website, which includes the Tuku’ut Lodge website.
- Scouts can register online for Tuku’ut Lodge events.
- CLICK HERE for Pacifica District OA Advisors, to learn about Chapter events.
- Each Lodge and Chapter has a youth-run Executive Committee, consisting of elected and appointed Officers. Many of the youth leaders are Crew Scouts (Venturers or Sea Scouts), who age out at 21 years old.
- The Pacifica Chapter EC meets monthly to plan and implement Chapter OA events. Any Chapter member is welcome to attend and participate in this decision-making body.
- Troop OA Representatives, a one-year leadership position, are expected to attend both the Chapter and CEC meetings.
- Some Scouts may be encouraged to concurrently register to a Crew supportive of OA (for $1 application fee). This opens up more activity opportunities as well as allows the Scout to be involved in OA leadership through age 21. Scouts must be 14 or older to join a Crew.
