The Order of the Arrow (OA) is the National Honor Society of the Boy Scouts of America. It’s stated purpose is to:

Recognize those campers who best exemplify the Scout Oath and Scout Law in their daily lives and through such recognition cause others to conduct themselves in a way that warrants similar recognition.

Promote camping, responsible outdoor adventure, and environmental stewardship as essential components of every Scout’s experience, in the unit, year-round, and in summer camp.

Develop leaders with the willingness, character, spirit and ability to advance the activities of their units, our Brotherhood, Scouting, and ultimately our nation.

Crystalize the Scout habit of helpfulness into a life purpose of leadership in cheerful service to others.

To become a member, a youth must be a registered member of a Boy Scout Troop and hold the First Class rank. He must have experienced 15 days and nights of Boy Scout camping during the two-year period prior to an election held each year in February. 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 BSA. The balance of the camping must be overnight, weekend, or other short-term camps.

The election in February is held by their fellow scouts, in which peers look beyond attendance and consider leadership and positive contributions to the troop.  If elected by his peers, the scout finally completes an “Ordeal experience” to become full members of the Order of the Arrow.

For more information about the Order of the Arrow, click on the following link:   https://oa-bsa.org/