Policy Update: Changes Regarding American Indian Programming

Fellow Members,

Appreciation of American Indian culture has been a part of the Order of the Arrow for most of its history. The National Order of the Arrow Committee created a task force in 2021 to review policies and programs that incorporate American Indian traditions and iconography, and to recommend how to best continue the appreciation of American Indian culture in OA programs.

Letter from the National Chief, August 2024

Arrowmen,

I hope this letter finds all of you well! Since I last wrote to you all, the Order of the Arrow has had a very eventful month, marked most notably by our 2024 National Conference (NOAC).

NOAC was an absolute success! With over 6500 Arrowmen in Boulder, you could feel the energy and excitement all week. John Andrew, Cam, Jake, and I are grateful to all of the attendees for making this conference one of the best weeks of our lives, and we hope that you continue to carry the flame that was ignited at NOAC.

OA Trail Crew: A Foreman’s Perspective

Order of the Arrow High Adventure offers an experience like no other in the OA. Three of Scouting’s premier national high adventure bases, Philmont, the Summit, and Northern Tier, are all available to you for a significantly reduced price. Your adventure will be a two-week long trek through your favorite base. 

National Camp Accreditation Program: How it Applies to the OA

As the summer comes to a close, we look back at all of the Scouting fun that took place. From weeks spent at summer camps across the country, to treks at our high adventure bases through OA High Adventure, to the National Order of the Arrow Conference in Boulder, CO, this summer was packed with Scouting opportunities. However, as the summer wraps up and we move towards the fall, many lodges and sections are beginning to look towards their fall programs. From conclaves to inductions, planning is now underway for all of the wonderful events that are in the near future.

Announcing the OA's New Vision, Mission, and Purpose

Arrowmen,

At NOAC, we shared with you the mission and purpose of the Order of the Arrow. These were approved unanimously by the national OA committee on July 8, 2024. We also adopted a vision statement for the first time in our history as part of this change.

Over the past several years the national committee, under the leadership of Christina Clarke, has examined the OA’s place in Scouting. We gathered input from Arrowmen, the leadership of Scouting America, parents and non-Arrowmen Scouts. Many of you provided input in these discussions—thank you.