What is the Order of the Arrow?
The Order of the Arrow (OA) is the National Honor Society of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), composed of Scouts and Scouters who best exemplify the Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives as elected by their peers. This recognition provides encouragement for others to live these ideals as well. Arrowmen are known for maintaining camping traditions and spirit, promoting year-round and long term resident camping, and providing cheerful service to others. OA service, activities, adventures, and training for youth and adults are models of quality leadership development and programming that enrich and help to extend Scouting to America's youth.
The Mission of the Order of the Arrow
The mission of the Order of the Arrow is to fulfill its purpose as an integral part of the Boy
Scouts of America through positive youth leadership under the guidance of selected capable
adults.
The Purpose of the Order of the Arrow
As Scouting’s National Honor Society, the Order of the Arrow is an integral part of the Boy
Scouts of America. Our purpose is to:
- Recognize those who best exemplify the Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives and
through that 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. - Crystallize the Scout habit of helpfulness into a life purpose of leadership in cheerful service
to others.