Founded in 1915 at Treasure Island Scout Camp The Order of the Arrow was created in 1915 by two adults, E. Urner Goodman, a young Camp Director at Treasure Island Scout Camp in the Philadelphia Council. Together with his Assistant Director, Carroll A. Edson, Urner felt that some sort of recognition was needed to honor those Scouts who were committed to the service of others above and beyond the call of duty.

Officially integrated into the Boy Scout program in 1948 Although it took over 30 years to become fully integrated into the Scouting program, the OA flourished through the 1920's and 30's, and finally, in 1948, became the Honor Camper Society of the Boy Scouts of America. Soon after the integration, a greater focus was put on youth leadership within the organization.
The lodge becomes an integral part of the Council In 1998 the Order of the Arrow created its first strategic plan. This document outlined ways that the OA could help the Boy Scouts of America accomplish their goals and strengthen the local program. One of the plan's initiatives called for every lodge to become an integral part of its council's operations. For many lodges, this was the first time a communication link had been established between the lodge leadership and the council Scout executive. It was also at this point that the Order of the Arrow officially became "Scouting's National Honor Society."

"A Legacy of Servant Leadership"
As the Order moves forward in the 21st century, it is strengthening its ties to the values that the organization was founded upon: brotherhood, cheerfulness, and service. The OA's second strategic plan, unveiled in 2002, calls for the fortification of the lodge's ties to each council, and to provide expanded leadership development and service opportunities to the youth of Scouting.
Today, with over 300 lodges nationwide and 180,000+ members, the Order has helped produce many of Scouting's most outstanding leaders.

ADULTS
The role of the adult in the Order of the Arrow is the same as it is throughout Scouting - to help young men grow through a program that the youth plan and run. This help can sometimes include training, counseling, and advising leaders or the individual member.

There are two distinct Scouter roles in the Order: that of the adviser appointed for a particular youth leader, and that of other Scouters. Each adviser in the Order is responsible for the program under his jurisdiction.
It is inappropriate for the adviser to run the program, however, he should always make sure that he is informed about the decisions being made by the youth. It is your task to make sure that the young men succeed. This can include training, transportation, and always staying involved and informed.

NATIONAL PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
Opportunities for Arrowmen
Every year there are lots of awesome opportunities for Arrowmen to participate in national programs and events. You'll discover that being a member of the OA has many benefits beyond your local area. Here are just a few of the programs and events available to you as a member of the Order, along with links to areas of the National OA Web Site for more information:

* National Order of the Arrow Conference (NOAC) http://www.oa-bsa.org/events/n2002/live/ - Held every two years at a major university, this is the premier Order of the Arrow event, and is among the largest events held by the Boy Scouts of America, second only to the National Jamboree. Over 7,000 Arrowmen gather for this awesome week-long event. For more information, visit this link or talk to your lodge leaders.

* Northern Tier OA Wilderness Voyage http://www.oa-bsa.org/programs/ntvoy/  One of the last untouched wilderness areas lies on our nation's northern border--the Northern Tier Charles L. Sommers Canoe Base. Any OA member between the ages of 16-20 can participate in the OA Voyage program for just $100, plus the cost of transportation. Participants spend two weeks on the waters of northern Minnesota; performing service the first week, and taking part in a crew-designed voyage the second week. Applications are available online, along with more information.
* Philmont OA Trail Crew  http://www.oa-bsa.org/programs/tcrew/ - Want an inexpensive, fun way to visit Philmont? All OA members age 16-20 can participate in the OA Trail Crew program for just $100, plus the cost of transportation. Participants spend two weeks in the Philmont backcountry; performing service the first week, and taking part in a crew-designed trek the second week. Applications are available online, as well as more information and pictures.

* National Boy Scout Jamboree http://www.oa-bsa.org/events/jambo01/  The Order of the Arrow provides leadership to several areas of the National Jamboree-Scouting's largest event boasting attendance of 35,000. In 2001, the OA led the American Indian Village, T.O.A.P. (The Outdoor Adventure Place), and the highly acclaimed Scoutopia. The OA also provided a Service Corps to the Jamboree that gave cheerful service throughout the event. Watch for the OA at the 2005 Jamboree, and consider applying to be on staff. More information about the OA's role in the Jamboree is available online.

* National Leadership Seminar (NLS) http://www.oa-bsa.org/programs/nls/
One of the highest regarded training weekends in the BSA, the National Leadership Seminar is a training program that focuses on leadership development. The NLS discusses the leadership skills and techniques needed by people to be successful, and how to apply those to your life in and out of Scouting. For more information on the seminar, visit this link. An invitation is only available through your lodge leadership, so speak with your lodge chief or adviser if you're interested.