ORDER OFTHE ARROW

After 10 months of service and after fulfilling certain requirements, an Ordeal member may take part in the Brotherhood ceremony which places further emphasis on the ideals of Scouting and of the Order. Completing this ceremony signifies full membership in the Order of the Arrow. Following 2 years of service as a Brotherhood member, and with the approval of the National Order of the Arrow Committee, a Scout or adult leader may be recognized with the Vigil Honor for outstanding service to Scouting, his OA lodge, and his community. The Vigil Honor is granted by special selection, and is limited to not more than one person for every fifty members registered each year with a lodge. Among the ONs national activities are service projects, college scholarships, American Indian Camperships, matching grants for council camp improvements, and national leadership seminars. OA trail crews completing conservation projects at Philmont Scout Ranch provide invaluable service as they care for the environment. The national Order of the Arrow conference (NOAC), held every two years at a major university, trains leaders of local lodges and allows Scouts from across the country to share in the fellowship of OA membersbip. While it recognizes both boys and adults, the Order of the Arrow is a youth-led program. Youth members are elected to serve as the national chief, vice chief, and chiefs of four national regions. Boys are also members of the National Order of the Arrow Committee to provide youth input on national OA policy, and they serve as the presiding officers for national and regional OA events.

The Order of the Arrow Handbook explains the opportunities for, and the responsibilities of, QA members.