WALAMOOTKIN LODGE #336

About the Order of the Arrow

Table of Contents

What is the Order of the Arrow?

For over 75 years the Order of the Arrow’s Walamootkin Lodge has recognized Scouts and Scouters who best exemplify the Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives. This recognition encourages others to live these ideals as well.

Arrowmen are expected to maintain camping traditions and Scout spirit, promote year-round and long term resident camping, and provide cheerful service to their Unit, Council and community.

OA service, activities, adventures, and training for youth and adults are models of quality high adventure and leadership development programs that  extend the Scouting program for older or more experienced Scouts.

Our Vision, Mission and Purpose

Vision

To be why Scouts want to stay in Scouting.

Mission

To achieve the mission of Scouting America through transformative fellowship that ignites limitless Scouting journeys.

Purpose

As Scouting’s National Honor Society, we forge lifelong bonds among the leaders in Scouting and:

    • Recognize those who exemplify the Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives and, through that recognition, cause others to act in the same way
    • Reinforce a life purpose of leadership in cheerful service to others
    • Create and deliver peer-led, adult-guided, advanced leadership experiences for Scouts and Scouters that positively impact their unit, community, and ultimately our nation
    • Be an integral part of Scouting America and encourage participation in all it offers through units, outdoor adventures, and national events to further the Scouting experience
Eligibility Requirements

The Order of the Arrow membership requirements are as follows:

  • Registered member of Scouting America.
  • 15 nights of Scout camping within the previous two years. This must include:
    • one, but no more than one, long-term camp with at least five consecutive camping nights.
      (Only five nights of the long-term camp may be credited toward the 15-nights of camping)
    • 10 (or more) nights of overnight, weekend, or other short-term camps (3 nights or less)
  • Youth (under 21) must hold one of the following ranks:
    • Scouts – BSA First Class rank
    • Venturing – Discovery rank
    • Sea Scout – Ordinary rank or higher
  • Approval by the Scoutmaster, Crew Advisor or Sea Scout Skipper
  • Be elected by the youth members of their unit.
  • Adults (age 21 or older) who meet the camping requirements may be nominated by the Unit Committee Chair, and  approved by the Lodge Adult Selection Committee.
Membership Levels

While there are three levels of membership (called “honors”) in the Order of the Arrow, all members – regardless of honor – are considered equal.

Induction

The induction process, called the Ordeal, is the first step toward full membership in the Order. During the experience, candidates are challenged to demonstrate their Scout spirit and commitment to service. The experience is designed to help Scouts realize the fundamental meaning of the Scout Oath and Law. All candidates for membership must complete the Ordeal.

Brotherhood Membership

After 6 months of service as an Ordeal member and fulfilling certain requirements, a member may take the path to Brotherhood, which places further emphasis on the ideals of Scouting and the Order. Completion of this ceremony signifies full membership in the Order.

Vigil Honor

The Vigil Honor is not pursued and earned. This honor is bestowed by special selection recognizing those who have made distinguished contributions to the Lodge, the Order of the Arrow, Scouting, or their Scout camp. Two years of exceptional service as a Brotherhood member are required, and approval of the national Order of the Arrow committee is necessary. Each Lodge is annually allowed to select one person for every 50 active Lodge members.