Tiawhe Lodge
Purpose
The Purpose of the Order of the Arrow
- To recognize those campers--Scouts and Scouters--who best exemplify the Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives and by such recognition cause other campers to conduct themselves in such a manner as to warrant recognition.
- To develop and maintain camping tradition and spirit.
- To promote Scout camping, which reaches its greatest effectiveness as a part of the units camping program, both year-round and in the summer camp, as directed by the camping committee of the council.
- To crystallize the Scout habit of helpfulness into a life purpose of leadership in cheerful service to others.
History
To become a member, a youth must be a registered member of a Boy Scout troop or Varsity Scout team and hold First Class rank. The youth must have experienced fifteen days and nights of camping during the two-year period prior to his election. The fifteen days and nights must include six consecutive days (including five nights) of resident camping, approved and under the auspices and standards of the Boy Scouts of America. The balance of the camping must be overnight, weekend, or other short-term camps. Scouts are elected to the Order by their fellow unit members, following approval by the Scoutmaster or Varsity team Coach.
Membership
The OA has more than 176,000 members located in lodges affiliated with approximately 336 BSA local councils.
Eligibility
To become a member, a youth must be a registered member of a Boy Scout troop or Varsity Scout team and hold First Class rank. The youth must have experienced fifteen days and nights of camping during the two-year period prior to his election. The fifteen days and nights must include six consecutive days (including five nights) of resident camping, approved and under the auspices and standards of the Boy Scouts of America. The balance of the camping must be overnight, weekend, or other short-term camps. Scouts are elected to the Order by their fellow unit members, following approval by the Scoutmaster or Varsity team Coach.
Ordeal Membership
The induction process for new candidates, called the Ordeal, is usually conducted at a Scout Camp and is the final step toward full membership. During the Ordeal the candidate's dedication to accept and uphold the goals and principles of the Order are tested. A variety of challenges are presented which will cause the Candidate to search their own conscience for their answer.
Brotherhood Membership
After ten months of service and fulfilling certain requirements, a member may take part in the Brotherhood ceremony, which places further emphasis on the ideals of Scouting and the Order. Completion of this ceremony signifies full membership in the OA.
Vigil Honor
After two years of service as a Brotherhood member, and with the approval of the national Order of the Arrow Committee, a Scout may be recognized with the Vigil Honor for outstanding service to Scouting, his lodge, and the community. This honor is bestowed by special selection and is limited to one person for every fifty members registered with the lodge each year.
Lodges
Each Order of the Arrow lodge is granted a charter from the National Council, BSA, upon annual application by the local council. The OA lodge helps the local council provide a quality Scouting program through recognition of Scouting spirit and performance, youth leadership development, service, and enhanced membership tenure.
Sections
An Order of the Arrow section consists of lodges within a geographic area of the region. Once every year, representatives of lodges in the section come together for a conclave to share in fellowship, skills, and training. All of the elected section chiefs form the conference committee for a national Order of the Arrow event, which is held under the guidance of the national Order of the Arrow Committee.
The region chief is the youth leader of the region elected by the section chiefs for a term of office specified by the national Order of the Arrow Committee, which coincides with the term of national chief and vice-chief. This election is held in conjunction with called meetings of the section chiefs to elect the national chief and vice-chief, as well as to plan a national Order of the Arrow event.
The region Order of the Arrow chairman is an adult appointed by the region director. The professional adviser for the region is a staff member assigned to the position by the region director.
National Chief and Vice-Chief
These are Arrowmen selected by the section chiefs, who form the national Order of the Arrow conference committee. They serve as members of the national Order of the Arrow Committee, providing the opinion of youth on national OA policy. They also serve as the presiding officers for the national OA event. Their term of office is specified by the national committee. They are advised in their responsibilities by the national committee chairman and national director of the Order of the Arrow.
National OA Committee Chairman
This individual is appointed by the chairman of the national Boy Scout Committee. The professional adviser is the national director of the Order of the Arrow, a member of the national Boy Scout Division staff.
Beads
Here is some information regarding the significance of each of the beads obtainable through the Order Of The Arrow.
Tenure |
one bead per year |
ORANGE |
Clan & Lodge Meeting |
one bead per meeting |
WHITE |
Ordeal |
one bead for each ordeal you participate in as a worker (not a candidate) |
YELLOW |
Ceremonial Team |
one bead per year for being on a Ceremonial Team |
LIGHT BLUE |
Council or District Camporee |
participation with Unit |
BLACK |
Special Service Project |
Scout Fair, Camp Projects, Scout-a-Rama, etc. |
MEDIUM BLUE |
Lodge Fall Fellowship |
participant, one per event |
DARK BLUE |
Complete Regalia |
with headdress, one per year |
GREEN |
Area or National Conference |
Conclave |
Pair of small bone beads |
Lodge or Chapter Officer |
not over one pair per year and not over one pair worn at the same time |
Pair of Eagle Claws |
Completion of Lodge or Chapter Office |
successful completion of office each year |
BRASS |
Basic Ordeal Necklace |
complete Ordeal |
One thong, one tapered bone bead, and two red beads |
Brotherhood |
complete Brotherhood |
Total of three tapered bone beads and four red beads |
Vigil |
complete Vigil |
Total of four tapered bone beads and four red beads |
Newsletters
**watch this space for newsletters soon to come!**
Naabaahii Newsletter
Bitani Newsletter
