Order of the Arrow

The Order of the Arrow serves as Scouting's National Honor Society. More than 180,000 members strong, the Order recognizes Scouts and Scouters who best exemplify the Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives. The OA can help strengthen troops by providing leadership training and opportunities for OA members and by assisting in summer camp promotion, camporees, Scout shows, and other activities.

Scouts are elected to the Order by their fellow unit members, following approval by the Scoutmaster or Varsity team Coach. 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 Boy Scout camping during the two-year period prior to the election. The fifteen days and nights must include one, but no more than one, long-term camp consisting of six consecutive days and 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.

Adult selection is based on their ability to perform the necessary functions to help the Order fulfill its purpose, and is not for recognition. Selected adult Scouters must be an asset to the Order because of demonstrated abilities, and provide a positive role model for the youth members of the lodge.

Locally, Order of the Arrow is represented by the Pellissippi Lodge, our Chapter is Catoosa. Troop 101 maintains an active presence in both Lodge and Chapter activities, and encourages Troop Arrowmen to be active and involved in OA activities. Chapter meetings are held on the third Sunday of each month.

Purpose of the Order:

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 manner as to warrant recognition.

To develop and maintain camping traditions and spirit.

To promote Scout camping, which reaches its greatest effectiveness as a part of the unit's 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.

Mission of the Lodge:

The mission of the lodge is to achieve the purpose of the Order of the Arrow as an integral part of the Boy Scouts of America in the council through positive youth leadership under the guidance of selected capable adults.