Beacons of the Circle: Robert “Rob” Rodriguez '94

The formative skills and opportunities shared and the adventures experienced have cultivated a relatable commitment to service in OA members and alumni as the OA’s circle has widened. Therefore, many alumni are exemplars of leadership inside and outside of that ring.

Letter from the National Chief, July 2025

Brothers,

In just a few hours, the National Council of Chiefs will begin. Lodge and section leaders from across the country are arriving at the Philmont Training Center for what promises to be a life-changing week, one where we will grow together and learn how to bring the Order of the Arrow’s new vision to life.

Before NCOC commences, I wanted to take a brief moment to share a few thoughts and words of advice—both for those joining us at Philmont and those supporting us from afar.

Order of the Arrow Sash Prices Reduced

A Scout is thrifty! Everywhere you look, you see prices increasing for every day items as well as for specialty items. Unless you’re looking for a new Order of the Arrow (OA) sash!

We’re excited to share the news that the retail price of an OA sash has dropped by 20%! Scouting America Outfitters partnered with OA leadership several months ago to commit to identifying a vendor that could meet our mutual expectations for a quality sash at a lower cost to every OA member.

Policy Update: Combined Unit Elections

Order of the Arrow elections are important program aspects of all troops, crews, and ships. A unique feature of the OA election is that each unit may conduct one unit election annually. With the introduction of the Scouts BSA pilot program allowing girls and boys to be in one unit, it is important that clarification be shared about conducting that unit election.

You’ve Just Been Elected to Office, What’s Next?

You Were Elected—Now What?
You were elected to leadership in the Order of the Arrow not just to achieve your goals but to exceed them. You are a model for other Arrowmen—someone who must uphold the ideals of our organization. But how do you best accomplish this? What is the most effective way to plan an event, engage your members, or promote the OA to a wider audience? These complex questions cannot be answered with a single, straightforward approach but require a combination of the resources available to you.