The Order of the Arrow has three distinct organizational levels beneath the national organization: lodges, sections, and regions. Lodges carry out the Order of the Arrow program at the local level and are chartered to Scouting America councils. Sections consist of several lodges within a geographic vicinity, and regions, in turn, consist of sections that each span half the country. Lodges, sections, and regions each have a distinct set of responsibilities that ensures the OA program runs smoothly.
National
The National Order of the Arrow Committee is the highest leadership body of the OA, consisting of volunteer leaders, professional staff, and elected youth officers who guide the entire organization. This committee sets policies, develops programs, and ensures the Order effectively serves its mission across all of Scouting America. The National Committee oversees everything from local lodge support to national conferences attended by thousands of members.
- Sets direction and policy for the entire Order of the Arrow program across all of Scouting America, ensuring consistency and quality nationwide
- Plans and hosts National Events, bringing thousands of Arrowmen together for training, inspiration, and fellowship
- Manages a volunteer committee structure with five key areas (Lodge Impact, Operations, National Programs, Mission and Reputation, and Financial Stewardship) that each focus on supporting members
- Creates resources and guidance that local lodges use to run effective programs, including handbooks, training materials, and best practice guides
- Connects youth voices to national decisions through national officers (National Chief and Vice Chief) elected by section chiefs who serve as voting members of the committee
Regions
The Order of the Arrow is organized into two geographic regions (Eastern and Gateway) that serve as the middle layer between national leadership and local program. Each region is led by an elected youth Region Chief and an appointed volunteer Region Chair who work together to coordinate activities and support across multiple states. Regions make national programs more accessible and provide personalized support that understands local challenges and opportunities.
- Bridge the gap between national and local programs by translating national initiatives into actionable support for sections and lodges in their geographic area
- Organize regional training events like National Leadership Seminars, Developing Youth Leadership Conferences, and Section Officer Seminars to develop leaders across multiple councils
- Provide a regional youth leader (Region Chief) elected by section chiefs who serves as a direct connection between local lodges and national leadership
- Offer closer-to-home support than national leadership can provide, with region chairs and staff who understand local challenges and opportunities
Sections
Sections are groups of OA lodges from neighboring councils that come together regularly to share resources, provide training, and create fellowship opportunities. Each section is led by elected youth officers and appointed advisers who organize an annual conclave and other events throughout the year. Sections exist to help individual lodges improve their programs by learning from each other and accessing training and resources they might not have on their own.
- Bring together multiple lodges from nearby councils to share ideas, resources, and best practices that individual lodges can take home and implement
- Host an annual conclave - a weekend conference where hundreds of Arrowmen gather for training workshops, competitions, fellowship, and inspiration
- Provide practical training on topics like ceremony teams, unit elections, service projects, and lodge administration that directly improve local programs
- Create leadership opportunities for older Arrowmen (ages 16-21) through section officer positions that develop skills in large-scale event planning and multi-council coordination
- Connect lodge leaders through Council of Chiefs meetings where lodge chiefs and advisers can discuss challenges, share solutions, and coordinate regional activities
Lodges
The lodge is the local implementation of the Order of the Arrow that serves an entire Scouting council. Every council in Scouting America has one OA lodge that organizes elections, inductions, ceremonies, and service opportunities for its members.
- Develops youth leaders - Offers leadership training opportunities and real-world experience running programs, committees, and events for hundreds of members
- Hosts fellowship events - Plans 2-3 major gatherings per year where members can reconnect, have fun, learn new skills, and celebrate their membership together
- Serves the community - Organizes cheerful service projects that benefit both the local Scouting program and the broader community beyond camping
- Conducts unit elections - Lodge teams visit Scout troops, crews, and ships annually to elect new members based on their camping experience and Scout spirit
- Runs induction weekends - Organizes Ordeal experiences where candidates complete challenges including a night of reflection, limited food, meaningful work, and a period of silence
Chapters
Chapters are subdivisions within larger lodges that bring the OA program closer to members at the district level. Not all lodges have chapters—they're created when a lodge covers a large geographic area or has many members, allowing for more frequent local activities and better member engagement.
- Brings OA closer to home - Operates at the district level so members can participate in activities without traveling across an entire council's territory
- Conducts nearby service - Plans work projects at local camps and district facilities that members can easily attend on weekends
- Supports district camping - Works directly with district camping committees to promote outdoor programs for local troops, crews, and ships
- Develops more leaders - Creates additional officer and committee chair positions, giving more youth members hands-on leadership experience
- Makes membership meaningful - Helps prevent members from feeling lost in a large organization by creating a smaller, more accessible community of local Arrowmen