"To be unselfish in the service and devotion to the welfare of others.”
Order of the Arrow alumni have a unique opportunity as adult volunteers to share their knowledge of, and passion for, Scouting by providing the same experiences to the next generation of youth.
For those who have not been registered since their youth and/or whose membership has lapsed, becoming active in Scouting after some time away can seem challenging. To streamline the process of reengaging potential and former volunteers, the OA Alliance is developing a series of articles outlining the needs of units across the country and how Scouting alumni can help.
Below are some quick steps to re-engage with Scouting this year!
- Step 1: Find a local council by visiting beascout.scouting.org and input your zip code. After clicking the “Find a Unit” button, a council name in the top right corner will appear.
- Step 2: Learn more about the local council by visiting their website or calling the number provided on beascout.scouting.org. Some council websites have a direct volunteer form, but all council websites have a general contact form. Use the general contact form to let the local council know of your interest in potentially volunteering and restarting your Scouting America membership.
- Step 3: Begin the membership renewal process with Scouting America (if needed). After connecting with a local council, the membership renewal process is simple, and the adult volunteer membership application can be found at this link. Acquire the contact information of the local district commissioner from a Scouting professional and start a conversation about the needs of nearby Scouts and Scouters.
- Step 4: Identify a volunteer opportunity with the district commissioner, and visit with local unit leaders to better understand how Scouting America has changed over the years. After settling into this new position, consider attending a local lodge event or district roundtable and maximizing the opportunities available for adult volunteers.
Scouting America is in a position as the premier youth development organization to make a tangible impact on the coming generations, and Scouting alumni are the best possible volunteers to maximize the program’s value.
Throughout 2026, the OA Alliance will highlight different adult leadership opportunities that local units and councils actively need. Starting with unit commissioners, this series will provide position overviews, estimated levels of involvement, and personal testimonials detailing how adult volunteers can change Scouts’ lives. Please consider connecting with local unit and district leadership, and make sure to visit the OA Alliance Registration Roadmap, a helpful tool for membership renewal, available at this link.
If you are currently serving as an adult volunteer and want to share your experiences with other OA alumni, please reach out via email at @email or through the contact form on this page.