In January, the National Order of the Arrow Committee approved several enhancements to the OA’s elections and induction processes designed to better support our mission, vision, and purpose. Today, we are pleased to announce the implementation of one of those changes: the removal of the camping requirement for adult membership eligibility, effective immediately.
The Order of the Arrow succeeds because of dedicated adults who mentor youth leaders, provide guidance, and help lodges deliver meaningful program experiences. As lodges across the country work to fulfill our mission and support youth leadership, they increasingly require a broader pool of qualified adult members. This is especially important as lodges recruit and retain adults needed to meet Scouting America’s Safeguarding Youth policies and support a growing range of programs and activities.
The National Order of the Arrow Committee recognized that many adults who would be tremendous assets to the OA are unable to meet youth-oriented camping eligibility requirements due to professional, family, or other responsibilities. While camping remains an important part of Scouting, the committee determined that adult membership should be based on an individual's ability to support the purpose of the Order of the Arrow and serve as a positive influence on youth.
As a result, the 15-night camping requirement has been removed from adult membership eligibility. An updated Handbook for Officers and Advisers is now available reflecting this change. Additional adult nomination guidance is provided below.
Additional Adult Nomination Guidance
- Adults (age 21 or older) may be selected for membership following a youth election.
- Each year, upon holding a unit election for youth candidates that results in at least one youth candidate being elected, the unit committee may nominate registered unit adults, 21 years of age or older, for membership in the OA.
- The number of adults nominated can be no more than two-thirds of the number of youth candidates elected, rounded up where the number of youth candidates is not a multiple of three. In addition to the two-thirds limit, the unit committee may nominate the currently serving unit leader (but not assistant leaders), provided they have served as unit leader for at least the previous 12 months.
- These Scouters will be candidates for induction, provided these conditions are fulfilled:
- Selection of the adult is based on the ability to perform the necessary functions to help the OA fulfill its purpose, and not for recognition of service, including current or prior achievement and positions.
- The individual will be an asset to the OA because of demonstrated abilities that fulfill the purpose of the Order of the Arrow.
- The adult leader’s membership will provide a positive example for the growth and development of the youth members of the lodge.
- Lodge unit election teams should inform the unit committee of this criteria, and nominations are at the discretion of the unit committee once informed. Upon nomination by the unit committee, an adult should be considered a candidate for membership by the lodge, and invited to complete their induction at upcoming induction weekends. Nominations are valid for the calendar year in which they occur.
Thank you for your continued commitment to strengthening the Order of the Arrow and supporting the youth we serve. Questions may be directed to @email.