At the National Planning Meeting in Dallas, Texas, the Order of the Arrow, Scouting’s National Honor Society, elected its youth national officers for 2025. Samuel Crowder was elected national chief, Ben Jones as national vice chief, and Elijah Aiken and Haley Flores as the region chiefs. These four youths represent the best that Scouting offers and exemplify the high ideals of the Scout Oath and Law. During 2025, they will represent over one million Scouts nationally and lead the planning for the National Council of Chiefs, a gathering at the Philmont Scout Ranch for local leaders on leadership skills and supporting local programs.
Please join us in congratulating this year’s national officers for the Order of the Arrow!
2025 National Chief Samuel Crowder (he/him)
Samuel Crowder, an Eagle Scout and Vigil Honor member of Klahican Lodge in the Cape Fear Council, has been elected national chief. As national chief, Sam will serve as the highest elected youth in Scouting, represent youth on the national OA committee, and preside over national events, including this year’s National Council of Chiefs at Philmont Scout Ranch. Sam is a business student at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Previously, Sam served as section chief of Section E8 in North Carolina, Activities and Recreation CVC at the National Order of the Arrow Conference, and as a National Leadership Seminar staff member. Outside of Scouting, Sam likes to stay “physically strong” by going on jogs and playing basketball.
As Sam steps into the next chapter of his leadership journey, he expresses his excitement for the opportunities the new year will bring:
“I am most excited about the opportunity to have one-on-one conversations with lodge chiefs and leaders and work to understand the challenges they are facing and work to empower them to tackle those challenges and find personal success.”
2025 National Vice Chief Ben Jones (he/him)
This year's national vice chief is Ben Jones, an Eagle Scout and Vigil Honor member of Wenasa Quenhotan Lodge in the W.D. Boyce Council. As national vice chief, Ben will support the national chief and represent youth on the national OA committee. Ben is a senior at Dunlap High School but hopes to pursue a degree in political science. In the OA, Ben has served as a two-term lodge vice chief, NOAC Adventure Central CVC, and the section chief of Section G8 in central Illinois. You can often find Ben rooting for the Florida State Seminoles football team, but his favorite sport to play is lacrosse.
Looking ahead to 2025, Ben is determined to make a lasting impact in the year ahead:
“This year is focused on growth, transparency and realigning toward a bold future. Our renewed mission, vision and purpose equip us to transform countless lives for the better, and I am fully confident that we are prepared to meet this challenge.”
2025 Gateway Region Chief Haley Flores (she/her)
Haley Flores, an Eagle Scout and Vigil Honor member of Tamegonit Lodge in the Heart of America Council, has been elected Gateway Region chief. As region chief, she will support lodges and sections in the Gateway Region (primarily lodges west of the Mississippi River) and organize NLSs and Developing Youth Leadership Conferences (the OA’s leadership courses for youth and adults on ethical leadership and how to guide and mentor youth). Haley is a freshman at Ottawa University in Kansas, studying politics, philosophy, and law. After university, she hopes to enlist in the Judge Advocate General’s Corps. Previously, Haley served as the Section G6 chief in Kansas. One of her most fulfilling Scouting moments was serving on the National Youth Council. Haley’s favorite high adventure base is probably Sea Base because she is certified in scuba diving.
As Gateway Region Chief, Haley approaches 2025 with a strong sense of purpose and anticipation:
“What fuels me as a leader is my desire to love others with intention. Whether it’s taking a minute to check in on a friend, encouraging someone to step up in leadership or remembering details from event interactions, I firmly believe that intentionality behind our admonition is how we show others the love of our organization.”
2025 Eastern Region Chief Elijah Aiken (he/him)
Elijah Aiken, an Eagle Scout and Vigil Honor member of Atta Kulla Kulla Lodge in the Blue Ridge Council, has been elected Eastern Region chief. As region chief, he will support lodges and sections in the Eastern Region (primarily lodges east of the Mississippi River) and organize NLSs and DYLCs. Elijah is a secondary education and history student at Anderson University in South Carolina, where he plays volleyball. Before his election, Elijah served as the section chief of Section E7 in the Carolinas. His favorite Scouting memory is when he was called out for the Vigil Honor while surrounded by all his mentors. A fun fact about him is that his mom is from Scotland.
Elijah is driven by bold aspirations as a national officer:
“My purpose is to ensure that every Arrowman knows they are a valued and important member of our organization, reminding them that they are an essential piece of the OA’s puzzle. Ultimately, I am committed to investing in the leaders of tomorrow, just as so many invested in me.”