When planning began for Operation Arrow 2026, the largest staff team at the 2026 National Jamboree, the Operation Arrow Chairman and the Administrative Team established a registration goal of 350 staff members. Reaching that number would have resulted in a team similar in size to the 307 Arrowmen who served with Operation Arrow at the 2023 National Jamboree. In addition to that benchmark, the team also established a stretch goal of 500 registered staff members. While ambitious, reaching that goal would place Operation Arrow in a strong position to support the 2026 National Jamboree.
Since those goals were announced, members of the Order of the Arrow from across the country have committed to joining the Operation Arrow team. Arrowmen have also encouraged fellow members of their chapters, lodges, and sections to answer the call to serve Scouting on a national level.
Those efforts have paid off. Operation Arrow has not only reached its initial goal of 350 registered staff members but has also exceeded its stretch goal of 500. As of July 3, 2026, 530 Arrowmen have registered to serve on the Operation Arrow staff at the Summit Bechtel Reserve. The milestone represents significant growth from the 2023 National Jamboree and places the 2026 Operation Arrow team among the largest volunteer staffs of its kind.
Operation Arrow is the Order of the Arrow's service to the National Jamboree. Since 1950, Arrowmen have answered the call to support the jamboree in whatever way is needed. Whether serving on the Service Corps, helping operate program areas such as the Summit Circle Experience and the OA Legacy Experience, supporting communications, administration, staff services, or filling countless other behind the scenes roles, every member of Operation Arrow shares the same purpose: serving Scouting on a national level.
The National Jamboree is one of the largest Scouting events in the country, bringing together thousands of Scouts for adventure, leadership development, fellowship, and experiences that last a lifetime. Supporting an event of that scale requires a dedicated team of volunteers committed to putting service before themselves. Operation Arrow exists to meet that need.
Each registered staff member represents another leader willing to dedicate time, energy, and experience to ensuring a successful National Jamboree. The continued growth of the Operation Arrow team reflects the Order of the Arrow's enduring commitment to cheerful service and to providing an exceptional experience for every participant who attends the 2026 National Jamboree.
Operation Arrow remains the Order of the Arrow's opportunity to serve Scouting on a national level, and the staff assembled for 2026 demonstrates that service.