It was 102 years ago, on July 16, that the first Ordeal ceremony was conducted and the Order of the Arrow (OA) was founded at Treasure Island Scout Reservation in the Delaware River area of Pennsylvania.
Over a century later, our organization is stronger than ever before with over 160,000 members in over 270 lodges. Our membership even extends past the bounds of the United States. To commemorate this special anniversary, Arrowmen gathered all across the country to celebrate the bonds of cheerful service.
At the Summit Bechtel Reserve, 650 Arrowmen assembled to form Operation Arrow, the Order of the Arrow staff at the 2017 National Jamboree. In addition to their regular duties in the Indian Village, Service Corps and Trek Guide programs, Arrowmen attended an evening gathering including music, friendly competitions, and messages from 2017 National Chief Forrest Gertin and 2017 National Vice Chief Talon Parker.
The gathering was capped off by a selfie with the Operation Arrow staff taken by Gertin using a special Snapchat geofilter marking the OA’s birthday.
Whatever the reason you’ve supported the Order of the Arrow for some, or maybe all of the past 102 years, share why you #ChooseOA with us.