Hidden in the forest to the east of Base Camp Alpha at the Summit Bechtel Reserve is a monument to the founding of the OA, the Summit Circle. This site is home to elements of the historic Treasure Island Circle, and has served as a place of reflection for Arrowmen during national events. As the Summit prepares to welcome thousands of Scouts and Scouters for the 2026 National Jamboree, a team of volunteer Arrowmen led by George Soltis has been working behind the scenes to prepare the site and ensure it’s safe and accessible to welcome Arrowmen this summer.
The path to the Summit Circle is headed by Legacy Lodge Plaza, leading into the national reflection trail. Following the path you will see fifteen columns, each one housing the lodge rocks donated at the centennial NOAC in 2015. The end of the trail opens into the Summit Circle, a recreation of the original Treasure Island Scout Reservation ceremony circle used for the first ceremonies held by the Order of the Arrow back in 1915.
The Summit Circle was dedicated on April 16, 2016 with the intent for it to remain a snapshot of the OA as it entered its second century. To preserve this snapshot and stay true to its Treasure Island origins, a team of Arrowman do much needed behind-the-scenes maintenance twice a year. This last fall, a bridge over the Hamilton Branch Creek, which is necessary to cross in order to access the Summit Circle, was in need of replacement.
This bridge was initially built in 2013 by the Army National Guard for getting vehicles across the creek, but has been pedestrian only since 2015. Over the years, this bridge deteriorated to the point of needing replacement. With the support of the Summit Bechtel Reserve and the Order of the Arrow, this team of Arrowmen demolished the old bridge and oversaw the installation of a new fiberglass bridge.
This project is one of many that have gone into ensuring the Summit Circle remains a symbolic place of reflection for countless Arrowmen to come. Over the past few years, these projects include: new stone for the trail, dead tree removal, bench replacement, and general stonework as needed. This spring as we near the 2026 National Jamboree, some new benches will be installed and mulch will be laid.
While these projects may seem small on their own, their collective effect is what will sustain this historical site. Every Arrowman can relate to cheerfully serving even when the purpose was not immediately clear. Over time, these small acts of service build upon each other, shaping the experience that will leave a lasting impact on future Scouts and Arrowman. Projects like these, whether at home, at your favorite camp, or at one of Scouting's high-adventure bases, is how Scouting leaves a legacy.
If you are attending the 2026 National Jamboree, be sure to join the OA during the OA Summit Circle Experience. Whether you are attending as a part of your council contingent or as a member of the Operation Arrow staff, you won't want to miss out. If you’re not yet planning to attend the jamboree, you still have time to join the OpArrow Staff. Find out more information about Operation Arrow here.
