Youth leaders from around the country gathered in Dallas, TX for the national planning meeting this week to select the leadership for Operation Arrow, the OA’s effort to support the 2017 National Jamboree.
The program will be led by National Chief Forrest Gertin and National Vice Chief Talon Parker and will be powered by 750 youth Arrowmen -- the largest jamboree staff team ever assembled by the Order of the Arrow. A corps of jamboree vice chiefs will assist in leading the effort.
Operation Arrow’s areas of focus are Service Corps, Trek Guides, Indian Village, Medical Transport Corps, Aerial Sports Team, Summit Center exhibit and headquarters support staffs.
Operation Arrow will cement the Order of the Arrow’s reputation of service and impact thousands of scouts from around the world.
More than 450 Arrowmen have already signed up to be a part of this historic service effort but hundreds of openings are still available. We hope you will join us as a part of Operation Arrow at the 2017 National Jamboree for what is sure to be the experience of a lifetime!
Here are the youth leaders selected to help lead Operation Arrow through their service as a jamboree vice chief:
Patrick Mapp - Service Corps
“I’m excited to continue and expand the outstanding legacy of the OA Service Corps at the 2017 National Jamboree.”
SR-9 Section Chief Patrick Mapp is an Eagle Scout and Vigil Honor member of Ini-To Lodge and a member of Troop 11 in the Flint River Council. Patrick is a recipient of the Centurion Award and the Founder’s Award. He is a political science and pre-law major at Columbus State University. In his spare time, Patrick enjoys kayaking, hiking, and travelling. A fun fact about Patrick is that he has worked as the seasonal operations manager at the Summit Bechtel Reserve the past two summers.
Matthew Watson - Indian Village
“The OA has a pivotal role in sharing a glimpse of the Shawnee people, from the hills of the Summit to the plains of Oklahoma, with Scouts from all over the world. I look forward to opening eyes to the American Indian culture that is very alive and diverse today.”
SR-5 Section Chief Matthew Watson is an Eagle Scout and Vigil Honor member of Atta Kulla Kulla Lodge and a member of Troop 159 in the Blue Ridge Council. Matthew is the recipient of the Centurion Award and the Founder’s Award. He is a biology/pre-med major at North Greenville University. In his spare time, he enjoys camping, traveling, fishing and storytelling, especially about the Cherokee - he even wrote his lodge’s history book.
Chris Craig - Trek Guides
“I’m excited to watch the jamboree be awesome! It’ll be exciting leading the Trek Guides at the forefront of the journey.”
NE-6A Section Chief Chris Craig is an Eagle Scout and Vigil Honor member of Amangamek Wipit Lodge and a junior assistant Scoutmaster with Troop 1410 in the National Capital Area Council. Chris is a senior at St. John Paul the Great High School and hopes to study political science and business administration next year. Outside of Scouting, he enjoys playing lacrosse and soccer, going hiking, and volunteering with the Special Olympics.
Justin St. Louis - Program
“I look forward to delivering an exceptional program that fuels Scouting's adventure in a meaningful and impactful way.”
NE-1 Section Chief Justin St. Louis is an Eagle Scout and Vigil Honor member of Pennacook Lodge and is an assistant Scoutmaster with Troop 7 in the Spirit of Adventure Council. Justin attends the University of Massachusetts at Lowell where he studies political science. In his free time, he enjoys graphic design, swimming and taking road trips. For three years in a row, Justin has participated in a three mile swim fundraiser for his summer camp.
Tanner Maris - Recreation
“I’m excited to provide a destressing and comfortable environment by devising innovative activities.”
SR-3 Section Chief Tanner Maris is an Eagle Scout and Vigil Honor member of Aina Topa Hutsi Lodge and is an assistant Scoutmaster with Troop 1021 in the Alamo Area Council. Tanner is a business management and finance major at San Antonio College. He enjoys playing ultimate frisbee, rugby, Fifa and running. Tanner also speaks four languages.