The Language of the OA (LOOA) encompasses style, usage, and grammar norms observed by both Scouting America and the Order of the Arrow. The OA has developed this resource so that communications at every level of the organization are more consistent. Through periodic updates of terminology, it will become a more comprehensive primary resource to ensure chapters, service areas, lodges, sections and regions are aware of terms and style specific to the OA. Additional Scouting terms not used in daily operations can be found on the Language of Scouting (LOS).
Following the Language of the OA and Language of Scouting, grammar, spelling, style, and usage decisions are based on the latest editions of the following references, in order of preference: Merriam Webster’s Dictionary, The Associated Press Stylebook, and The Chicago Manual of Style. The LOOA and LOS always take precedence. Feel free to reach out to @email with any questions or to suggest an update of the LOOA.
Any National Program of Emphasis centered around service work.
Capitalize as shown.
The National Planning Meeting is held annually to elect our national youth officers and plan the National Program of Emphasis.
Capitalize as shown. May abbreviate as NPM after first reference.
A key elected youth Arrowman, elected by their peer section chiefs. Tasked with planning and overseeing a key aspect of the National Order of the Arrow Conference.
Capitalize in sentence case except when preceding a name. May be abbreviated as CVC after first reference. Do not add a hyphen between the words "vice chief."
"2024 NOAC Training Conference Vice Chief Amanda Arrowman," "Amanda Arrowman was elected as a NOAC conference vice chief," "Training CVC Amanda Arrowman."
A key elected youth Arrowman, elected by their peer section chiefs. Tasked with planning and overseeing a key aspect of the Operation Arrow program.
Capitalize in sentence case except when preceding a name. May be abbreviated as JVC after first reference. Do not add a hyphen between the words "vice chief."
"2023 Communications Jamboree Vice Chief Johnny Scout," "Johnny Scout was elected as a jamboree vice chief," "Communications JVC Johnny Scout."
A key elected youth Arrowman, elected by their peer section chiefs. Tasked with planning and overseeing a key aspect of the National Program of Emphasis.
Capitalize in sentence case except when preceding a name. May be abbreviated as EVC after first reference. Do not add a hyphen between the words "vice chief."
"2025 Gatherings Event Vice Chief Johnny Scout," "Johnny Scout was elected as an event vice chief," "Gatherings EVC Johnny Scout."
A group led by the national officers to plan the National Order of the Arrow Conference. This group is made up of national leadership, section chiefs, and their conference advisers.
Capitalize as shown.
Contingent leaders help recruit, direct, and coordinate the contingent members. Frequently these roles are involved in contingent communications, addressing contingent member questions, and ensuring the contingent is prepared for key milestones in the planning and execution of the conference program.
Capitalize in sentence case.
Contingent youth and adult delegates compose more than 80% of all conference attendees and attend as members of lodge contingents to participate in the conference program.
Capitalize in sentence case.
Remote delegates are individuals who are unable to attend the conference in person. Remote delegates experience live streaming of certain shows and training sessions, a patch, and other remote delegate-only activities.
Capitalize in sentence case.
The handbook given to all new members of the Order of the Arrow. It contains everything you need to know about the OA, including its history, traditions, and values.
Capitalize as shown.
The National Business Plan contains information about the direction of the Order of the Arrow.
Capitalize as shown.
The National Impact Report provides a summary of the OA's activities and programs at the national level for the year.
Capitalize as shown.
The Eternal Flame Program has been designed to offer Arrowmen the opportunity to practice reverence in the remembering of Arrowmen who have passed away.
Capitalize as shown.
This commitment statement establishes our vision and priorities as we strive to become a model for diversity, equity, and inclusion in Scouting America.
Capitalize as shown.
This program provides standards that all lodges should aim to meet and exceed to become high-performing and thriving lodges.
Capitalize as shown. May abbreviate as PMP after first reference.
Used to promote the Order of the Arrow.
Used to promote Sustainability in the Order of the Arrow.
Used to promote National Leadership Seminars, and anything leadership or training related.
Used to promote OA High Adventure programs, and anything outdoors related.
Used to promote OA High Adventure.
Used to promote OA Canadian Odyssey at Northern Tier.
Used to promote OA Ocean Adventure at Florida Sea Base.
Used to promote OA Summit Experience the Summit Bechtel Reserve.
Used to promote OA Trail Crew at Philmont Scout Ranch.
Used to promote OA Wilderness Voyage at Northern Tier.