The Language of the OA

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.