Order of the Arrow - wikipedia Order of the Arrow Order of the Arrow Owner Boy Scouts of America Age range 12 -- 20 ( Male youth ) 21 and over ( Co-ed adults ) Headquarters Irving, Texas Location United States, Puerto Rico, Japan, Germany Country United States Founded July 16, 1915 ( July 16, 1915 ) ( 102 years, 10 months and 14 days ago ) Founders E. Urner Goodman Carroll A. Edson Membership 171,000 youth 70,653 adults 279 lodges ( 2014 ) National Chief Anthony Peluso National Vice Chief Michael Kipp National Chairman Michael G. Hoffman National Director Matt Dukeman Website Order of the Arrow website Scouting portal The Order of the Arrow ( OA ) is the National Honor Society of the Boy Scouts of America ( BSA ). The society was created by E. Urner Goodman, with the assistance of Carroll A. Edson, in 1915 as a means of reinforcing the Scout Oath and the Scout Law. It uses American Indian imagery for ceremonies bestowing recognition on Scouts elected by their peers as best exemplifying the ideals of Scouting. The OA promotes Scouting ideals, especially selfless leadership to help others, as lifelong values and encourages continued participation in Scouting and camping. Influenced in part by Scout camp customs, and in part by Native American traditions and folklore, the OA uses `` safeguarded '' symbols, handshakes, and ceremonies to impart a sense of community. Some Native Americans have supported the OA 's inclusion of Native American elements in its practices and have recognized the OA as positively promoting their culture, and some Native Americans have criticized the OA 's adoption of elements of their culture as inauspicious cultural appropriation. Inducted members, known as Arrowmen or Brothers, are organized into local youth - led lodges that harbor fellowship, promote camping, and render service to Boy Scout councils and their communities. Members wear identifying insignia on their uniforms, most notably the OA pocket flap that represents their individual OA lodge and the OA sash worn at official OA functions. The OA program sponsors several events, awards, and training functions. Contents 1 History 1.1 Founding and development of the society 1.2 Order in the 21st century 2 Membership 2.1 Ordeal 2.2 Brotherhood 2.3 Vigil Honor 3 Organization 3.1 Lodge 3.2 Section 3.3 Region 3.4 National 4 Symbols 5 Ceremonies 6 Awards 7 Events 7.1 High Adventure Program 7.2 National Order of the Arrow Conference 8 Training 8.1 Lodge Leadership Development ( LLD ) 8.2 National Leadership Seminar ( NLS ) 8.3 National Lodge Adviser Training Seminar ( NLATS ) / Developing Youth Leadership Conference ( DYLC ) 9 Association with Native American Cultures 10 References 11 External links History Founding and development of the society E. Urner Goodman ( c. 1917 ), founder of the Order of the Arrow In 1915, E. Urner Goodman, a newly hired field executive for the Philadelphia Council, was assigned to serve as director of the council 's summer camp at Treasure Island Scout Reservation on the Delaware River. He believed that the summer camp experience should do more than just teach proficiency in Scoutcraft skills ; rather, the principles embodied in the Scout Oath and Scout Law should become realities in the lives of Scouts. Along with his assistant camp director, Carroll A. Edson, he started an experimental program, Wimachtendienk ( `` Brotherhood '' in the Lenape language ), to recognize those Scouts best exemplifying those traits as an example to their peers. Goodman and Edson decided that a `` camp fraternity '' was the way to improve the summer camp experience and to encourage older Scouts to continue attending Scout summer camp. In developing this program they borrowed from the traditions and practices of several other organizations. Edward Cave 's Boy 's Camp Book ( 1914 ) was consulted for the concept of a camp society that would perpetuate camp traditions. College fraternities were also influential for their concepts of brotherhood and rituals, and the idea of new members pledging themselves to the new organization. Inspired by Ernest Thompson Seton 's previous Woodcraft Indians program, American Indian lore was used to make the organization interesting and appealing to youth. Other influences include the Brotherhood of Andrew and Phillip, a Presbyterian church youth group with which Goodman had been involved as a young man, and Freemasonry. The traditions and rituals of Freemasonry contributed more to the basic structure of the OA ritual than any other organization. In fact, there appears to be no known fraternal organization more faithful in form to Freemasonry than the OA. Familiar terms such as `` lodge '' and `` obligation '' were borrowed from Masonic practice, as were most of the ceremonial structures and ritual formulae. Even the early national meeting was called a `` Grand Lodge, '' a Masonic reference. Of course, despite several facts -- the common intent to impart a sense of obligation to a higher moral authority ; that groups such as OA that employ these rituals share many of the moral precepts ; and even that there are historical connections to the founders of OA and other organizations to Freemasonry -- nothing should imply any political connection to Freemasonry itself. Goodman and Edson ultimately devised a program where troops chose, at the summer camp 's conclusion, those boys from among their number who best exemplified the ideals of Scouting. Those elected were acknowledged as having displayed, in the eyes of their fellow Scouts, a spirit of unselfish service and brotherhood. Edson helped Goodman research the traditions and language of the Lenni Lenape -- also known as the Delaware -- who previously had inhabited Treasure Island. The brotherhood of Scout honor campers with its American Indian overtones was a success and was repeated again the following summer at Treasure Island. Those Scouts honored at Treasure Island in 1915 and 1916 would become members of what is now Unami Lodge. By 1921, Goodman had spoken to Scout leaders in surrounding states about the honor society, which resulted in multiple lodges being established by Scout councils in the northeastern United States. The name of the society was changed to Order of the Arrow, and in October 1921, Goodman convened the first national meeting of what at that time was called the `` National Lodge of the Order of the Arrow '' in Philadelphia -- where Goodman was elected as Grand Chieftain. Committees were organized to formulate a constitution, refine ceremonial rituals, devise insignia, and plan future development. In the early 1920s, many Scout executives were skeptical of what they called `` secret camp fraternities. '' By September 1922, opposition to the Order of the Arrow was such that a formal resolution opposing `` camp fraternities '' was proposed at a national meeting of Scout executives. Goodman argued against the motion : `` Using the Scout ideals as our great objective '', he said, a camp activity that will `` further the advancement of those ideals '' should not be suppressed. The motion was narrowly defeated, and the fledgling Order continued as an experimental program throughout the 1920s and 1930s. In 1931, there were OA lodges in 7 percent of BSA councils nationwide. By 1948, about two - thirds of the BSA 's councils had established OA lodges. That year, the OA was also integrated as an official part of the Scouting program. Order in the 21st century `` The Order of the Arrow is a ' thing of the spirit ' rather than of mechanics. Organization, operational procedure, and paraphernalia are necessary in any large and growing movement, but they are not what count in the end. The things of the spirit count : Brotherhood, in a day when there is too much hatred at home and abroad ; Cheerfulness, in a day when the pessimists have the floor ; Service, in a day when millions are interested only in getting or grasping rather than giving. '' -- E. Urner Goodman Over the century since the Order of the Arrow 's founding, more than one million Scouts and Scouters have worn the OA sash on their uniforms, denoting membership in the Brotherhood. The four stated purposes of the Order of the Arrow are : `` ( 1 ) Recognize those who best exemplify the Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives and through that recognition cause others to conduct themselves in a way that warrants similar recognition ; ( 2 ) Promote camping, responsible outdoor adventure, and environmental stewardship as essential components of every Scout 's experience, in the unit, year - round, and in summer camp ; ( 3 ) Develop leaders with the willingness, character, spirit and ability to advance the activities of their units, our Brotherhood, Scouting, and ultimately our nation ; and ( 4 ) Crystallize the Scout habit of helpfulness into a life purpose of leadership in cheerful service to others. In a new program of national service conducted from June through August 2008, the OA offered ArrowCorps to both youth and adult Arrowmen. Described as `` one of the largest conservation efforts in Scouting 's history '' by the Boy Scouts of America, approximately 3,500 Arrowmen converged on five national forests to work on various conservation projects such as building new trails and helping preserve nearly extinct species, as well as removing invasive species, in cooperation with the U.S. Forest Service. The five national forests are : Mark Twain National Forest, Manti - La Sal National Forest, George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, Shasta - Trinity National Forest and Bridger - Teton National Forest. Membership National Chief Brad Lichota presenting the Report to the Nation to Robert Gates in 2010. More than 171,000 youth and adults are members of the Order of the Arrow. This number is approximately one - seventh of the total number of those registered in the BSA. Youth members are elected by their local unit. In contrast to Boy Scouting, where youth members are under 18 and adult members are over 18, OA youth members include all persons under 21 years of age while those 21 and over are considered adult members. The OA is a part of the Boy Scout program. Youth members are elected by Boy Scout troops and Varsity Scout teams. To be eligible for induction, a Scout must have achieved the rank of First Class, spent at least 15 days and nights camping within the last two years ( six of which at a resident camp ), and gain the approval of their unit leader. Once elected, a youth must complete their Ordeal within one year. Adults who had not previously joined the Order as a youth member may become members by being nominated by the unit, district, or council committee and then approved by the lodge adult selection committee. Adults must meet the same camping requirement. In addition, at least one youth from the adult 's troop or team must be elected to the OA in that year for an adult to be nominated. A unit may nominate up to one - third of the number of adults as the number of youth elected. Honorary membership was once bestowed in special circumstances, as with Franklin D. Roosevelt and Dwight D. Eisenhower, but this practice was officially discontinued in 1953. While the Order permits initiation of adult women leaders, there has been no decision made as yet as to whether or not girls will be eligible for election and induction, following their scheduled official incorporation into the Boy Scout program in February of 2019 ( which will then be re-named `` Scouts BSA '' ). Ordeal After being elected or nominated, candidates may participate in a call - out ceremony to recognize those Scouts and Scouters that were selected before they attend their Ordeal. The call - out ceremony may be performed at summer camp, a camporee, a call - out weekend or at a unit meeting. Candidates subsequently participate in an Ordeal, intended to emphasize service and selflessness. During the induction, `` candidates maintain complete silence, receive small amounts of food, work on camp improvement projects, and are required to sleep alone, apart from other campers, which teaches significant values. '' If they succeed in their ordeal the candidates are then welcomed as Ordeal members in a formal Ordeal Ceremony. Brotherhood Ordeal members are entitled to all the same rights and privileges of membership in the Order as Brotherhood and Vigil Honor members -- there are no ranks within the Order. However, moving on to Brotherhood membership offers an opportunity to reaffirm one 's commitment to the Order. Arrowmen may `` seal '' their membership after ten months by demonstrating their knowledge of the traditions and obligations of the OA. They then participate in an induction ceremony and become Brotherhood members. While the Ordeal consists primarily of physical impressions, `` the Brotherhood ceremony is one of the deeper and quieter mental impressions. '' Vigil Honor The Vigil Honor is a recognition given to Arrowmen for distinguished contributions beyond the immediate responsibilities of their position or office to their lodge, the Order of the Arrow, Scouting, or their Scout Camp. The Vigil Honor may be conferred upon Arrowmen who have completed a minimum of two years as a Brotherhood member and have performed exceptional service above and beyond their immediate responsibilities through leadership, exemplary efforts, and dedication. However, under no circumstances should tenure in Scouting or the Order of the Arrow be considered as reason enough for a Vigil Honor recommendation. Selection is annual and is limited to one person for every 50 members of the lodge, and members of the Order can be inducted into the Vigil Honor only with the written approval of the National Order of the Arrow Committee. As a part of the Vigil Honor induction, each new Vigil Honor member is given a Vigil Honor name in the language of the Lenni Lenape or the language of their local Lodge. An English translation of the Vigil Honor name is also provided, and the name often represents a characteristic of the individual. Organization The Order of the Arrow places great emphasis on being a youth - led organization. Only youth under the age 21 are voting members and are eligible to hold elected offices. Professional and volunteer adults are appointed to non-voting advisory positions at the chapter, lodge, and section levels. Lodge The basic unit of the OA is the lodge, which is chartered by a local BSA council. The lodge chief is the elected youth leader, the lodge adviser is a BSA adult volunteer appointed by the Scout Executive, and the lodge staff adviser is the council Scout executive or his designated council professional Scouter. The lodge youth officers, consisting of the lodge chief, one or more vice chiefs, a secretary, and a treasurer are responsible for organizing and leading the various programs and activities of the lodge. Many lodges have standing committees responsible for ceremonies, service projects, publications, unit elections, camp promotions, and dance teams composed of youth members. Lodges can also divide into chapters, usually corresponding to districts within the council. The chapter is led by the elected youth chapter chief, chapter vice chiefs, secretary, and a volunteer adult is appointed as the adviser, the district executive is the professional ( staff ) adviser. Original emblem of Unami Lodge, the first OA lodge Section Lodges are grouped into sections that are then grouped into regions. The section chief is the elected youth leader, a volunteer adult is appointed as the section adviser, and the area director ( or his designate ) is the professional ( staff ) adviser. In addition to the section chief, the section has two additional elected officers. The vice chief and secretary are elected immediately following the election of the section chief at the section 's annual business meeting. All sections gather annually at a section conclave held in the late spring or early fall. The section officers lead the planning of this weekend with the help of the lodge chiefs in the section. Region Boy Scouts of America regions as of 1992 The Order of the Arrow is organized into four regions, Central, Southern, Northeast and Western Region ; the boundaries of each OA region correspond with the boundaries of the BSA 's regions. Each region has an elected region chief, a volunteer adult who is appointed as the region chairman to oversee its region Committee, and an appointed professional ( staff ) adviser. Each region chief is elected at the national planning meeting the day after the election of the national chief and vice chief by a caucus of the section chiefs from the given region. The members of the region committee consist of the region chief, the region chairman, all national committeemen from the region, and other appointed adult volunteers. Each region annually has a gathering of all section officers and advisers. As a region, they are trained in topics relevant to their jobs. Each region also provides opportunities for Order of the Arrow members to go through a National Leadership Seminar. This weekend course is highly rated and a lasting memory for many members. National The national chief and the national vice chief are selected by a caucus of the section chiefs at the outset of the Order of the Arrow 's national planning meeting. At the national level, the OA is headed by the National Order of the Arrow committee of which the national chief and national vice chief are voting members. The national adult leadership includes the volunteer national chairman and the OA director, a professional Scouter. Symbols Sashes : Ordeal, Brotherhood, Vigil Honor ( from left to right ) Order of the Arrow pocket device Arrowmen are identified by a white sash bearing a red arrow that is worn over their right shoulder. An Ordeal member wears a sash with a lone arrow. The Brotherhood member wears a sash bearing an arrow with a red bar at each end of the arrow. A Vigil Honor member wears a sash with the same bars of as the Brotherhood sash at each end of the arrow, and a Vigil Honor triangle on the center of the shaft. Members wear the sash at Order of the Arrow functions and special Scouting activities when members need to be identified as Arrowmen rendering special services. The OA sash is not worn at the same time as the merit badge sash, nor worn folded in the belt. The sash as a form of recognition dates to the founding of the Order and has a long history of changes in usage and design. The OA Universal Ribbon is worn suspended from the right uniform shirt pocket button. Vigil Honor recipients may add the Vigil Honor pin to the ribbon. Lodge affiliation is indicated by the wearing of the lodge emblem ( commonly known as a lodge flap ), an embroidered patch is worn on the right pocket flap of the uniform shirt. Each lodge flap has a unique design, generally reflecting the name, geography or history of the lodge. Special issues of flaps may be created to commemorate anniversaries and other events and are a popular item for those who engage in Scouting memorabilia collecting. Arrowmen also exchange a special handshake as a token of brotherhood, along with other signs and passwords. A signature acronym, WWW, is often depicted in publications, regalia, etc. Ceremonies Arrowmen dress in American Indian - style regalia to perform a public Call - Out ceremony The Order of the Arrow utilizes three nationally standardized ceremonies for Ordeal, Brotherhood, and Vigil Honor memberships using themes, stories, and symbols centered on American Indian traditions as interpreted by the Order of the Arrow. It also utilizes symbolic progression, so that no symbols are introduced before the proper time. This is done to keep the sense of mystery surrounding the ceremonies and their various symbols. There is an element of mystery in the ceremonies for the sake of its effect on the participants, and so the three membership ceremonies are not performed in public. The ceremonies were standardized almost from the beginning of the OA to avoid misunderstandings regarding the diversity of religious beliefs among BSA members. Ceremonies were once considered to be secret, and consequently, the OA has been viewed by some as a secret society. With the introduction of Youth Protection program guidelines in 1980s, the BSA has made clear that any concerned parent, guardian, or religious leader may view a video of the ceremonies, attend meetings, or read ceremonial texts upon request to a council, district, lodge, or chapter official to assure themselves that there is nothing objectionable. Such persons are asked to safeguard the details relating to ceremonies for the sake of the participants. The intent of the provision for parents and religious leaders to be allowed access to ceremonies is to ensure that there is no religious conflict or violations of youth protection guidelines occurring. Parents have long been discouraged in many Lodges from seizing the opportunity to use the provision for photo opportunities with their sons, and some lodges have instituted bans on photography during the ceremonies. Hazing or demeaning initiation pranks are also prohibited by the OA and the BSA. The ceremonies utilize symbolic settings, rites, and principles to convey various Scouting ideals to participants. As one author depicts a ceremony, `` The values of the Order of the Arrow, ' a brotherhood of cheerful service, ' were passed on during a night - time ceremony : an arrowhead outlined with stones on the ground, candles on the stones, a huge bonfire at the base of the arrowhead, and at the point of the arrow a lectern from which was read, and danced, the story of heroic sacrifice for others. '' Ceremonies also utilize the OA song, commonly referred to by its first line of lyrics as Firm Bound in Brotherhood, and titled Order of the Arrow Official Song and The Order of the Arrow Song in the printed music score of official OA publications. It was written in 1921 by OA founder E. Urner Goodman to the Russian hymn tune God Save the Tsar !, composed by Alexei Lvov in the 19th century. OA ceremony teams are also occasionally asked to assist local Cub Scout and Boy Scout units with special ceremonies including Arrow of Light ceremonies for the Cub Scouts and Eagle Scout ceremonies for Boy Scouts. Awards Main article : Order of the Arrow honors and awards Awards are separate and distinct from the membership levels of Ordeal and Brotherhood. Awards available through the Order of the Arrow include : Vigil Honor, Founder 's Award, Distinguished Service Award, Lifetime Achievement Award, Red Arrow Award, E. Urner Goodman Camping Award. Events Most lodges hold several annual events, such as one or two annual lodge fellowships, an annual lodge recognition dinner, and one or more Ordeal weekends which usually include Brotherhood ceremonies as well. Many larger lodges delegate responsibility for Ordeal weekends and other service projects upon the individual chapters. Individual summer camps may also host `` OA days '' during which members of the OA may receive small tokens of recognition in exchange for showing their sash. The section conclave is an annual activity ( prior to 1972 known as an Area OA Conference ) involving three or more lodges in an established geographic area. Each conclave is led by Section youth officers elected from among the member lodges at the previous year 's conclave, and the event itself is prepared in cooperation with various other lodge officers, and with one lodge serving as the `` host lodge ''. The national OA committee also sponsors various national service opportunities, the oldest of which is the National OA Service Corps at the national Scout jamborees, at which Arrowmen have helped with many functions including shows and the Outdoor Adventure Program exhibit. High Adventure program Two Arrowmen working on a trail in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Main article : High adventure programs of the Order of the Arrow The Order of the Arrow, in its focus on service and humility, sponsors service groups to the four National High Adventure Bases that focus on conservation. Inspired by three gentlemen, Edward Pease, Eugene `` Gene '' Schnell and Marty Tschetter who gathered at a leadership summit at Philmont Scout Ranch in 1979, the Order of the Arrow High Adventure program was established. Originally starting with the Order of the Arrow Trail Crew at the Philmont Scout Ranch working to build new trails and repair old ones. This expanded to the Northern Tier National High Adventure Bases with the OA Wilderness Voyage, repairing the portage trails in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, and then to Florida National High Adventure Sea Base in 2005 with Ocean Adventure, which works to remove invasive species on some of the Keys and promoting and carrying out of the Bleach watch program in the Florida Keys. After the addition of the third High Adventure Base, the Order of the Arrow implemented the OA Triple Crown Award In the summer of 2009, the OA began the OA Canadian Odyssey program which provided service similar to the OA Wilderness Voyage to the Quetico Provincial Park. In 2014, The Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve began hosting the Order of the Arrow Summit Experience which gives service to the New River Gorge National River. National Order of the Arrow Conference Main article : List of Order of the Arrow national events The National Order of the Arrow Conference ( NOAC ) is a multi-day event which usually takes place on a university campus, bringing together thousands of delegates from OA lodges around the nation for training and activities. NOACs are held every two years, with exceptions made to align the event with significant anniversaries. As a youth - led organization, these national conferences are organized and directed by the elected section and region youth officers, who serve on committees responsible for various conference aspects under the leadership of the conference vice-chief. Events include training for programs, leadership and American Indian culture ; competitions in athletics, ceremonies, cooking and American Indian dances ; and exhibits on OA history, outdoor activities, and camping. There are also opportunities to talk with national leaders, perform service work and trade patches. Evening shows have different themes, including American Indian culture and recognition of dance competition winners, presentations of awards including the OA Distinguished Service Award and other entertainment. Training In addition to training courses available at a NOAC or section conclave, the OA offers specialized leadership training as weekend events for members : Lodge Leadership Development ( LLD ), National Leadership Seminars ( NLS ), and National Lodge Adviser Training Seminar ( NLATS ). LLD is a one - day or two - day event conducted by a lodge to train their officers and advisers. NLS 's are conducted by regions for lodge officers and advisers. Many lodges send key officers to receive training. Typically, each region schedules three or four NLS weekends annually, at geographically dispersed locations within the region. NLATS is a training event for adults, usually held in conjunction with an NLS and conducted by regions, on the role of advisers in the OA. Lodge leadership development ( LLD ) The LLD 's primary objective is to train and orient lodge and chapter officers to the logistics of operating their chapters and lodges. Lodges are primarily responsible for providing this training to its officers, and there are resources available online to add to the course 's syllabus. National leadership Seminar ( NLS ) Each region in the Order of the Arrow is responsible for putting on three to four NLSs each year in different areas of the region. The NLS has received praise for being one of the most valuable trainings offered by the BSA. Participants spend a weekend with Arrowmen in different parts of the region learning about the theory and practice of effective leadership. Each region is responsible for their NLS 's program, and the weekend is organized by the region chief and his support staff. Primary NLS staff go through a national training weekend called Train the Trainer, put on once every two years. National lodge adviser training Seminar ( NLATS ) / developing youth leadership Conference ( dylc ) Largely considered the adult equivalent of the NLS program, NLATS 's primary objective was to provide advanced training to adults in each lodge. NLATS and NLS usually happened concurrently on the same weekend. The events were planned and executed by a staff of adults. After successful pilots in 2016, the new `` Developing Youth Leadership Conference '' curriculum began replacing NLATS in early 2017. Association with Native American cultures According to historian Philip J. Deloria, the founders of the Order of the Arrow decided to present Native American characteristics `` as a sign of scouting excellence. '' Goodman and Edson established the OA at Treasure Island Scout Reservation as a Scouting honor society with elements derived from their interpretation of the poem Hiawatha and the novel The Last of the Mohicans. Inductions of new OA members at Treasure Island involved OA ceremonialists wearing Native American regalia at camp bonfires. In the past, some ceremonialists used face paint, performed dances with religious significance, and used objectionable terms regarding Native Americans. The OA no longer allows these practices, stating that this is in recognition of preferences of Native American groups that found such actions offensive. Exceptions are made for those OA members who are actually enrolled tribal members, such as the members of the various Florida lodges, such as Seminole 85 and Osceola 564, both of which contain numerous members of those respective tribal groups. Modern ceremonies conducted by each OA lodge are influenced by the history and traditions of the Native American tribes indigenous to the areas the lodge serves. Multiple Native Americans have attended OA events and worked with their local OA lodge to help Arrowmen learn the context of their history and traditions. A 2003 Ceremonial Team Training guide of the Shawnee Lodge of the OA advised Arrowmen that among the factors to be considered pertaining to regalia used in ceremonies, `` The first and foremost is respect for Native Americans, especially those whose tribal style you are emulating. '' According to the Indian Affairs team of the Atta Kulla Kulla Lodge : Some individual Native Americans may still find fault with people who are not Native Americans performing ceremonies and dances. It is not possible to please everyone no matter what you do, so members of the Order should note that their practices are discussed at length with representatives of other tribes and found acceptable. This approval puts such critics in the odd position of attempting to dictate practices to other Native American groups. The OA has been criticized for cultural appropriation with regard to conducting simulated Native American ceremonies, with critics viewing these ceremonies as marginalizing Native Americans and reinforcing stereotypes about them. Some OA lodges have been criticized for incorporating into their ceremonies elements from Native American groups of other parts of the U.S., blending together the traditions without apparent recognition or regard to distinctions among Native American groups. Use of objects considered sacred to some Native American groups in ways other than they intended has been observed, as emphasized by Ozheebeegay Ikwe, a Native American activist : I have been told that if we are not using these sacred objects as they are intended, we are n't walking the walk. Along with carrying and using these items, comes a great deal of responsibility. Not just anyone should have them. I want my children to know the truth that is the Drum, Pipe, and Eagle Feather. I want them to understand that traditional ways are not a costume or boy scout initiation. They are alive, they are sacred. The OA as well has been criticized by some Native American groups for using Native American imagery at its national conferences without a sufficient portion of the membership consisting of Native Americans. References Jump up ^ `` NOAC 1998 Memories : A Life of Service ''. Order of the Arrow. August 4, 1998. Jump up ^ `` 2014 Annual Report '' ( PDF ). Order of the Arrow. December 2015. Jump up ^ `` 2018 National Chief Elected ''. Order of the Arrow. Jump up ^ `` 2018 National Vice Chief Elected ''. Order of the Arrow. Jump up ^ `` Ask the Chairman - How was the new national chairman chosen ? ''. Order of the Arrow. Jump up ^ `` Matt Dukeman selected as new OA Team Specialist ''. Order of the Arrow. Jump up ^ Ashley, Wallace ( July 30, 2016 ). `` Comment posted to Scott 's Brotherhood Blog # 6 : A New Culture Beckons ''. LDS - BSA Relationships Office. Retrieved November 3, 2017. Jump up ^ `` Order of the Arrow Jaccos Towne Lodge : Lodge History ''. Jaccos Towne Lodge, Order of the Arrow, Boy Scouts of America. p. 21, 22. Retrieved November 3, 2017. Jump up ^ Overton, Jo ( August 31, 2015 ). `` Cultural Appropriation : There is No Right Way to Do It ''. FEMWOC : Feminist Women of Color. Retrieved November 3, 2017. Jump up ^ Edelman, Gretchen ( August 12, 2015 ). `` Mich. State students protest Boy Scouts for ' cultural appropriation ' ''. CampusReform.org. Retrieved November 3, 2017. ^ Jump up to : Order of the Arrow Handbook. Boy Scouts of America. 1977. ISBN 0 - 8395 - 5000 - 6. Jump up ^ `` Extended History of the Order of the Arrow ''. Quelqueshoe Lodge 166. Archived from the original on November 19, 2008. Retrieved February 7, 2009. Jump up ^ Cave, Edward ( 1914 ). The Boy 's Camp Book : A Guidebook Based upon the Annual Encampment of a Boy Scout Troop. 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( January 25, 1997 ). `` The Order Of The Arrow, Another Masonic Ritual ? ''. Grand Chapter Royal Arch Masons of Virginia. Retrieved March 19, 2008. Jump up ^ Peterson, Robert ( January -- February 2000 ). `` Celebrating 90 Years of Strong Values and Leadership ''. Scouting. Retrieved October 20, 2007. Jump up ^ Geller, Allan ( 1983 ). The Brotherhood of Cheerful Service : A Pictorial History of Unami Lodge. Philadelphia : Unami Lodge. Jump up ^ Dordick, Bruce ( July 4, 2004 ). `` Unami Lodge One History ''. Cradle of Liberty Council. Archived from the original on September 27, 2007. Retrieved October 16, 2007. ^ Jump up to : Block, Nelson R. ( 2000 ). A Thing of the Spirit -- The Life of E. Urner Goodman. Irving, Tx : BSA. LCCN 2001277208. Jump up ^ Lindgren, Jim ( January -- February 2007 ). `` Honoring a Legacy of Service ''. Scouting. Retrieved October 20, 2007. Jump up ^ `` OA Basics : The Order of the Arrow is Scouting 's National Honor Society ''. Order of the Arrow. Archived from the original on October 14, 2007. Retrieved October 12, 2007. Jump up ^ `` Purpose and Mission '' ( PDF ). Order of the Arrow. Retrieved November 23, 2009. Jump up ^ `` ArrowCorps pamphlet '' ( PDF ). Order of the Arrow. Retrieved April 3, 2007. Jump up ^ `` ArrowCorps5 ''. U.S. Forest Service. Retrieved October 11, 2008. Jump up ^ `` Order of the Arrow -- ArrowCorps ''. Order of the Arrow. Retrieved January 29, 2008. Jump up ^ `` Combined Membership Totals ''. Boy Scouts of America. 2007. Archived from the original on February 13, 2009. Retrieved February 19, 2009. ^ Jump up to : `` Membership Requirements and the Induction Process ''. Order of the Arrow, BSA. Retrieved August 31, 2015. Jump up ^ Davis, Kenneth P ( 1990 ). The Brotherhood of Cheerful Service : A History of the Order of the Arrow. Irving, Texas : Boy Scouts of America. ISBN 0 - 8395 - 4998 - 9. Jump up ^ `` Order of the Arrow ''. Boy Scouts of America. 2008. Jump up ^ Untiedt, Kenneth L. ( 2005 ). Inside the Classroom ( and Out ). University of North Texas. pp. 44 -- 45. ISBN 1 - 57441 - 202 - 7. Jump up ^ Howes, Jim ( 2007 ). `` History of the Order of the Arrow ''. Atlas Communications. Retrieved February 9, 2009. Jump up ^ `` The Vigil Honor ''. Cowikee Lodge. Archived from the original on March 6, 2009. Retrieved February 19, 2009. Jump up ^ Order of the Arrow Guide for Officers and Advisers, p. 8. ^ Jump up to : `` Field Operations Guide '' ( PDF ). Order of the Arrow. p. 15. Retrieved December 4, 2008. ^ Jump up to : Order of the Arrow Handbook. Boy Scouts of America. 2007. # 34996. Jump up ^ `` History of the OA Sash ''. OA Sections. Retrieved July 30, 2008. Jump up ^ `` Pocumtuc Lodge Flaps ''. Pocumtuc Lodge. Retrieved February 19, 2009. Jump up ^ `` The Handclasp of the Lodge ''. Order of the Arrow. Retrieved April 11, 2006. ^ Jump up to : `` Youth Protection Guidelines for adult leaders and parents ''. Irving, Texas : Boy Scouts of America. 2006. Physical hazing and initiations are prohibited and may not be included as part of any Scouting activity... The BSA does not recognize any secret organizations as part of its program. All aspects of the Scouting program such as Order of the Arrow are open to observation by parents and leaders Jump up ^ Order of the Arrow Handbook. Boy Scouts of America. 2008. If after discussing the ceremony with the lodge adviser, the parent, Scout leader or religious leader continues to have questions about the content of the ceremony, that person will be permitted to read the ceremonial text and view the Ordeal 's ceremony training DVD. Following this, parents will be in a position to decide whether to allow their son to participate in the ceremony. Nonmembers should not attend the ceremonies. Jump up ^ Donchak, Lisa ( April 10, 2008 ). `` The Secret Behind the Order of the Arrow ''. City on a Hill Press. Retrieved January 30, 2012. Jump up ^ Farley, Michelle ( December 2007 ). `` Wimachtendienk, Wingolauchsikm, Witanmeui : Use of Native Culture in the Order of the Arrow ''. Retrieved March 18, 2008. Jump up ^ Wicks, Robert J. ( 2000 ). Handbook of Spirituality for Ministers. Paulist Press. p. 171. ISBN 0 - 8091 - 3971 - 5. Jump up ^ Ceremony for the Brotherhood. Boy Scouts of America. 1999. p. 18. 34994A. Jump up ^ Ceremony for the Ordeal. Boy Scouts of America. 1999. p. 14. Jump up ^ Sanchez, Diana ( 1989 ). The Hymns of the United Methodist Hymnal. Nashville, Tennessee : Abingdon Press. ISBN 0 - 687 - 43149 - 2. Jump up ^ Scholarships, Grants and Prizes 2007. Peterson 's. 2007. p. 494. ISBN 978 - 0 - 7689 - 2314 - 8. ^ Jump up to : `` National OA Events ''. Order of the Arrow. Retrieved February 9, 2009. Jump up ^ High Adventure Service : OA Summit Experience Retrieved August 5, 2016 Jump up ^ `` OA Training Central ''. Order of the Arrow, Boy Scouts of America. Retrieved March 5, 2013. Jump up ^ http://www.oa-bsa.org/pages/content/developing-youth-leadership-conference-info Jump up ^ Deloria, Philip J. ( 1999 ). Playing Indian. New Haven : Yale University Press. pp. 126, et al. ISBN 9780300080674. Retrieved 5 November 2017. ^ Jump up to : `` AIA Team ''. Atta Kulla Kulla Lodge, Order of the Arrow, Boy Scouts of America. Retrieved November 2, 2017. Jump up ^ `` What is the Order of the Arrow ? '' ( PDF ). Chief Seattle Council, Boy Scouts of America. 2009. p. 6, 7. Retrieved November 2, 2017. Jump up ^ `` Awake My Friends ! A Resource for Ceremonial Team Planning '' ( PDF ). Shawnee Lodge, Order of the Arrow, Boy Scouts of America. August 31, 2003. p. 24, 25. Retrieved November 2, 2017. Jump up ^ Brantmeier, Edward J. ( August 1, 2002 ). `` Scout Gathering Allows Stereotypes of American Indians to be Repeated ''. The Herald - Times. ( subscription required ) Jump up ^ `` Daily Local News ''. WFHB Firehouse Broadcasting ( Podcast ). WFHB Community Radio. July 14, 2009. Archived from the original on July 19, 2009. Retrieved July 27, 2009. Jump up ^ Ikwe, Ozheebeegay. `` Boys Scouts Order of the Arrow Guilty of Cultural Appropriation ''. Last Real Indians. Retrieved November 2, 2017. Jump up ^ Kader, Charles ( August 25, 2015 ). `` Boy Scouts Playing Indians ''. Indian Country Today. Retrieved November 2, 2017. 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Question: what is order of the arrow boy scouts
Answer: the National Honor Society of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA)