Parents Page

Your child has been selected to join Scouting’s National Honor Society, the Order of the Arrow. This is a special recognition, chosen by their peers in the unit, and you can be proud of this achievement. As they begin their journey with the Order of the Arrow, your support will be important as they take on new responsibilities in service to Scouting. As a parent, you may have questions about what this opportunity means for your Scout, and this page aims to provide helpful information to guide you.

What is the Order of the Arrow?

The Order of the Arrow is the National Honor Society of Scouting. Each local council has its own lodge, and in our area, that’s Lenape Lodge. Established in 1915 by Dr. E. Urner Goodman and Carroll A. Edson at Treasure Island Camp, the Order was created to honor those who live by the values of the Scout Oath and Law. By 1948, it became an official part of the Boy Scouts of America. Today, the Order of the Arrow welcomes members from Scouts BSA, Venturing crews, and Sea Scouts, regardless of gender.

How does the Order of the Arrow benefit my child?

Beyond recognizing your Scout’s commitment to the Scout Oath and Law, the Order of the Arrow promotes leadership, outdoor adventure, and service to others. Throughout the year, they will have opportunities to participate in lodge events like service projects, fellowship weekends, and leadership development. These experiences will allow them to connect with Scouts from other troops and areas, learning new ideas and growing together. You can check the Upcoming Events page for more information on what’s coming up.

When will my child complete their Induction?

Election is just the beginning of the path to full membership in the Order of the Arrow. After being elected, your Scout will need to complete their Induction Weekend, which they have 18 months to do. Induction Weekends are held a few times a year, providing opportunities for candidates to fulfill this requirement.

Why is the Induction kept secret?

The purpose of maintaining some secrecy around the Induction experience is to preserve the experience for new candidates. It’s an opportunity for your Scout to reflect and deepen their commitment to serving others. If you have specific concerns or questions, you’re welcome to reach out to the Lodge Adviser, Mrs. Linda Estacio, for clarification.

Can adults join the Order of the Arrow?

While the Order is youth-led, adult involvement is essential to guide and support these young leaders. Adults registered with a unit, district, or council may be nominated for membership by the appropriate committee or staff. Adult members help the lodge achieve its goals, but it’s important to remember that adult nominations focus on how they can contribute to the success of the lodge and its youth members.

I was a member of the Order of the Arrow as a Scout. Can I be involved again?

Absolutely! If you were previously an OA member, you can reactivate your membership, though some time may be needed to verify your past participation. You’ll need to be currently registered with the Garden State Council to renew your membership alongside your Scout.

More Questions?

If you have any other question, or if you would like to confirm eligibility, please feel free to contact us on our contact page here.