Unit leader approval.
To become eligible for election, a Boy Scout or Varsity Scout must be
registered with the Boy Scouts of America and have the approval of his
unit leader prior to the election. The unit leader must certify his
Scout spirit (i.e., his adherence to the Scout Oath and Law and active
participation in unit activities). The unit leader must also certify
that the nominee meets all specified requirements at the time of this
annual election.
Youth membership qualifications.
All members of, or candidates for membership in, the Order of the Arrow
who are under 21 years of age shall be youth members or candidates for
youth membership, subject to meeting the following requirements:
- Be a registered member of the Boy Scouts of America.
- Hold the First Class rank of the Boy Scouts of America, as a minimum
- After registration with a troop or team, have
experienced 15 days and nights of Boy Scout camping during the two-year
period prior to the election. The 15 days and nights must include one,
but no more than one, long-term camp consisting of six consecutive days
and five nights of resident camping, approved and under the auspices and
standards of the Boy Scouts of America. The balance of the camping must
be overnight, weekend, or other short-term camps.
Candidates for youth
membership shall be elected by other youth members in accordance with
policies set forth by the national Order of the Arrow committee.
Election of any person under 21 years of age as a candidate for
membership shall be based on fulfillment of the youth membership
requirements.
Scouts with disabilities.
The Order of the Arrow recognizes Scouting for youth with disabilities,
and elections should be held in these units. Any Arrowman with
disabilities who is classified as a youth member of the unit shall be
considered a youth (voting) member of the Order of the Arrow regardless
of age. Scouts with disabilities must meet all other membership
requirements.
When inducting a Scout with a
disability, as with any candidate, lodges should make the activities
challenging within the individual’s limitations and plan accordingly.
Accessibility to ceremonial circles, sleeping sites, and appropriate
work projects should be taken into consideration to assure a meaningful
induction for the Scout.
Adult membership qualifications.
All members of or candidates for membership in the Order of the Arrow
who are 21 years of age or older and who are registered members of the
Boy Scouts of America shall be considered adult members or candidates
for adult membership.
Individuals shall be selected as candidates based on the following:
1. Adult leaders in units:
Each year, upon holding a troop or team election for youth candidates
that results in at least one youth candidate being elected, the unit
committee may recommend up to one adult for every 50 registered active
youth members to the lodge adult selection committee, composed of the
lodge adviser, the chairman of the council camping committee on which
the lodge adviser serves, and the lodge staff adviser. Recommendations
of the adult selection committee, with the approval of the Scout
executive, serving as the Supreme Chief of the Fire, will be candidates
for induction, provided the following conditions are fulfilled:
- Selection of the adult is based on the ability to
perform the necessary function to help the Order fulfill its purposes,
and not for recognition of service, including current or prior
achievement and position.
- The individual will be an asset to the Order because of demonstrated abilities that fulfill the purpose of the Order.
- The camping requirements set forth for youth members are fulfilled.
- The adult leaders’ membership will provide a
positive role model for the growth and development of the youth members
of the lodge.
Back to top
Section last updated/reviewed 07 Sept 12.
Please note that the images and logos here, as on all our pages, are
© (copyright) their respective owners and used by gracious permission. See
our Special Thanks! page for details and links.