History
The Order of the Arrow (OA) was founded by Dr. E. Urner Goodman and
Carroll A. Edson in 1915 at the Treasure Island Camp of the Philadelphia
Council, Boy Scouts of America. It became an official program experiment
in 1922 and was approved as part of the Scouting program in 1934.
In 1948 the OA, recognized as the BSA's national brotherhood of honor
campers, became an official part of the national camping program of the
Boy Scouts of America.
Membership
The OA has more than 176,000 members located in lodges affiliated with
approximately 327 BSA local councils.
Eligibility
Scouts are elected to the Order by their fellow unit members, following
approval by the Scoutmaster or Varsity team Coach. To become a member, a
youth must be a registered member of a Boy Scout troop or Varsity Scout
team and hold First Class rank. The youth must have experienced fifteen
days and nights of Boy Scout camping during the two-year period prior to
the election. The fifteen 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.
Adult selection is based on their ability to perform the necessary
functions to help the Order fulfill its purpose, and is not for
recognition. Selected adult Scouters must be an asset to the Order because
of demonstrated abilities, and provide a positive role model for the youth
members of the lodge.
Induction
The induction ceremony, called the Ordeal, is the first step toward
full membership. During the experience, candidates maintain silence,
receive small amounts of food, work on camp improvement projects, and are
required to sleep alone, apart from other campers. The entire experience
is designed to teach significant values.
Boy Scout Troop 652 
