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About Us |
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Founding
The Order of The Arrow is Scouting's National Honor Society. It's purpose is "to recognize those campers . . . Scouts and Scouters . . . who best exemplify the Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives and by such recognition cause other campers to conduct themselves in such manner as to warrant recognition."
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The OA was founded in the summer of 1915 by Dr. E. Urner Goodman and Carroll A. Edson at the Philadelphia Council summer camp on Treasure Island. Their purpose then was the same as now - to recognize outstanding campers. The idea was so appealing that it continued beyond the summer, and soon became a part of other area councils.
In 1936, the OA was introduced to the Rochester Area Council at a council campout held in Mendon Ponds. Thirty-five members were inducted, and the following year they established Ty-Ohni Lodge #95. Ty-Ohni is the Seneca Native American word for wolf, and was the totem of the Lodge.
In 1948, the OA was discussed by members of the Finger Lakes Council. The following year they formed the Ganeodiyo Lodge #417, and the turtle was chosen as its totem.
In 2010, with the merger of the Otetiana and Finger Lakes Councils, the two lodges merged to form the Tschipey Achtu Lodge #397. Tschipey Achtu means Ghost Deer, and is the totem of the lodge.
Since the founding of the OA in the five county area of Seneca Waterways Council, thousands of Scouts have become members. A unique custom of the OA is that non-members elect members. The OA is a youth led organization guided by adult advisors. Adults, Scouters over the age of twenty-one, are nominated for membership by their unit committees. |
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Membership
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OA membership begins with the Ordeal, and is completed with Brotherhood. At least ten months of service must pass before Brotherhood can be attained. If after two years of Brotherhood participation, a member has shown outstanding service, he or she can be nominated for the Vigil Honor, a National Council recognition.
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Elections |
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The OA is an official part of all Troop programs. It is open to males as well as females. The OA is not a secret society, and does not support hazing in any form. For further information about holding unit elections, nominations, or other program opportunities, contact the Camping Department.
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Forms
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OA election, nomination, registration, and dues payment forms can be found at the Scout Servicenters in Rochester and Geneva . . . or can be downloaded as .PDF documents, by clicking on the Forms button above, and following directions. The .PDF forms are then printed out, filled in and returned to the Servicenter. |
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The Ordeal, Brotherhood and Vigil membership sashes of the OA. |
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