By William Cather
The 2017 National Jamboree is quickly approaching and the Order of the Arrow is recruiting a massive staff for the upcoming event. From July 15th - 29th, 2017, over 750 youth Arrowmen will answer the call to fuel Scouting’s adventure by serving as part of the OA staff, Operation Arrow, at The Summit Bechtel Reserve. In order to reach this massive number of staff members, we need Arrowmen to promote Operation Arrow at both the lodge and section level.
The importance behind this promotion within your lodge and section is to ensure that the OA has enough manpower to staff the jamboree. It’s important to highlight at the lodge level that serving on staff allows lodge members to grow and build up friendships they have with other members. Imagine being able to serve with all of your fellow brothers at a once-in-a-lifetime national event! It will create incredible memories unlike any other!
Promoting at a section level is key due to the influence that the section can make through promotions at events and through their lodges. By capitalizing on opportunities to reach out and speak to fellow Arrowmen, such as at conclaves, trainings and various lodge events, it is easy to create a direct connection with Arrowmen who are interested in Operation Arrow. It is highly beneficial if an Arrowman who has previously served on jamboree staff with the OA can be present in order to share their experiences.
In fact, teams of Arrowmen trained in promoting Operation Arrow can assist in this endeavor. Members of the Operation Arrow Ambassadors Program and Street Team are in place all across the country, and can give you access to promotional resources, the latest news, and more information pertaining to Operation Arrow. To get in touch with members of the Ambassadors and Street Teams from your area, e-mail @email. We can all help fuel Scouting's adventure through focusing on the benefits of creating memories, new and lasting friendships and being able to give back to the Boy Scouts of America.
The promotional success of Operation Arrow is only possible through the utilization of all resources available. At lodge events, it is key to capitalize on the attendance of Arrowmen so you can inform them of this great opportunity. There are several methods available, such as a slideshow that contains fundamental facts and FAQs that can run on a small TV at a booth where Arrowmen can also fill out their contact information via Google form on a laptop or mobile device. Make sure to engage the Arrowmen by understanding their personal goals within Scouting and the OA, and explain how serving at the jamboree as a staff member can help them with their goals as a Scout, an Arrowman and a leader.
This is a call to action! Section, lodge, and chapter leaders: promote Operation Arrow! The only way we can reach the incredible milestone of 750 staff members, is through your support. We look forward to serving with you in 2017! Resources to further promote Operation Arrow can be found on the Operation Arrow website.