The national Order of the Arrow committee recently introduced an Innovation Award, designed to recognize lodges and chapters that come up with truly game- changing ideas.
"Best practices" have permeated the Order since its inception, but the methodology to share them is not always easy to come by. The award recognizes this at every level of the organization; as such, any idea that has been proven to positively impact the chapter, lodge, district, council, or Scouting will be considered. In the Order's rich history, countless examples exist of Arrowmen and collective groups coming up with thoughtful solutions to everyday problems that chapters and lodges face. Through the Order of the Arrow Innovation Award, ideas that showcase creativity and successful innovation will now be recognized.
Chapters and lodges that receive this award will be presented with a certificate at the National Annual Meeting of the Boy Scouts of America and a donation of $1,000 will be made to their respective council endowment in the name of that chapter or lodge.
Additionally, the Order of the Arrow Innovation Award serves to highlight successful enhancements of the chapter and lodge program and affords a means for fresh ideas to be identified, recognized and replicated elsewhere. By seeking out the methods that have been especially effective at creating new ways of work, novel solutions to address old problems, or new opportunities for service, this Innovation Award will provide a platform to enhance and promote the exchange of new ideas across the organization!
As the months go on, we hope to highlight chapters and lodges receiving the Innovation Award, which ultimately makes a better experience for all Scouts and Scouters involved. As we gear up for the 100th anniversary of the OA, it becomes even more crucial that ideas for the next century are developed now. After all, as the National Honor Society for the Boy Scouts of America, the Order has always existed to support and improve on its practices.
To be considered for this award, chapters and/or lodges must submit their petition with their lodge charter renewal paperwork no later than December 31, 2013. Access the petition in the Forms Section here.