By Joey Dierdorf, 2015 Central Region Chief
Excitement for Order of the Arrow High Adventure (OAHA) programs is at an all time high due to the new OA Summit Experience Program which commenced last summer. Through the addition of this fifth OAHA program, Arrowen may be wondering how the OAHA Triple Crown Award can be earned in the future.
The OAHA Triple Crown has always recognized outstanding outdoorsmen who take the initiative to attend not one, but three high adventure bases through the Order of the Arrow’s programs. After attending an OA trek at Philmont Scout Ranch, Northern Tier and the Florida Sea Base, these Arrowmen typically received a patch displaying a ship, a Indian in a canoe and Philmont’s Tooth of Time embossed over a red arrow. When the idea of a Triple Crown Award was conceived, plans for an additional program at the Summit Bechtel Reserve were not yet in the works. Therefore, the Order of the Arrow has worked to revamp the Triple Crown Award and its patch design!
Members seeking to achieve the new OAHA Triple Crown Award can complete any three of the five OAHA programs as long as they do so at three separate bases. These Arrowmen are also expected to give a presentation about their experiences at a lodge or section event encouraging others to participate. Afterwards, they should submit an OAHA Triple Crown application per the instructions on the form. After verifying attendance, the Arrowmen will receive a patch set and a certificate signed by the national officers recognizing this accomplishment. The patch set will consist of a universal center patch surrounded by three “rockers” to signify the three programs completed.
Many Arrowmen are excited for this new program, including 2014 National Chief Nick Dannemiller. When asked what he thought on the new requirements Nick said, “The revitalization of the Triple Crown Award will not only help us kick off our newest OA High Adventure program, but also seek to better recognize Arrowmen who have enjoyed unforgettable experiences and given outstanding service to our national high adventure bases.”
The purpose of these programs is more than merely receiving another patch; these programs give Arrowmen the adventure of a lifetime and further instill the Order’s founding principles of brotherhood, cheerfulness and service into their daily lives. The new updated patch and certificate is available as of January 1st, 2015. More information on eligibility for the new Triple Crown Award can be found here.