Dear Honored Campers,
On behalf of the Operation Arrow Leadership Team, we thank you for answering the call to serve with more than 300 Order of the Arrow members this summer at #NatJamboree23.
We are thrilled to report that due to your commitment to servant leadership, we achieved the following on our two-week journey moving forward with the Scouting movement:
- Service Corps completed 9,000 hours of service with its versatile presence aiding projects all across the jamboree while amicably exemplifying the OA’s devotion to “service with a smile.”
- Over 12,000 Scouts and Scouters attended Summit Apex, the OA’s newest program at jamboree, which functioned as a day-long “outpost” with a festival and show celebrating the lived experience all share in Scouting through fun and meaningful activities, inspiring them to return home and share Scouting with their communities.
- Over 8,000 Scouts visited our Activation Station, which inspired inactive and former OA members to re-engage with new program and opportunities in the coming days, weeks, and months.
- Program and Staff Services team enriched the internal OA staff experience with over 50 hours of gatherings, socials, recreation and reflections. Cannot forget about that karaoke, or countless patches sold!
- Marketing and Communications captured both the day in the life of a zesty blue and the overall jamboree experience, with over 70,000 photos and 10 hours of video that will undoubtedly inspire Arrowmen to follow in your footsteps at future jamborees.
- Administrative Services provided behind-the-scenes support managing logistics, ensuring the OA team ran smoothly on a day-to-day basis.
This event has been a testament to the spirit of Scouting, showcasing the values, skills and camaraderie that make this organization truly extraordinary as we move forward. Forward is not just a direction; it represents progress, growth and the relentless pursuit of excellence. It symbolizes our determination to break barriers and reach new horizons in everything we do. As the jamboree’s largest staff, functioning as a national lodge for two weeks, we were responsible for providing an exceptional experience for all Scouts as the circle grew wider in the movement. You did not disappoint on the way to this lofty goal.
As you return home to your unit, chapter, lodge, section or region, remember those experiences, memories and friendships made at the national jamboree. Recommit yourself to the Scout Oath and Law, as well as the Obligation, just as you did during A Common Tie Rededication Ceremony. The movement needs you more than ever, and we are grateful you chose to serve alongside us this summer.
Until next time, keep calm and Scout on. We eagerly await the next opportunity to move forward with you in the Scouting movement.
Yours in Scouting,
Zach Grinvalsky | National Chief
Pronouns: He/Him/His
@email | @OANationalChief
Grant Kim | National Vice Chief
Pronouns: He/Him/His
@email | @OANationalVC