Announcements

Formal announcements from the Order of the Arrow.

2018 National Service Award Recipients

The Order of the Arrow is pleased to announce the selection of eight lodges for the National Service Award. Established in 1999, the National Service Award recognizes up to two lodges in each region that have performed outstanding qualitative and quantitative service for their council. The following lodges are being recognized for their 2018 accomplishments. <h3>Central Region</h3> Black Hawk Lodge Mississippi Valley Council #141 Quincy, Illinois Kanwa tho Lodge Three Harbors Council #636 Milwaukee, Wisconsin <h3> Northeast Region</h3> Lowanne Nimat Lodge Longhouse Council #373 Syracuse, New York Witauchsoman Lodge Minsi Trails Council #502 Allentown, Pennsylvania <h3>Southern Region</h3> Mikanakawa Lodge Circle Ten Council #571 Dallas, Texas O-Shot-Caw Lodge South Florida Council #84 Miami Lakes, Florida <h3>Western Region</h3> Cahuilla Lodge California Inland Empire Council #45 Redlands, California Wiatava Lodge Orange County Council #39 Santa Ana, California

Apr 23, 2019 Announcements

2018 OA High Adventure Yearbook

In the summer of 1992, three young Arrowmen had an idea that would soon change the Order of the Arrow as a whole, envisioning a service program at Philmont Scout Ranch for OA members. At its inception in 1995, the program was intended to be run for only one summer and only one project. But due to its success and popularity, that single summer of service has evolved into one of the Order of the Arrow’s most meaningful experiences: five programs, at all four national high adventure bases, known as OA High Adventure. Now, in 2019, after over two decades of cheerful service at the BSA’s high adventure bases, the OAHA Foreman Alumni Association has published <a href="/uploads/programs/oaha/OAHA-Yearbook-2018.pdf">the inaugural issue of the Order of the Arrow High Adventure Yearbook</a>. In this document, the Order of the Arrow highlights the success of five programs in 2018, stories from the summer, alumni accomplishments, and best practices to promote the program. Enjoy reading! <a href="/uploads/programs/oaha/OAHA-Yearbook-2018.pdf">Download the yearbook here.</a>

Mar 12, 2019 Announcements

2019 Congratulatory Eagle Scout Letters

The 2019 editions of the Eagle Scout congratulatory letters are now available from the national chief and vice chief. There is also a new edition available from the national chairman. These recognition letters are a great addition to any Eagle Scout's court of honor. Instructions to download, modify and print the letters are available <a href="/resources/ucl-support/eagle-scout-congratulatory-letter">here</a>.

Jan 31, 2019 Announcements

2019 OA Service Grant Recipients Announced

Since 1999, the National OA Committee has annually selected lodges from each region to receive matching service grants. For 2019, 15 lodges in councils across the nation were chosen to receive a combined total of $34,500 in matching grants via the OA Service Grant program. The following grants were awarded within the Central Region: Illini Lodge of the Prairielands Council, headquartered in Champaign, Illinois, will receive $1,300 for the construction of a multipurpose pavilion for year-round use by Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts at the Rankin Outdoor Adventure Place. Waupecan Lodge of the Rainbow Council, headquartered in Lockport, Illinois, will receive $1,500 to construct a shelter in their first year camper area at Rainbow Scout Reservation. The following grants were awarded within the Northeast Region: Catamount Lodge of the Heart of New England Council, headquartered in Lancaster, Massachusetts, will receive $5,000 for the renovation of the Green Cabin at Camp Wanocksett. Kittan Lodge of the Twin Rivers Council, headquartered in Albany, New York, will receive $2,100 to help develop a new ATV Trek course with a permanent building at Camp Wakpominee. Witauchsoman Lodge of the Minsi Trails Council, headquartered in Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania, will receive $2,100 to rebuild the Stone Arrow Ceremony Circle at Trexler Scout Reservation. Wunita Gokhos Lodge of the Pennsylvania Dutch Council, headquartered in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, will receive $1,900 to update the swimming and boating docks at Bashore Scout Reservation. The following grants were awarded within the Southern Region: Semialachee Lodge of the Suwannee River Area Council, headquartered in Tallahassee, Florida, will receive $3,500 to repair damage to cabins caused by Hurricane Michael at Wallwood Scout Reservation. Unali’Yi Lodge of the Coastal Carolina Council, headquartered in North Charleston, South Carolina, will receive $2,400 for the renovation of two dining hall bathrooms at Camp Ho Non Wah. Muscogee Lodge of the Indian Waters Council, headquartered in Columbia, South Carolina, will receive $2,400 to convert a dry storage room in Camp Barstow’s dining hall to a female restroom for youth. Talidandaganu Lodge of the Cherokee Area Council, headquartered in Chattanooga, Tennessee, will receive $1,900 to construct an amphitheater and stage at Skymont Scout Reservation. Pellissippi Lodge of the Great Smoky Mountain Council, headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee, will receive $2,300 to create a mobile trail race course at Camp Buck Toms. Wahissa Lodge of the Old Hickory Council, headquartered in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, will receive $1,100 to construct a training shelter at Camp Raven Knob. The following grants were awarded within the Western Region: Sikhs Mox Lamonti Lodge of the Mount Baker Council, headquartered in Everett, Washington, will receive $1,800 to develop an improved tent camping site to support unit and family camping opportunities at Fire Mountain Scout Camp. Toloma Lodge of the Greater Yosemite Council, headquartered in Modesto, California, will receive $2,600 to upgrade the shower facilities at Camp McConnell. Yah-Tah-Hey-Si-Kess Lodge of the Great Southwest Council, headquartered in Albuquerque, New Mexico, will receive $2,600 to construct areas for their ATV and Cowboy Action Firearms programs at Gorham Scout Ranch.

Jan 02, 2019 Announcements

Membership Information Page

Earlier this year, the National Order of the Arrow Committee approved a change to the OA’s membership policy, permitting unit elections in Scouts BSA, Venturing, and Sea Scout units. These changes will take effect on February 1, 2019. Over the next few months, lodge and unit leadership will likely be approached about these new changes. In order to secure a smooth transition into this new era, it is imperative that any information shared be accurate. Above all else, this is in the interest of ensuring that all of the BSA’s members are able to take advantage of all of the opportunities available to them. The membership information page on the national website is an excellent resource to both refresh your memory and share with others who have any questions about these changes. Make sure to pay close attention to the “Requirements” and “News and Updates” sections. You can access the membership information page by clicking “Membership Info” on the home page or at <a href="/about/membership">oa-bsa.org/about/membership</a>.

Dec 18, 2018 Announcements, Lodge Ledger

New Lodge Announcement | O-Ni-Flo Lodge

When the Order of the Arrow was founded in 1915 by E. Urner Goodman and Carroll A. Edson, no one imagined the success and popularity it would have within the Scouting organization. The popularity of the Order of the Arrow was so great that a mere six years later the first national gathering of local lodges was held, dubbed the Grand Lodge Meeting. The years that followed were marked by many more successful milestones. In 1948, the OA was officially recognized as a national Boy Scout program. Now, in the year 2018, the Order of the Arrow has hit another momentous milestone. Following the formation of the new O-Ni-Flo Lodge in the Pony Express Council, there is now a lodge in every council across the United States.  This was not a change that happened overnight; it took countless hours of hard work, many years, and many Arrowmen. The Order of the Arrow has had a long-term goal to build positive relations in all councils and to have an active OA program available to all youth across America. While serving as the national chairman, Ray Capp formed a team to begin working with those councils that did not have a lodge. Through positive interactions, the Pony Express Council Executive Board agreed to charter an OA lodge. In 2017, 29 individuals were inducted, and helped pave the way for elections to be held in 17 troops, providing the opportunity for 104 new members to be inducted in 2018. All twenty-nine of the inaugural members have re-registered this year; nearly half have completed their Brotherhood. Section C-5A and the surrounding lodges gave their time and effort throughout this historical project. 2018 Section C-5A Chief Ben Friend and Section C-5A Adviser Russ Votava worked to ensure the new lodge’s first induction weekend took place without a hitch. The section oversaw the election teams, planning, and execution for the event, and helped the new members hold the first Lodge Executive Committee meeting on May 19th, 2018.  At the inaugural Lodge Executive Committee meeting, the members selected their name: O-Ni-Flo, which means “Last Arrow.” They also elected their first slate of officers, and later selected an arrow as their lodge totem. O-Ni-Flo sent five Arrowmen to the 2018 NOAC, where they were introduced to the entire conference in the opening show. At the National Council of Chiefs meeting, the lodge leadership was presented with their lodge charter by National Chief Anthony Peluso and National Vice Chief Michael Kipp. The O-Ni-Flo member’s accomplishments in just a few short months is no small feat. We wish all our brothers in O-Ni-Flo Lodge the best of luck in the coming months and thank the project team for their efforts!

Aug 23, 2018 Announcements, Lodge Ledger

Legacy of Servant Leadership Lifetime Achievement Award - Brad Haddock

On Tuesday July 31st, Brad Haddock was recognized with the unique honor of the Order of the Arrow’s (OA) Legacy of Servant Leadership Lifetime Achievement Award – and with Brad celebrating the 50th anniversary of his induction in two weeks, what an incredible lifetime it’s been. Brad has served as the National OA Committee Chairman and the 1975-1976 National Chief. The trail he has blazed for our Order is one of permanent improvement, strengthening its program in ways the OA maintains today. Brad’s first steps as an Arrowman will be familiar to many Arrowmen. After completing his Ordeal, his chapter chief asked him to get more involved. He led his chapter in their efforts to bolster their unit elections rate, and reached a 100% rate in his district. The choice to accept the offer of his chapter chief started Brad’s illustrious career as a youth in the Order. “What hooked me on the OA was somebody asking me to get involved,” Brad reflected on his beginnings in the Order. In time he served as a lodge officer, lodge chief, section chief, and eventually the national chief of the Order of the Arrow. During Brad’s service as national chief, he was once surprised to have a meeting with the Founder of the OA, Dr. E. Urner Goodman. After a half-century of tenure wearing the sash, Brad has had the opportunity to witness some of the Order’s most profound changes and have some incredibly unique experiences. He developed the first syllabus for the National Leadership Seminar in 1976 and later, as the chairman of the National OA Committee, oversaw the ArrowCorps5 project with the U.S. National Forest. On ArrowCorps5, Brad reflects that it “helped the Order of the Arrow see who they are and what they’re capable of.” The Order gained unprecedented publicity with the event when it demonstrated the power of Arrowmen’s service to our natural resources. Pride in how the Order changed after ArrowCorps5 makes this Brad’s most cherished memory. “From ArrowCorps5 to its recent disaster relief service in Puerto Rico, our brotherhood has helped out in many, many ways over its existence,” Brad notes. “The Order of the Arrow’s biggest impact may lie ahead.” Brad’s journey through Scouting is one he hopes inspires other Scouts to further their own journeys in the program, deepens their involvement and strengthens their commitment to Scouting’s Oath and Law, and to our Order’s Obligation. “Individually each of us if we adhere to the Scout Oath, Law, and the OA Obligation – that makes the biggest impact on the country because then you’re a good citizen, a good father, and a good husband. If every Scout makes the decision to act according to the principles of Scouting, the future of our country will be very bright.”   <h4 dir="ltr">About the Legacy of Servant Leadership Lifetime Achievement Award </h4> The Legacy of Servant Leadership Lifetime Achievement Award was created by the National Order of the Arrow Committee in 2002 to recognize the Order's second and third generation "Founders" - Scouters who have built an enduring legacy to Scouting and the Order of the Arrow through a lifetime of cheerful service to others. The award is intended to recognize those extraordinary Arrowmen who have deeply influenced and significantly contributed to the vision, direction, and growth of the Order of the Arrow, faithfully demonstrated a lifetime of servant leadership, and, through their daily example, illuminated, and reinforced the significance of the values found in the Scout Oath and Scout Law. The prestige of the award requires the criteria be general in nature to allow members of the National Committee to exercise wisdom, flexibility, and discretion in the evaluation and selection of a worthy recipient. Although any past or present member of the Order of the Arrow may be nominated, a nominee must meet the following criteria: <ul> <li dir="ltr"> Vigil Honor member </li> <li dir="ltr"> Distinguished Service Award recipient </li> <li dir="ltr"> Continued to render outstanding and dedicated service to the Order of the Arrow on a sectional, regional, or national level, since receiving the DSA </li> <li dir="ltr"> Member of the Order of the Arrow for a minimum of 25 years </li> </ul>

Jul 31, 2018 Announcements, NOAC 2018

2018 Red Arrow Awards

The Red Arrow Award is presented by the National Order of the Arrow Committee for distinguished service to the Order by either non-Scouters or Scouters who are not members of the Order. This distinguished service may take many forms and involves a significant period of time, as opposed to a single event. A limited number of awards are presented to those whose accomplishments are of the highest order. This recognition is presented at the National Order of the Arrow Conference. <h2 dir="ltr">2018 Red Arrow Award Recipients</h2> <h3 dir="ltr">Debra M. Dyson</h3> Debbie is from Irving, TX and served for seven years as administrative assistant for the Order of the Arrow at the National Service Center. In that role, Debbie has provided valuable support to the Order of the Arrow in conjunction with NOACs, national planning meetings, and regional OA training activities. In March 2018, she became Senior Administrative Assistant in the Office of the Chief Scout Executive. Debbie has worked for the Boy Scouts of America in a variety of roles since 1989. <h3 dir="ltr">Stephanie Jordan</h3> Stephanie is from Irving, TX and has served since 2010 as administrative assistant for the Order of the Arrow at the National Service Center. In that role, Stephanie has provided valuable support to the Order of the Arrow in conjunction with NOACs, national planning meetings and has helped with lodge requests for Vigil Honor and Founder’s Award recognition items. Stephanie has worked for the Boy Scouts of America for twenty years.

Jul 31, 2018 Announcements, NOAC 2018

2018 Distinguished Service Award Recipients

The Order of the Arrow created the Distinguished Service Award in 1940 in conjunction with the 25th anniversary of the Order. Its purpose is to recognize and honor those Arrowmen who have rendered distinguished and outstanding service to the Order on a section, area, regional, or national basis. The award is given primarily for dedicated service to Scouting and the Order over a period of years. The first recipients chosen in 1940 were 11 pioneer leaders of the Order of the Arrow. The award is a traditional part of the pageantry and ceremony of each National OA Conference. Including the presentations at this conference, only 1,019 Distinguished Service Awards have been presented. This alone is a testament to the award’s high standard of excellence. The award is a sterling silver arrowhead, bearing an arrow pointing upward and to the wearer’s right, suspended from a white neck ribbon upon which are embroidered red arrows. A white square knot embroidered upon red cloth is available for uniform wear. Presentation of the award is limited. Arrowmen whose service extends most beyond the local lodge are normally selected. Youth and adults, as well as professional scouters, may receive the award.   <h2 dir="ltr">2018 Distinguished Service Award Recipients</h2> <h3 dir="ltr">Mitchell Lawrence Andrews</h3> Mitch is from Willoughby Hills, OH and Erielhonan Lodge. Mitch served as the 2012 CVC of Adventure Central, as the 2015 OA Ocean Adventure Director, and staffed ArrowCorps5 in 2008 and SummitCorps in 2011. Mitch has served two terms as Section C-4A Chief and staffed the 2010 and 2013 National Scout Jamborees. <h3 dir="ltr">Robert H. Anstett</h3> Rob is from Franklin, TN and Wa-Hi-Nasa Lodge. Robert serves as the OA LodgeMaster Development Lead and has served as a key volunteer on the National OA Subcommittee on Technology for many years. Prior to those efforts, Rob served on the NOAC Shows staff for 3 conferences and served as lodge chief of Owaneco Lodge. <h3 dir="ltr">Tim Beaty</h3> Tim is from Pleasant View, UT and Awaxaawe’ Awachia Lodge. Tim has chaired the BSA’s National Hornaday Award Committee for many years and serves on the BSA’s National Conservation Committee. Tim has staffed twelve National OA Conferences and seven National Camping Schools and provided key direction and leadership to ArrowCorps5 in 2008. <h3 dir="ltr">Matthew Lewis Bell </h3> Matt is from West Decatur, PA and Ah’Tic Lodge. Matt served as the 2015 Northeast Region Chief and led NLS staffs and served on staff at NOAC during that year. Matt served as Section NE-4A Chief and worked as part of the staff at NEXT in 2016. <h3 dir="ltr">Christopher J. Boyle</h3> Chris is from Massapequa, NY and Buckskin Lodge. Chris served as the 2016 Northeast Region Chief and served on many NLS staffs as well as on the ArrowTour staff. Chris served three terms as Section NE-2B Chief and served on the staff at NEXT in 2016, along with four summers on his council summer camp staff. <h3 dir="ltr">Patrick Burtchaell</h3> Patrick is from New Orleans, LA and Chilantakoba Lodge. Patrick served as the CVC of Communications at the 2015 NOAC and as youth coordinator of the national OA website. Patrick served two-terms as Section SR-1A Chief and staffed the OA Hackathon in 2017. <h3 dir="ltr">Alexander C. Call</h3> Alex is from Dallas, TX and Colonneh Lodge. Alex served as the 2015 National Chief and led the Order into its centennial year and its centennial National OA Conference. Alex served as the Section SR2-3S Chief and staffed the National OA Bulletin, the NLS Train-the-Trainer course, and many NLS staffs. <h3 dir="ltr">Ralph Craig Davis</h3> Craig is from Port Isabel, TX and Tonkawa Lodge. Craig has served on the National OA Committee since 2017 and has served on NOAC staff in 1979 and 1981 and again from 1988 to present, working with the shows and comptroller group. Craig also served on five national Scout jamboree staffs. As a youth in Wewanoma Lodge, Craig served two terms as section vice chief, as the Section SC-3B Chief, and as CVC of Shows for the 1981 NOAC. <h3 dir="ltr">Michael David DeSocio</h3> Mike is from Lincroft, NJ and Na Tsi Hi Lodge. Mike has provided valuable leadership to National OA Communications over the last several years, leading the creation of the official national brand and guidelines. Mike also developed the logos and brands for 2015 NOAC and NEXT in 2016, and for various national programs. Mike served on the staffs of the 2013 National Scout Jamboree, the 2015 NOAC, and NEXT in 2016, and served as Section NE-5A Secretary in 2014. <h3 dir="ltr">Joseph Mark Dierdorf II</h3> Joey is from Brazil, IN and Jaccos Towne Lodge. Joey served as the 2015 Central Region Chief and on the OA staff at the 2013 National Scout Jamboree. Joey served on three NLS staffs, the 2012 and 2015 NOAC staffs, and served as a NEXT crew guide in 2016. Joey also served as Section C-6A Chief. <h3 dir="ltr">Steven Clyde Dupaix</h3> Steve is from Salt Lake City, UT and El-Ku-Ta Lodge. Steve has served on shows staff at every NOAC since 1994, most of which he has served as special effects director. Steve also provided key leadership to OA shows at national Scout jamborees in 1997, 2001, 2005, 2010, as well as at other OA events, including ArrowCorps5 in 2008. <h3 dir="ltr">Bradley John Ellis</h3> Bradley is from Jupiter, FL and Aal-Pa-Tah Lodge. Bradley has served as an OA Wilderness Voyage foreman and instructor, providing diligent service to Northern Tier over many years. Bradley has served on six NOAC staffs and staff for the  NCLS in 2007, ArrowCorps5 in 2008, and SummitCorps in 2011. Bradley served as lodge chief as a youth. <h3 dir="ltr">Harrison Dean Fry</h3> Harrison is from South Fulton, TN and Nguttitehen Lodge. Harrison served as the 2017 Southern Region Chief and, prior to that, served as Section SR-6 Chief. Harrison served as the youth lead for the OA SeaBreak project in 2018. Harrison served as a 2015 NOAC trainer, served as a crew guide for NEXT in 2016, served on the OA staff at the 2017 National Scout Jamboree, and worked on the OA’s LLD rewrite in 2017. <h3 dir="ltr">Joe Paul Garcia II</h3> Joe is from Peoria, AZ and Wipala Wiki Lodge. Joe served as the 2016 Western Region Chief, as Section  W-6W Chief, and as a two-term lodge chief. Joe served on several NLS staffs, as well as on the staff of the 2015 NOAC and NEXT in 2016. <h3 dir="ltr">Forrest J. Gertin</h3> Forrest is from Rochester, NY and Tschipey Achu Lodge. Forrest served as the CVC of Messaging for NEXT in 2016 and served as the 2017 National Chief providing leadership to the OA’s efforts at the 2017 National Scout Jamboree. Forrest served two terms as Section NE-3A Chief. <h3 dir="ltr">Taylor Joseph Giles</h3> Taylor is from Charleston, WV and Takhonek Lodge. Taylor served as the 2017 Central Region Chief and worked with the OA Exhibits at the 2017 National Scout Jamboree. Taylor served as Section C-4B  Chief, an OA Summit Experience foreman in 2016 and leading several NLS courses. <h3 dir="ltr">Logan Michael Greene</h3> Logan is from Mitchell, IN and Nischa Chuppecat Lodge. Logan served as the 2016 Central Region Chief and served in all three section offices in Section C-6A. Logan served as an ArrowTour CVC, on its road crew staff, and staffed many NLS courses. Logan served on the 2015 NOAC Staff, the 2016 NEXT Staff, and the 2016 Prism Staff. <h3 dir="ltr">Glenn J. Greubel</h3> Glenn is from Merrick, NY and Buckskin Lodge. Glenn provided key adult leadership to the ArrowTour Road Crew and the entire project, as well as staffing many NLS, NLATS, and DYLC courses. Glenn has served as Section NE-2B Adviser since 2013. <h3 dir="ltr">Stephen Grover</h3> Steve is from Allentown, PA and Witauchsoman Lodge. Steve has staffed every national OA event since 1998, serving primarily in the OA Trading Post or endowment areas. Steve has also provided leadership to Section NE-5B and Section NE-5 and served on the staff of five national Scout jamborees. <h3 dir="ltr">Jonathan T. Hagenow</h3> Jon is from Suffield, CT and Tschitani Lodge. Jon served as the 2017 Northeast Region Chief and served as Section NE-2A Chief. Jon has staffed eight NLS courses and served as OA Midway chaiman at the 2017 National Scout Jamboree. <h3 dir="ltr">Joshua J. Hunt</h3> Josh is from Milwaukee, WI and Kon Wapos Lodge. Josh has provided important service to the Goodman Edson Observatory Museum at the 2012 and 2015 NOACs, as a key volunteer with the National OA Subcommittee involving history, and has sketched images of historic OA events for which no photograph exists. Josh served as “artist in residence” for the OA at the 2017 National Scout Jamboree and created an original work. As a youth, Josh served as the 2007 Section C-1B Chief, the Central Region website coordinator, and on the Instructor Corps for ArrowCorps5. <h3 dir="ltr">Tyler Inberg</h3> Tyler is from Tualatin, OR and Wauna La-Mon’Tay Lodge. Tyler served as the 2016 National Vice Chief and as CVC of Activities and Recreation at the 2015 NOAC. Tyler has served on several NLS staffs and served as a two-term Section W-1S Chief. Tyler also served as national technology youth coordinator in 2017 and provided leadership to the 2017 OA Hackathon. <h3 dir="ltr">Hunter Nelson Jones</h3> Hunter is from Lafayette, TN and Wa-Hi-Nasa Lodge. Hunter served as the 2016 National Chief and led the development of the 2016 NEXT event. Hunter has staffed over a dozen NLS courses and served as specialty trainings lead at the 2015 NOAC. Prior to serving as national chief, Hunter served as Section SR-6 Chief. <h3 dir="ltr">Benjamin Karlsen, Jr.</h3> Ben is from Las Vegas, NV and Nebagamon Lodge. Ben has provided continuous service to the national shows of the Order for each NOAC from 2000 to present. Ben also provided leadership and service to the OA shows at the national Scout jamborees in 2001, 2005, and 2010. As a youth, he served as lodge chief. <h3 dir="ltr">Anthony J. “AJ” Kelly</h3> AJ is from Virginia Beach, VA and Blue Heron Lodge. AJ has served as key volunteer with the National Subcommittee on Communications since 2014, working with graphic design and branding for NEXT and Operation Arrow for the 2017 National Scout Jamboree. AJ served on the ArrowTour Road Crew, as a NEXT crew guide, and as OA Trek Guide staff for the 2013 National Scout Jamboree. AJ has served in all three section offices for SR-7A and staffed the OA’s DYLC course and served on 2015 NOAC shows staff. <h3 dir="ltr">Bradley Austin Kriznar</h3> Austin is from Jacksonville, FL and Echockotee Lodge. Austin served as CVC of Shows for the 2015 NOAC and served on shows staff for NEXT in 2016. Austin has written for the National OA Bulletin and served on NLS staff. Austin served as Section S-4 Chief in 2015. <h3 dir="ltr">Alexander Isaac Leach</h3> Alex is from Roswell, GA and Egwa Tawa Dee Lodge. Alex served as the 2015 Southern Region Chief and provided leadership to the 2015 NOAC and several NLS courses. Alex previously served as Section SR-9 Chief and Alex has also provided service to the National OA Subcommittee for Unit, Chapter, and Lodge Support. <h3 dir="ltr">Nathaniel Aaron Lee</h3> Nathan is from Kirkland, WA and T’Kope Kwiskwis Lodge. Nathan served as the 2015 Western Region Chief and served on staff at the 2015 NOAC. Nathan staffed many NLS courses and provided leadership to LINK, a project to disseminate best practices to section officers across the country. Nathan served as Section W-1N Chief. <h3 dir="ltr">Manuel Lopez</h3> Manny is from Aliso Viejo, CA and Wiatava Lodge. Manny served as the 2017 Western Region Chief and served on the Operation Arrow leadership staff for the 2017 National Scout Jamboree. Manny staffed several NLS and other region training courses. He served as the Section W-4S Chief. <h3 dir="ltr">Patrick S. Mapp</h3> Patrick is from McDonough, GA and Ini-To Lodge. Patrick served as the CVC of Experience for NEXT in 2016 and as the Jamboree Vice Chief of Service Corps for the 2017 National Scout Jamboree. Patrick staffed the 2015 NOAC and numerous NLS courses. Patrick also served three terms as Section SR-9 Chief. <h3 dir="ltr">Steven P. McGowan</h3> Steve is from Irving, TX and Gamenowinink Lodge. Steve currently serves as general counsel to the Boy Scouts of America. Prior to that involvement, Steve was a volunteer from Cross Lanes, WV, and served on several national Scout jamboree staffs, staffed the Philmont Training Center, and led many of the efforts to create and develop the Bechtel Summit. Steve received the Silver Buffalo Award in 2013. <h3 dir="ltr">Don Miller</h3> Don is from Dickson, TN and Wa-Hi-Nasa Lodge. Don provided key adult support to the ArrowTour project in 2015 and to many tasks related to the infrastructure and development of the OA Summit Circle. Don also volunteered on several task forces related to the OA Centennial. Don has worked on many NLS and NLATS courses. <h3 dir="ltr">Curtis W. Palmer</h3> Curtis is from Eudora, KS and Gamenowinink Lodge. Curt is a senior program administration specialist with the BSA and served as the Central Region OA Staff Adviser from 2010 to 2014. Curt has served as program specialist lead for National Camping Schools and directed four courses. Curt has served on national Scout jamboree staffs from 1993 to 2017 and has served several councils in his career as a professional Scouter since 1982. <h3 dir="ltr">Kyle Matthew Palmer</h3> Kyle is from Salt Lake City, UT and El-Ku-Ta Lodge. Kyle served as youth chairman of the Goodman Edson Observatory Museum at the 2015 NOAC and served on the Exhibit & Display Staff for Operation Arrow at the 2017 National Scout Jamboree. Kyle has served as the SURGE co-chairman and on staff of the 2016 NEXT and DYLC courses. Kyle also served as the Section W-2W Chief and provided leadership to ArrowTour in the Western Region. <h3 dir="ltr">Talon Brooks Parker</h3> Talon is from Elm City, NC and Croatan Lodge. Talon served as the 2017 National Vice Chief and provided leadership to the OA’s activities at the 2017 National Scout Jamboree. Talon has served on 2015 NOAC staff, on more than six NLS staffs, and as a foreman for OA Ocean Adventure. Talon has served as Section SR-7B Chief. <h3 dir="ltr">Kyle M. Raffensperger</h3> Kyle is from Leesburg, VA and Amangamek-Wipit Lodge. Kyle served on the ArrowTour staff and caravan road crew, served as a crew guide for NEXT in 2016, and served with the OA Service Corps for the 2017 National Scout Jamboree. Kyle served on the 2015 NOAC staff and participated in ArrowCorps5 in 2008. Kyle has served on NLS staff and served as Section NE-6A Chief in 2014. <h3 dir="ltr">Timothy John Riedl</h3> Tim is from Dubuque, IA and Timmeu Lodge. Tim served as OA Trail Crew Director in 2014 and 2015 and provided years of service as a Trail Crew foreman and Philmont Scout Ranch staff member. Tim served on NOAC staff in 2009, 2012, and 2015 and served on the ArrowCorps5 Instructor Corps. As a youth, Tim served as the Section C-1C Chief in 2008. <h3 dir="ltr">Michael Jason Riley</h3> Jason is from Austin, TX and Tonkawa Lodge. Jason has served on several NOAC staffs and provided key leadership to NLS Train-the-Trainer and to the NLS re-write project as part of his role as a key volunteer with the National Subcommittee for Training. Jason served on the ArrowTour development team and provided leadership to NEXT in 2016. Jason has also served as Southern Region NLS Adviser for several years and is a vice chairman of the Southern Region OA Committee. <h3 dir="ltr">Bobby Robinson</h3> Bobby is from Sparta, TN and Wa-Hi-Nasa Lodge. Bobby has provided important “behind the scenes” support to the ArrowTour project in 2015 and to many tasks related to the infrastructure and development of the OA Summit Circle. Bobby also volunteered on several other task forces related to the OA Centennial. Bobby has provided service to many NLS and NLATS courses. <h3 dir="ltr">Robert W. Rodriguez</h3> Rob is from Jersey City, NJ and Lenapehoking Lodge. Rob serves as Section NE-5 Adviser and served on many NOAC staffs over the past twenty years. A former OA Wilderness Voyage foreman, Rob staffed ArrowCorps5 in 2008 and SummitCorps in 2011. Rob served on the staffs of NLS, NLATS, and DYLC training courses. As a youth, Rob served as CVC of Founder’s Day at the 2000 NOAC and served as Section NE-2B Chief. <h3 dir="ltr">Sven Julius Rundman III</h3> Sven is from Fredericksburg, VA and Amangamek-Wipit Lodge. Sven served on staff of ArrowCorps5 in 2008 and Summit Corps in 2011 providing leadership to the safety team. Sven serves on the BSA’s National Health and Safety Support Committee and has served on safety staff at NOAC since 2009 and at national Scout jamborees since 2005. <h3 dir="ltr">Steve Sawyer</h3> Steve is from Dallas, TX and Mikanakawa Lodge. Steve served as the Region OA Staff Adviser for all four regions beginning from July of 2014 to December 2016 and served as Southern Region OA Staff Adviser until 2018. In that role, Steve staffed many NLS, NLATS, and DYLC courses. Steve retired from professional Scouting in April 2018 after serving as a senior program development specialist with the BSA. Steve also served as staff adviser to the National Commissioner Service Team as part of his career with the BSA that began in 1988. <h3 dir="ltr">Jeffrey Michael Sedlacek, II</h3> Jeff is from King, NC and Wahissa Lodge. Jeff served as the 2016 Southern Region Chief and staffed the 2015 NOAC, NEXT and PRISM in 2016, and several NLS courses. Jeff served as youth lead for a NLS rewrite task force. Jeff also served as Section SR-7B Chief. <h3 dir="ltr">George M. Soltis</h3> George is from South Charleston, WV and Takhonek Lodge. George served as the Section C-4B Adviser from 2012 until 2015. George provided adult leadership to the 2007 NCLS, ArrowCorps5 in 2008, and SummitCorps in 2011. George has also served as a key volunteer with the National OA Subcommittee on Outdoor Adventures and has provided valuable service to the Summit Circle. <h3 dir="ltr">Donald J. Stephens, Jr.</h3> Donnie is from Shavertown, PA and Lowwapaneu Lodge. Donnie served as the 2015 National Vice Chief, providing leadership to the OA Centennial and the 2015 NOAC. Donnie served as Section NE-5B Chief and provided lengthy service to his council summer camp staff. <h3 dir="ltr">William Scott Stephens</h3> Scott is from Memphis, TN and Ahoalan-Nachpikin Lodge. Scott served as lead adviser to the 2017 Lodge Leadership Development Task Force and served on the training staff of many national OA events, including NEXT in 2016, OA training at Philmont Scout Ranch  in 2017, and five NOACs. He has staffed five NLATS courses and four NLS courses and serves as a Section SR-6 Associate Adviser. <h3 dir="ltr">Michael B. Surbaugh</h3> Mike is from Flower Mound, TX and Gamenowinink Lodge. Mike serves as the Chief Scout Executive of the Boy Scouts of America and has served in that role since October 2015. Previously, he had served as a group director in the National Service Center and as Scout executive in three councils, among other roles, all as part of his career as a professional Scouter since 1984. Mike served for many years as a staffer in council scout camps and as a camp director. <h3 dir="ltr">Michael T. Swalberg</h3> Michael is from San Anselmo, CA and Talako Lodge. Michael served as CVC of Centennial Celebrations at the 2015 NOAC and as national communications coordinator for the OA. Michael also provided key leadership for the 2016 PRISM event and the 2017 OA Hackathon, in addition to serving on many NLS staffs. Michael served as the Section W-3N Chief in 2015. <h3 dir="ltr">Price Matthew Watson</h3> Matthew is from Simpsonville, SC and Atta Kulla Kulla Lodge. Matthew served as the JVC of Indian Village for the 2017 National Scout Jamboree and served on staff of NEXT in 2016. Matthew served as a key volunteer with the National OA Subcommittee on Recognition, Awards, History, and Preservation, and served the National Communications Team. Matthew has served on several NLS staffs and served as Section SR-5 Chief. <h3 dir="ltr">Theodore Robert Weiland</h3> Ted is from Cedar Rapids, IA and Cho-Gun-Mun-A-Nock Lodge. Ted served as the national OA High Adventure adviser and on staff of NEXT in 2016 and served with the OA Service Corps at the 2017 National Scout Jamboree. Ted has served as a Philmont Scout Ranch OA Trail Crew foreman and as OA Wilderness Voyage assistant director and foreman. Ted served on the SummitCorps staff in 2011 and on NOAC, NLS, and DYLC staffs. <h3 dir="ltr">Brent Wessel</h3> Brent is from Cape Girardeau, MO and Anpetu-We Lodge. Brent served as Program Vice Chief for the Indian Summer event in 2011 and served on Indian Village staff at the 2010, 2013, and 2017 National Scout Jamborees. Brent served on American Indian Activities staff at the 2012 and 2015 NOACs, served on two NLS staffs, and served the Central Region’s Communications Team. Brent served two terms as Section C-3B Chief in 2010 and 2011. <h3 dir="ltr">Michael F. White</h3> Mike is from Charlottesville, VA and Shenandoah Lodge. Mike has served as the Southern Region OA Chairman and as a member of the National OA Committee since January 2017. Mike served as Section SR-7A Adviser from 2010 until 2016 and served on the staff of every NOAC since 1996. <h3 dir="ltr">James Scott Williamson</h3> James is from Aurora, CO and Tahosa Lodge. James served as the OA Summit Experience Director  in 2017 after serving two years as foreman and one year as assistant director. James served on the OA Service Corps staff at the 2017 National Scout Jamboree. James served as Western Region OA High Adventure Chairman and served on NLS staff. James served on the 2015 NOAC staff and served as Section W-2S Secretary in 2015. <h3 dir="ltr">Robert Kenneth Wong</h3> Rob is from Castro Valley, CA and Achewon Nimat Lodge. Rob has provided service to Section W-3A as both youth and adult. Rob served on DYLC staff in 2017 and previously staffed NLS. Rob has staffed six NOACs, the 2016 NEXT, and ArrowCorps5 in 2008. As a youth Rob served two-terms as the Section W-3A Chief.

Jul 31, 2018 Announcements, NOAC 2018

Official Arrow of Light and crossover ceremonies

The National Order of the Arrow Committee after months of collaborative work with ceremonialists and lodge leadership representatives announces the following policy change. This policy change will apply to ALL Order of the Arrow lodges and chapters. We know that lodges and chapters are frequently asked to perform Arrow of Light and crossover ceremonies for Cub Scout packs, which is an appropriate service in support of our packs. That said, we have had many complaints surrounding these ceremonies from various American Indian tribes due to the manner in which they are conducted as well as the inconsistent nature in which they are performed. Beginning January 1, 2019 lodges and chapters that are asked to conduct Arrow of Light or crossover ceremonies for Cub Scout packs will only be permitted to conduct them using the new approved official ceremonies which can be found in the <a href="/resources/inductions">OA Inductions Portal</a>. These ceremonies are to be conducted in a Scout uniform and are no longer permitted to be done in American Indian regalia. We appreciate your adherence to this new policy. There will be opportunities to visit with the Inductions and Ceremonies Events staff at NOAC should you have any questions. <h3><a href="/resources/inductions#cubcrossover">Cub Crossover ceremony</a></h3> <h3><a href="/resources/inductions#arrowoflight">Arrow of Light ceremony</a></h3>

Jul 23, 2018 Announcements

Philmont Contingent NOAC Participation Opportunity

With the recent announcement of the closure of Philmont Scout Ranch for the 2018 season, summer plans for a large number of Scouts and specifically Arrowmen have been impacted. Due to this unprecedented and unfortunate event, the National Order of the Arrow Conference Committee would like to help ensure that Arrowmen can still participate in a great Scouting experience this summer. Accordingly, any Arrowman who planned to attend Philmont this summer can still register for NOAC with no registration late fees assessed. Arrowmen in this situation can register for conference in one of two ways: <ul> <li>Council contingents: With the approval of the contingent leadership, Arrowmen can join their lodges at NOAC. Previous registration quotas do not apply, and the youth:adult ratio requirements will be relaxed, if impacted.</li> <li>NOAC Staff: Individuals can join the NOAC Service Corps or other conference committee with the approval of the committee lead adviser.</li> </ul> How to register: <ul> <li>Council Contingent Registration: Impacted Arrowman should contact their lodge contingent leader. If the lodge contingent can accommodate, the lodge contingent leader should notify <a href="mailto:noac2018@registration.oa-bsa.org">noac2018@registration.oa-bsa.org</a> to onboard new contingent delegates. Councils will not be assessed conference registration charges for impacted delegates until after their attendance is confirmed. </li> <li>Staff Registration: Impacted Arrowman should send an email note to <a href="mailto:noac2018@registration.oa-bsa.org">noac2018@registration.oa-bsa.org</a> indicating that they would like to apply for staff.</li> </ul> We are asking contingents and staff registrants to notify the registration team via <a href="mailto:noac2018@registration.oa-bsa.org">noac2018@registration.oa-bsa.org</a> by July 15th, if they would like to attend. While we recognize that this is a short window of time, our Contingent & Staff Services team must have accurate delegate and staff counts for final planning purposes. This is a difficult time for our beloved Philmont and the Scouts impacted by its closure this summer. We want Arrowmen who otherwise would have gone to Philmont to have an opportunity for a great Scouting summer. Thank you for your support in providing this alternative option to impacted Arrowmen.   Anthony Peluso, National Chief Michael Kipp, National Vice Chief Clint Takeshita, 2018 NOAC Chairman Matt Dukeman, National Director

Jul 06, 2018 Announcements, NOAC 2018

Call-Out Ceremony Submission and Symposium

How can a lodge ignite the spark of within new candidates, improve membership retention and spread our noble goal and purpose beyond the brothers in our Order? A great way is by developing an inspirational Call-Out Ceremony to provide your lodge with the opportunity to do all of these things and more. The Call-Out Ceremony may be a candidate’s first experience with the Order of the Arrow after their election, and generally the public’s only experience with the Order. Recent surveys among our membership have shown that the Call-Out Ceremony is the most influential of all the Order of the Arrow’s ceremonies. The national Order of the Arrow committee does not dictate a standard Call-Out Ceremony like it does with the other ceremonies, which allows local lodges to innovate and add local customs and traditions into their ceremony. To help inspire lodges around the nation to innovate and improve their Call-Out Ceremonies, the National Inductions and Ceremonial Events Committee (ICE) is calling on lodges to submit videos of their local Call-Out ceremonies to the NOAC 2018 ICE Staff. The ICE team will review all entries and select several to be featured as part of the National Call-Out Ceremony Symposium at NOAC. Lodges may upload their videos to a private YouTube channel and submit the link and ceremony script. <a href="/form/noac-2018-ice-callout-ceremony" role="button" class="btn btn-primary">Submit Your Call-Out Ceremony</a> All videos must be submitted by July 13, 2018, to be eligible for consideration to be part of the symposium. This is in no way a competition, but rather an opportunity for your lodge to be showcased during a national discussion. The National Call-Out Ceremony Symposium will be presented as an afternoon session that dovetails with a morning training led by members of the ICE team. The symposium will feature a round table discussion to address best practices, share ideas, and gain inspiration from lodges across the country. Video submissions of these ceremonies will be utilized to help facilitate the conversation. The goal is to provide lodges with the resources to develop their own unique ceremony or encourage lodges to incorporate new ideas and improve their existing ceremonies. Together we can inspire the next generation of Arrowmen to decide their destiny! Any questions regarding the National Call-Out Ceremony Symposium should be directed to Lead Trainer Neil Harris and Lead Adviser J.C. Cinelli at <a href="mailto:calloutsymposium@oa-bsa.org">calloutsymposium@oa-bsa.org</a>.

May 31, 2018 Announcements, NOAC 2018

2018 National Service Award Recipients

2018 OA High Adventure Yearbook

2019 Congratulatory Eagle Scout Letters

2019 OA Service Grant Recipients Announced

Membership Information Page

New Lodge Announcement | O-Ni-Flo Lodge

Legacy of Servant Leadership Lifetime Achievement Award - Brad Haddock

2018 Red Arrow Awards

2018 Distinguished Service Award Recipients

Official Arrow of Light and crossover ceremonies

Philmont Contingent NOAC Participation Opportunity

Call-Out Ceremony Submission and Symposium

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