The Language of the OA encompasses style, usage, and grammar norms observed by both the Boy Scouts of America and the Order of the Arrow. The OA has developed this resource so that communications at every level of the organization are more consistent. Through periodic updates of terminology, it will become a more comprehensive primary resource to ensure chapters, lodges, sections and regions are aware of terms and style specific to the OA.
For more information on broader Scouting terms not commonly used in day-to-day OA operations, please visit The Language of Scouting and BSA Style Manual. To suggest an update and/or edit of The Language of the OA, please email @email.
The Arrowhead of Service award is given annually by the national chairman and recognizes the recipient(s) for going above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a member of the National Order of the Arrow Committee.
Capitalize as shown.
A youth or adult member of the Order of the Arrow.
Capitalize as shown. Plural form: Arrowmen.
A traveling centennial program conducted in each of the four regions during the summer of 2015.
Capitalize as shown. If specifying a region, capitalize the first letter of the region.
ArrowTour West, ArrowTour Central
The Scout motto.
Capitalize only if standing alone.
"The Scout must always be prepared," "The Scout motto is Be Prepared"
A document, published by the National Council, that details how to properly use official OA insignia and terms in publications.
Capitalize and italicized as shown.
The second and final induction phase of membership in the Order of the Arrow. The adjective form is Brotherhood member.
Capitalize as shown only when referring to membership or to the ceremony. Do not capitalize when referring to friendship.
The 100th anniversary of the Order of the Arrow.
Capitalize in sentence case.
A book containing the contact information of Arrowmen from all across the country. A project from the 100th Anniversary.
Capitalize and italicized as shown.
The document that details the correct usage of the centennial logo, centennial totem and centennial theme. A project from the 100th Anniversary.
Capitalize and italicized as shown.
A packaged resource kit for chapters, lodges and sections to use to help promote the 100th anniversary.
Capitalize in sentence case.
A 2015 National Order of the Arrow Conference incentive program that challenges lodges to bring at least 6% of their 2013 charter membership or bring 15% more than the lodge’s participation at NOAC 2012.
Capitalize as shown.
A crate provided to each lodge at the 2012 NOAC with Legacy Project 2015 materials enclosed.
Capitalize in sentence case.
A ceremonial fire burned with wood from each lodge during the 2015 NOAC.
Capitalize in sentence case.
An individual appointed by the National Order of the Arrow Committee to help guide lodges as they prepare for the centennial anniversary.
Capitalize in sentence case.
The official logo of the Order of the Arrow's centennial anniversary.
Capitalize in sentence case.
The red colored sash that all NOAC 2015 delegates and staff received.
Capitalize in sentence case
The theme of the Order of the Arrow's centennial anniversary.
Capitalize in sentence case.
A branding mark used on official centennial anniversary memorabilia.
Capitalize in sentence case.
The centennial anniversary eNewsletter for all Arrowmen. A project from the 100th Anniversary.
Capitalize and italicized as shown.
The centennial anniversary theme.
Capitalize as shown.
The script of the Brotherhood Ceremony as it is to be prefomed and notes on the presentation.
Capitalize and italicized as shown.
The script of the Ordeal Ceremony as it is to be prefomed and notes on the presentation.
Capitalize and italicized as shown.
The script of the Vigil Ceremony as it is to be prefomed and notes on the presentation.
Capitalize and italicized as shown.
A document, published by the National Council, detailing effective Chapter operations strategies, including organization, program and planning guidelines.
Capitalize and italicized as shown.
A year-round facility operated by the National Council in Ely, Minnesota, that offers cold-weather camping and access to dozens of wilderness routes in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area in Minnesota and the Quetico Provincial Park in Ontario, Canada.
Capitalize as shown. May be referred to as the Sommers Base after first reference.