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 executive committee of the lodge—a key group—consists of the youth serving as lodge officers (including the immediate past lodge chief), lodge operating committee chairmen and their advisers, the staff adviser, the lodge adviser, and the Scout executive. If the lodge membership decides that this group is not representative, a lodge may select two or three members at large—American Indian lore or public relations experts, for instance—to serve on the committee. If there are chapters in the lodge, the chapter chiefs and chapter advisers are members of the lodge executive committee. Any lodge member is welcome to attend executive committee meetings as an observer.
Not capitalized unless in the title of a specific lodge. E.g., "Wipala Wiki Lodge Executive Committee" or "Shenandoah Lodge Executive Committee." Can be abbreviated as LEC for subsequent references.
This manual provides ideas and guidelines for budget building and control, the jobs of lodge members related to lodge finances, financial recordkeeping, inventory control, financial reports and money-earning projects.
Capitalize and italicized as shown.
A centennial anniversary momento collected from each lodge in preparation for the centennial anniversary. The history book describes the lodge's contributions to Scouting and its community.
Capitalize in sentence case.
Training program run by lodge officers to train members in aspects of lodge operation and leadership.
Capitalize as shown.
A document, published by the National Council, providing information on planning and carrying out a good Lodge Leadership Development program, including implementation of the Lodge Leadership Development committee.
Capitalize and italicized as shown.
Email newsletter for lodge leadership, sent and managed by the National Communications Committee.
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This document is now a part of "Appendix 12 - JumpStart" in the Guide to Inductions.
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A centennial anniversary momento collected from each lodge in preparation for the centennial anniversary. The rocks were used to construct the ring of the centennial fire.
Capitalize in sentence case.
An Order of the Arrow program that provides partial summer camp fees for Scouts of American Indian lineage.
Capitalize as shown.
The location of the conference.
Capitalize as shown. May use MSU after first use.
An annual gathering of the National Council.
Capitalize as shown.
Supports and assists the director to carry out the operations of the OA. Functions as an adviser to the youth members, as assigned, in consultation with the National Order of the Arrow Committee. Assumes other responsibilities and duties as assigned by the director and national committee.
Capitalize in sentence case.
The national lifestyle magazine of the Order of the Arrow, published annually.
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The volunteer Scouter who chairs the National Order of the Arrow Committee. The national chairman is responsible for the national operations of the Order of the Arrow.
Capitalize in sentence case except when preceding a name.
"2018 National Chairman Michael Hoffman"
The top elected youth Arrowman in the Order of the Arrow. Tasked with representing and leading the national program.
Capitalize in sentence case except when preceding a name.
"Matt Parsons is the 2019 national chief," "1991 National Chief Clint Takeshita"
A committee consisting of the national chief, national vice chief, the national chairman, two professional Scouters, the director and associate director, as well as many vice chairmen and committee members tasked with managing the national operations of the Order of the Arrow.
Capitalize as shown.
The National Council of Chiefs (NCOC) is a gathering of lodge chiefs, lodge advisers, and other leadership hosted by the National Chief, Vice Chief, and National OA Committee during the National Order of the Arrow Conference (NOAC). The National Council of Chiefs convenes local and national leadership to address forward-looking issues by providing resources, training, and a forum for local feedback and ideas.
Capitalize as shown. May abbreviate as NCOC.
National professional Scouter who serves as staff adviser to the National Order of the Arrow Committee. Functions as an adviser to the youth members, as assigned, in consultation with the National OA Committee.
Capitialize as shown.
This group provides an opportunity for all Eagle Scouts to retain identification with Scouting through service to the local council in which they live.
Capitalize as shown. May be abbreviated as NESA after first reference.
The National Leadership Seminar (NLS) is a weekend conference focused on the skills and attributes of leadership. The program enhances the leadership skills of the Order of the Arrow's key youth and adult members as they seek to improve their services to the Boy Scouts of America and the greater community. The weekend format complements the longer, more detailed Junior Leadership Training program (for youth) and Wood Badge program (for adults). During the seminar, participants make a contract with themselves to apply the skills learned on projects in the lodge, council, and community. NLS prepares Arrowmen to become better leaders both within and outside of the Scouting program.
Capitalize as shown. May be abbreviated as NLS after first reference.
The National Lodge Adviser Training Seminar (NLATS) was a weekend conference focusing on the skills and attributes of effective adult advisers. The program was designed to enhance an adviser's knowledge of and connectivity with the OA’s strategic plan, program, and resources while emphasizing personal skills that are essential to the development of effective youth leadership and ultimately the OA's service to the council. The NLATS program has since been retired and replaced with the Developing Youth Leaders Conference.
Capitalize as shown. May be abbreviated as NLATS after first reference.
The National Order of the Arrow Committee, a support committee of the National Outdoor Adventures Committee, sets policy and directs the program of the OA. The volunteer leader is the chairman of the National Order of the Arrow Committee. The chairman is appointed annually by the chairman of the National Outdoor Adventures Committee. Members of the National Order of the Arrow Committee are appointed annually by their chairman.
Capitalize as shown. May be abbreviated as "national committee" or "national OA committee" after first reference. Refrain from using "OA national committee."
The national conference of the Order of the Arrow. Held approximately every two or three years.
Capitalize as shown. If including date, year should precede term. May be abbreviated as NOAC after first reference. If including date with abbreviation, year should follow the abbreviation.
2015 National Order of the Arrow Conference; NOAC 2015
Established in 1959, the National Scouting Museum is recognized as the official museum of the Boy Scouts of America, and its mission is to preserve the legacy of Scouting and promote the movement to future generations. The museum includes a Scouting fine art collection and an extensive artifact and archive collection. It features full-sized indoor campsites, virtual reality adventures, and interactive exhibits. The museum also offers educational and advancement activities and workshops.
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The administrative offices of the Boy Scouts of America. The address is Boy Scouts of America, 1325 West Walnut Hill Lane, P.O. Box 152079, Irving, TX 75015-2079.
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