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Service Ideas


The Order of the Arrow has always placed a special emphasis on service. The most recent strategic plan expands where and how we do our service to Scouting and the community. During the 1999 National Leadership Summit, the Service Committee conducted several workshops to collect service project ideas from the lodge representatives in attendance. The following list contains their suggestions for future service possibilities.

Unit level

  • Help recruit new Scouts
  • Year-round camping
  • Help with Scout advancement
  • First year Scout orientation/advancement program
  • Refurbish meeting location
  • Fund-raising
  • Winter camp awareness
  • Webelos camping
  • Assisting with Patrol Leader Councils
  • Special assistance for disabled
  • Work with membership retention
  • Membership drive
  • Leave-no-trace education
  • Arrow of Light
  • Crossover Ceremonies
  • Training Youth Leaders
  • Skills Training
  • Mentoring
  • Special programs for troop meetings
  • Den Chiefs Program
  • Eagle Ceremony
  • Young Adult Help
  • Bike Safety Clinic
  • Handicap Unit Service
  • Scout Sunday

Council/District level

  • Assist with district dinner
  • Training manuals
  • Commissioner service
  • Eagle project database
  • ASK Program
  • Provide camping supplies to new/under-privileged troops
  • Serve on district camping committee
  • Host a merit badge fair
  • Help with school nights
  • Assist District Executives
  • Camperships
  • Where to Go Camping Book
  • Manpower in council office
  • Assist with council web site
  • OA exhibits at council events
  • Assistance in program kick-offs
  • Assist in council golf tournament
  • High adventure activity
  • Provide merit badge counselors
  • Fund-raising
  • Eagle banquet sponsor
  • Flag ceremonies
  • Serve on executive board
  • Camp Projects
  • Provide program for Camporees, etc.
  • Scouting for Food
  • Preparing Mailings
  • Roundtable assistance
  • JLT Training
  • Camp Staff
  • Camp Promotions
  • Event Staffing
  • Assist at awards ceremonies
  • Junior Leader Roundtables

Section/Regional/National level

  • High adventure crews
  • Serve on the Lodge Assistance Team
  • Natural rehabilitation projects
  • Sharing success stories with others
  • Promote attendance
  • Promote, staff NLS
  • Networking with others
  • Southern Region One Day Program
  • Philmont
  • Boundary Waters
  • National Jamboree
  • Service to America
  • National Committee
  • Service Lodge

Community

  • Habitat for Humanity
  • Help at library
  • Help with religious services
  • Cleanup graffiti
  • Bird counts
  • Fire hydrant painting
  • Assist in recycling
  • OA-sponsored community picnic
  • Encourage voter registration/participation
  • D.A.R.E. red ribbon days
  • Scout exhibits in museum/libraries
  • Programs at schools
  • Assist disadvantaged people
  • After-school care
  • Neighborhood watch
  • Volunteer fire support
  • Help at zoos, botanical programs
  • Christmas tree donation
  • Ushers and other help at community events (concerts, games, etc.)
  • Food drives
  • Coat drives
  • Adopt-A-Park
  • Highway clean up
  • Beach clean up
  • Soup kitchen
  • Homeless shelter
  • Disaster Relief Work
  • Toy Drive
  • Tutoring
  • Deliver / Aid Sr. Citizens
  • Nursing Home help
  • Help with handicapped
  • Special Olympics
  • Public Service promotions