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 Tuckahoe
Lodge #386
Founded in 1948, York-Adams Area Council's
Order of the Arrow Lodge is known as Tuckahoe Lodge #386.
History of the Order of the Arrow
The Order of the Arrow (OA)
was founded by Dr. E. Urner Goodman and Carroll A. Edson in 1915 at the
Treasure Island Scout Camp of the Philadelphia Council, Boy Scouts of
America. It became an official program experiment in 1922 and was
approved as part of the BSA program in 1934. In 1948, the OA,
recognized as the BSA's national brotherhood of honor campers, became an
official part of the Boy Scouts of America.
In 1998, the Order of the
Arrow was recognized as Scouting's National Honor Society when it expanded
its reach beyond camping to include a greater focus on leadership
development, membership extension, adventurous programming, and broader
service to Scouting and the community. Today, its service, activities,
adventures, and training for youth and adults are models of quality
leadership development and programming that enrich, support, and help extend
Scouting to America's youth.
Eligibility
To become a member, a youth
must be a registered Boy Scout or Varsity Scout and hold the first class
rank. He must have experienced 15 days and nights of Boy Scout camping
during the two-year period prior to election. The 15 days and nights
must include one, but no more than one, long-term camp consisting of six
consecutive days and five nights of resident camping, approved and under the
auspices and standards of the BSA. The balance of the camping must be
overnight, weekend, or other short-term camps. Following approval by
the Scoutmaster or Varsity team Coach, Scouts are elected to seek membership
in the Order by their fellow unit members. Then, after completing the
Ordeal experience, they become members of the Order of the Arrow.
Ordeal Membership
The induction process, the
Ordeal, is the first step toward full membership in the OA. During
this period the member is expected to strengthen his involvement in the unit
and encourage Scout camping.
Brotherhood
Membership
After 10 months of service
as an Ordeal member and after fulfilling certain requirements, a member may
take part in the Brotherhood ceremony, which places further emphasis on the
ideals of Scouting and the Order. Completion of this ceremony
signifies full membership in the Order of the Arrow.
Vigil Honor
After two years of service
as a Brotherhood member, and with the approval of the National Order of the
Arrow Committee, a youth or adult Arrowman may be selected to be recognized
with the Vigil Honor for outstanding service to Scouting, their lodge, or
the Order of the Arrow. This honor is limited to not more than one
Arrowman for every 50 members registered with the lodge each year.
Purpose of the
Order of the Arrow
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To recognize those campers
- Scouts and Scouters - who best exemplify the Scout Oath and Law in their
daily lives and by such recognition cause other campers to conduct
themselves in such a manner to warrant recognition.
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To develop and maintain
camping traditions and spirit.
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To promote Scout camping,
which reaches its greatest effectiveness as a part of a unit's camping
program, both year-round and in the summer camp, as directed by the camping
committee of the council.
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To crystallize the Scout
habit of helpfulness into a life purpose of leadership in cheerful service
to others.
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Our Vision for the
Order of the Arrow
 As Scouting's National
Honor Society, the Order of the Arrow is an integral part of the council's
program. Our service, activities, adventures, and training for youth
and adults are models of quality leadership development and programming that
enrich and help to extend Scouting to America's youth.
For nearly ninety years,
their peers have honored those Scouts who "best exemplify the Scout Oath and
Law in their daily lives" with membership in the Order of the Arrow.
This recognition provides encouragement for others to live these ideals as
well. We will provide ways and means for members of the Order of the
Arrow to do more to assist their units and councils, and help them succeed
in doing so.
In support of our vision as
Scouting's National Honor Society and an integral part of every council, the
Order of the Arrow will further increase its service to Scouting.
Jump Start for New
Arrowmen
 This
past January 1st, as promised, a special area of the national OA web site
has been created to assist new members of the Order of the Arrow to learn
more about the OA quickly and easily. This introduction to the Order and its
programs catches-up any new arrowmen with the OA. Jumpstart's flash
presentations and interactivity will help to seal the bond of Brotherhood,
helping lodges and Arrowmen throughout the nation. You can visit Jumpstart
at
http://jumpstart.oa-bsa.org.
Links
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BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA
