The OA is Scouting’s National Honor Society

Purpose To recognize those Scout campers who best exemplify the Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives To develop and maintain camping traditions and spirit To promote Scout camping To crystallize the Scout habit of helpfulness into a life purpose of leadership in cheerful service to others Eligibility Scouts are elected to the Order by their fellow unit members, following approval by the Scoutmaster or Varsity team Coach. To become a member, a youth must be a registered member of a Boy Scout troop or Varsity Scout team and hold First Class rank. The youth must have experienced fifteen days and nights of Boy Scout camping during the two-year period prior to the election. The fifteen 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 Boy Scouts of America. The balance of the camping must be overnight, weekend, or other short-term camps. Adult selection is based on their ability to perform the necessary functions to help the Order fulfill its purpose, and is not for recognition. Selected adult Scouters must be an asset to the Order because of demonstrated abilities, and provide a positive role model for the youth members of the lodge. Induction The induction ceremony, called the Ordeal, is the first step toward full membership. During the experience, candidates maintain silence, receive small amounts of food, work on camp improvement projects, and are required to sleep alone, apart from other campers. The entire experience is designed to teach significant values. If interested in OA membership, contact the District Commissioner or District Executive. This material was adapted from the "OA Factsheet" from the BSA national office, and the Guide for Officers and Advisers.