Letter to Parents

Letter to Parents

To the parents of OA Candidate:

Congratulations! Your son is a candidate for the honorary camping society of the Boy Scouts of America, the Order of the Arrow. The OA, as it is called, is a national brotherhood of Scout honor campers that originated in 1915. The purposes of the OA are to recognize those 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 and to crystallize the Scout habit of helpfulness into a life purpose of leadership in cheerful service to others.

Candidates for the Order of the Arrow are chosen not only for what they have done, but also for what they are expected to do in serving the welfare of others. Because your son was selected for candidacy by the unique method of being elected by his peers, we are sure that he is well worthy of this honor.

Though honored by his election, your son will not become a member until he has completed his induction. This induction is refered to as an Ordeal because it will be a challenge for your son, but a challenge that his Scout Leaders have determined that he can succeed. This weekend will offer a unique opportunity for him to reflect on his personal commitment to the principles and purpose of Scouting and the Order of the Arrow. The weekend is undertaken by every new candidate and is a meaningful experience that will not soon be forgotten.

Induction in the Order of the Arrow will open many new doors for your son. Our lodge participates in many events every year. Some new opportunities include:

• Ordeals. Our lodge holds five ordeals over the course of the year to support the three council camps. These are service and fellowship weekends where new members are inducted and the principles of Scouting are lived.
• Fellowship. This weekend event is a weekend of fellowship and friendly competition between the Villages of our Lodge. We also hold lodge elections, and have various training sessions. The adults provide service to the host camp.
• Conclave. A gathering of the eight lodges in our regional section for a weekend of training, competition, fellowship and fun. All youth are encouraged to attend this yearly gathering of dedicated Scouts.

In addition, the OA provides some of the most valuable youth leadership training and opportunities available. These opportunities will build upon the knowledge he already has received during his Scouting experience. This is truly an exciting time for you and your son. Your encouragement will be appreciated.

Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions concerning the Order of the Arrow. Thank you for your support of your son and Scouting.