As Boy Scouting’s National Honor Society, the Order of the Arrow (OA) seeks to recognize Scouts and Scouters who as campers best exemplify the Scout Oath and Scout Law in their daily lives. The three principles of the Order are brotherhood, cheerfulness, and service. Foremost, the Order of the Arrow is a service organization that assists Scouting at all levels; nevertheless, an Arrowman’s first duty is always to his own troop.

Through the Order, the Scout’s unselfish desire to help others is crystallized into a life purpose of leadership in cheerful service to all. The Arrowman must always conduct himself in such manner as to cause others to emulate his actions in the high ideals of Scouting.

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.

The Order of the Arrow was founded by Dr. E. Urner Goodman and Col. Carroll A. Edson in 1915 at Treasure Island Scout Camp, Philadelphia Council; it became an official program of the Boy Scouts of America in 1948. Besides a dedication to service, the Order promotes, develops, and maintains the Scout camping tradition and spirit, keeping the outing in Scouting. Like Boy Scouting, it is a youth-run organization with adults acting as advisers.