In January 2026, the National Order of the Arrow Committee approved several enhancements to the OA’s elections and induction procesIn ses designed to better support our mission, vision, and purpose. We are pleased to announce the implementation of one of those changes: the removal of the camping requirement for adult membership eligibility, effective immediately.

The Order of the Arrow succeeds because of dedicated adults who mentor youth leaders, provide guidance, and help lodges deliver meaningful program experiences. As lodges across the country work to fulfill our mission and support youth leadership, they increasingly require a broader pool of qualified adult members. This is especially important as lodges recruit and retain adults needed to meet Scouting America’s Safeguarding Youth policies and support a growing range of programs and activities.

The National Order of the Arrow Committee recognized that many adults who would be tremendous assets to the OA are unable to meet youth-oriented camping eligibility requirements due to professional, family, or other responsibilities. While camping remains an important part of Scouting, the committee determined that adult membership should be based on an individual's ability to support the purpose of the Order of the Arrow and serve as a positive influence on youth.

As a result, the 15-night camping requirement has been removed from adult membership eligibility. An updated Handbook for Officers and Advisers is now available reflecting this change. Additional adult nomination guidance is provided above.

What stays the same:

• Brotherhood, Cheerfulness, and Service remain core values.

• Two ceremonies (though they are not the same ceremonies as before)

• The (typical) Friday evening through Saturday evening weekend structure (note: many lodges extend activities into Sunday morning, an approach which remains relevant)

• The Admonition

• Service remains one of the vehicles for experiencing the intent of the induction experience.

• The four challenges remain in familiar but new forms intended for discovering brotherhood, reflecting on cheerfulness, and providing service.

• Crews of new members will have a guide called a Luminary, whose role is similar to yet expanded beyond the typical role of an Elangomat.

• There is still a legend in the Ceremony of Fire (Saturday evening), though it is now a story about the Order of the Arrow's foundation. The message and arc will be familiar, but it tells a different story.

• Ceremony sites don't need to change (the only addition is hanging a backdrop).What is different:

• There are new activities, including Flight of the Arrow, Step Forward, The Promises, and Crew Affirmations.

• Five ceremonialists instead of four, with one role designed to be "on book" (reading from the script).

• The Luminary role expands on the Elangomat's responsibilities. Luminaries help new members process the experience to better internalize the values of Brotherhood, Cheerfulness, and Service and know how to put these values into practice.

• Removal of scant food. Participants will be provided food and drink on par with a normal day at camp. A lunchtime activity entitled "Silent Lunch" will challenge participants to make personal judgements about what they keep for themselves and what they choose to share.

• Total silence for the duration of the event is replaced with times for individual reflection, meditation, and small group conversation. Guided crew conversations provide opportunities for people to learn with others as they consider questions and ideas central to Brotherhood, Cheerfulness, and Service, while at the same time building connections with fellow participants.

• New ceremonial attire (robes/capes) replaces previous costuming.

The Order of the Arrow is not an Award you receive for what you have done. Rather, it is a promise you make and a responsibility you accept based on what you will do in the future. Click here for the OA's Vision, Mission, and Purpose.