The Order of the Arrow (OA), founded in 1915, is the Boy Scouts of America's National Honor Society. The OA recognizes Scouts and Scouters that best exemplify the ideals of the Scout Oath and Law and live those ideals in the daily lives.
Members of the Order of the Arrow, known as Arrowmen, stand as models to encourage others to live these ideals as well. Through the Brotherhood of Cheerful Service, the members of Pellissippi Lodge 230 serve as an important part of maintaining Camp Buck Toms and Camp Pellissippi as well as BSA's High Adventure Bases such as Philmont and Northern Tier.
Members are also known for promoting the Great Smoky Mountain Council's long-term resident camping programs, year-round camping with-in troops. and generally maintaining the spirit and traditions of camping. The OA provides some of the very best programs for members to grow and reach their fullest potential through service, activities, high adventures and training.
The Order of the Arrow is the Boy Scouts of America's National Honor Society. Its purpose is to recognize those who best exemplify the Scout Oath and Law, promote outdoor adventure, develop leaders and instill the concept of cheerful service.
Learn more about the Order of the Arrow's mission and purpose....
Youth members of the Order of the Arrow are elected by the fellow Scouts in their local unit. To be eligible for election, a Scout must meet certain rank and camping requirements and be approved by their unit leader. Once elected a Scout must complete the induction process to attain Ordeal membership. By staying active they may rise to Brotherhood membership and potentially be honored as a Vigil member. Adult candidates have a slightly different process, in that they are nominated one adult for every 3 youths.
As of February 1, 2019 both male and female members of Troops BSA, Crews and Ships are eligible for election and nomination to the Order of the Arrow....
Over 100 years ago E. Urner Goodman and Carroll A. Edson started the Order of the Arrow at Treasure Island Scout Camp on the Delaware River. Their goal was to recognize campers for their dedication to cheerful service. Today, the OA is the Honor Society of the Boy Scouts of America....
Over 75 years ago the Pellissippi Lodge was formed by Elmer Hawkins at Camp Pellissippi. Since that time thousands of Scouts have become Arrowmen and served the Great Smoky Mountain Council by maintaining Camp Pellissippi and Camp Buck Toms, promoting camping to their fellow Scouts, performing hundreds of service projects and becoming leaders....
Each year at the Winter Banquet the Pellissippi Lodge recognizes its most outstanding Arrowmen by presenting various awards. Pellissippi Lodge also boast a number of Section and National Award winners as well. Here is a list of the awards and Pellissippi Lodge Arrowmen who have been honored....
The Order of the Arrow, from chapter to national, is youth led. At each level there are officers, all under the age of 21, elected by the youth membership. They are mentored and guided by adult advisers....
The Order of the Arrow as organized in a number of functioning groups. From the local level we have Chapters, representing Districts, and the Pellissippi Lodge, representing the Great Smoky Mountain Council. Beyond the Lodge is the Section, Region and National Order of the Arrow. Youth lead at each level and work with a volunteer Lodge Adviser and a profession Staff Adviser....
