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Please read this post first!

Some significant changes will soon take effect for the Boy Scouts of America’s Order of the Arrow program. Please read these carefully.

In recent years the Order of the Arrow has sought to become more culturally sensitive.  There have been a few complaints in recent years from parents in Copiague, NY and Woonsockett, RI about the use of American Indian derived names and regalia for officers in a BSA program.  They charge it is inappropriate and offensive.   The OA is sensitive to criticism that its programs over emphasize American Indian themes.  This overemphasis has caused some lodges from time to time to lose lose track of what the Order is: The Boy Scouts of America’s Brotherhood of Cheerful Service. American Indian themes, customs and traditions are to be used in a manner consistent with the mission of the Order and respectful of the various American Indian communities.

The Order of the Arrow has sought to more fully and consistently integrate itself into the operations of the BSA councils that charter the lodges. Such integration is necessary in order to more effectively serve the councils and fulfill the Order’s mission.

In order to meet these aims, the National Order of the Arrow Committee has decided that effective with the officers elected for terms beginning 1 January 2012 the following officer titles will change. The former chiefs and vice chiefs will be replaced by a National President, Vice President and Regional Vice Presidents. Titles of section leaders will also be changed. Sections will be lead by the elected offices of Section Youth Chairman, Youth Vice Chairman, and Secretary.   These titles are similar to those currently used in the BSA’s Venturing program.

In addition it is directed that all bonnets and other American Indian regalia used for official and ceremonial purposes by these various officers be retired. Chains of office, to be worn around the neck, each having a large medallion indicating the office of the wearer will be made available by National through BSA supply.  It has been noted that Mic-O-Say, another honor camper program used in some BSA councils, already uses necklaces to denote ranks earned and offices held within its membership with great success.  Designs, production details and costs will be announced soon in the National Bulletin.

Lodges are directed to adopt these new titles on the lodge and chapter levels as soon as possible. This must be accomplished prior to chartering for the year starting 1/1/2014.

The Order of the Arrow also will take a more active leadership role in supporting the BSA’s low impact policies and encouraging sustainable use of our natural resources. Effective June 1, 2012, all campfires used in OA events must use wood from renewable and sustainable sources. Wood harvested from BSA properties will not necessarily meet these requirements unless the collection process is certified as sustainable by a professional forester or other approved natural resources professional. Small fires, designed to minimize the impact upon the natural landscape are strongly encouraged.

A ceremonies subcommittee of the National Committee is currently working on revisions to the OA’s ceremonies, so as to limit the role of fire, to a sustainable level as well as one more respectful of the cultures and lifestyles of the American Indians. Among the options being considered is a return to some of the older ceremonial customs which contained a very limited role for fire. It is not appropriate to discuss these here, but students of the historical ceremonies should be able to guess what is being considered.

As these changes progress towards implementation, please remember what day today is. Remember that a Scout is both friendly and obedient and respond appropriately to them.

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