The Order of the Arrow (OA) is Scouts BSA National Honor Society. The OA was founded by Urner Goodman and Carroll Edson in 1915. Founded on the principles of Brotherhood, Cheerfulness, and Service. The OA is NOT a secret society. “Discreetness helps enhance the experience.” Youth Protection is always in effect. Everyone in the OA is referred to as “brothers” regardless of gender. The order is a Brotherhood of all honored scouts. The Order of the Arrow is youth lead. Adults fulfill an advisory, mentoring, and non-voting role. Depending on your location, elections are held with all scout troops and venture crews once a year. The adult leadership of each unit is contacted by the OA lodge or chapter youth to make election arrangements. Elected candidates go threw a voluntary “ordeal” to start the membership prosses. Later ordeal members can complete their membership by going threw brotherhood. Many unit leaders are concerned that the OA will distract the older scouts away from their unit. OA membership helps retain the interest of older scouts and keeps them involved in the unit leadership.