Adult Selection for the Order of the Arrow

Paged Updated: 09/17/2020

Adult Membership Qualifications – All members of, or candidates for membership in, the Order of the Arrow who are 21 years of age or older and who are registered members of Scouts BSA shall be considered adult members or candidates for adult membership. Individuals shall be selected as candidates based on the following:

Adult Leaders in Units

Each year, upon holding a unit election for youth candidates that results in at least one youth candidate being elected, the unit committee may nominate adults to the Lodge Adult Selection Committee.

The number of adults nominated can be no more than one-third of the number of youth candidates elected, rounded up where the number of youth candidates is not a multiple of three. In addition to the one-third limit, the unit committee may nominate the currently-serving unit leader (but not assistant leaders), as long as he or she has served as unit leader for at least the previous twelve months.

Recommendations of the Adult Selection Committee, which consists of the Lodge Adviser, the Chairman of the Council Committee on which the Lodge Adviser serves, and the Lodge Staff Adviser, with the approval of the Scout Executive, serving as Supreme Chief of the Fire, will be candidates for induction, provided the following conditions are fulfilled:

  • The selection of adults is based on the ability to perform the necessary functions to help the Order fulfill its purpose, and not for recognition of service, including current or prior achievement and positions.
  • The individual will be an asset to the Order because of demonstrated abilities that fulfill the purpose of the Order.
  • The camping requirements set forth for youth members are fulfilled.
  • The adult leader’s membership will provide a positive example for the growth and development of the youth members of the lodge.

Adult Leaders in Council and District Positions

The Lodge Adviser, District Chairmen, Council President, or members of the professional staff may nominate adults to the Lodge Adult Selection Committee. All requirements set forth for adult leaders in units must be fulfilled, with the exception of the camping requirements, which may be waived at the discretion of the Lodge Staff Adviser and Scout Executive. A request for waiver of the camping requirement should be sent to the Lodge Staff Adviser.

Recommendations of the Adult Selection Committee, with the approval of the Scout Executive, serving as Supreme Chief of the Fire, will become candidates for induction. Adults may be nominated for membership only one time per year as either unit Scouters or Council/District Scouters, but not both. How they are nominated depends on where they maintain their primary registration. Because the Order of the Arrow is principally a youth organization, Unit, District, and Council Scouters are not selected for membership as a recognition. Selection should take place only when the adult’s position in Boy Scouting or Varsity Scouting will make Order of the Arrow membership more meaningful in the lives of the youth membership.