O. A.

What is the O. A.?

The O.A. is a group of honor campers—Scouts who reflect the best of the Scout oath, law, motto, slogan, outdoor code, and the spirit and practice of camping. A Scout is elected to the O.A. by his peers; it is an honor to be nominated and elected.

Upcoming Dates:

March 11th, Winter Banquet (if not attending campout)
May 12-14 — Phillippo Scout Reservation Summer Kickoff
June 2-4 — Tomahawk Scout Reservation Summer Kickoff
July 29 - Aug. 3 — NOAC
September 8-10 — Section C1A Conclave: Camp Wilderness
November 11 — Fall Fellowship Event

Description of events:

National Order of the Arrow Conference, Summer (Out-of-State). Primarily attended by Scouts who are also Lodge officers

Winter Event, March. A bit of annual business and but mostly food and a fun lock-in.

Jr. Leader College. All-day learning opportunities for O. A. members.

Phillippo Summer Kickoff, May. Volunteer service to Scouting.

Tomahawk Kickoff, June. Volunteer service to Scouting.

Call Out. August. Troop 609 O.A. nominees are called-out to start their journey.

Fall Conclave, September. By invitation only.

Fall Fellowship Event, November. Annual recognitions, banquet, prizes and fellowship.

Troop 609 Requirements for Nomination

Be registered as a Boy Scout.
Rank is at least First Class.
Have at least 15 days & nights of camping during two years prior to elections.
Of the 15 days, 6 days are completed consecutively at a resident camp of the BSA
Be a positive reflection of the Scout Oath, Law, Motto, Slogan and Outdoor Code.
Be approved by the Scoutmaster.
Be elected by your Troop peers.

Voting Requirements

At least 50% of the registered Scouts in the Troop must be present at voting.
At least 50% of Scouts present vote for the candidate.
Blank ballots are counted as “no” votes.
Scouts may abstain from casting a vote for one or more Scouts. This is recommended if you do not know the Scout.

Others

Certain rituals and customs of the O.A. are to remain private and known to only O.A. members. O.A. activities are conducted with the highest Boy Scout concern for safety and dignity.

If a Scout is not elected one year, he can be elected the next year if he again meets all the camping requirements during the two year period prior to the new election. Once you are elected into the O.A. you are expected to provide a heightened level of service to Boys Scouts, the Order, your community, your country, and your faith.

O.A. members are part of the Totanhan Nakaha Lodge which covers all of Northern Star Council

Adults who meet the above requirements may be nominated to O.A. by the Scoutmaster/Committee. At least one Scout must be elected into the O.A. in a given year in order for the Troop to nominate one adult per year.