ArrowCorps⁵ Five Sites - Five Weeks - Five Thousand Arrowmen
 

Special Sashing Ceremony for Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl Kicks Off the Shasta-Trinity ArrowCorps⁵ Project

Over 500 Arrowmen from 33 states, Japan, Taiwan, and Europe converged on the Shasta-Trinity National Forest this week to begin their five day ArrowCorps⁵project. "We have been anxiously awaiting their arrival and are very excited to see what the Arrowmen are capable of," said Alex Braden, Youth Incident Commander for the Shasta-Trinity Project.

ArrowCorps⁵ Video and Photo Contests

The National Order of the Arrow Committee is pleased to announce two contests intended to help create a lasting digital archive of impact and experience of each ArrowCorps⁵ site.  Each lodge has the opportunity to digitally record a DVD movie of their ArrowCorps⁵ adventure. Video Contest Rules and Information  Each participant, both youth and adult, have the opportunity to submit their best digital picture for four different categories.  Photo Contest Rules and Information  Both contests open starting July 1, 2008.  Be sure to read the rules thoroughly before submitting.

Mark Twain National Forest Hailed as a Great Success

Congratulations to the participants and staff of Mark Twain National Forest on an outstanding start to ArrowCorps⁵! Participants arrived early on June 7, 2008 at Mark Twain National Forest in Missouri to begin the first project of ArrowCorps⁵.

Three "Week in Review" Videos Posted

Video recaps of the work, program and recreational activities from ArrowCorps⁵'s first three sites: Mark Twain, Manti-La Sal, and George Washington and Jefferson. See the highlights of unselfish service to the Forest Service, the environment, and our country!

June 2008 - August 2008 National Bulletin Posted

The June 2008 - August 2008 National Bulletin has been posted. The latest National Bulletin includes the delivery of the Report to the Nation, ArrowCorps⁵, details on a new Cub Scout Support Kit and information on how one lodge hosted a Cub Scout weekend. Information on the upcoming realignment to sections starting in 2009 is also detailed for the Southern and Northeast regions.

Order of the Arrow 2007 Annual Report

The 2007 Order of the Arrow Annual Report is now available for download. Please use this as a reminder that objective #10 on the Quality Lodge Recognition Petition requires each lodge to "submit a written annual report of accomplishments to their council executive board" each year. The 2007 Order of the Arrow Annual Report can be a guide or the OA National Web Site has a "template" that will assist greatly in preparing your report

Operations Update 08-5

Operations Update 08-5 includes announcements on the OA Lodge Master System and OA Membership Verification process included in the February 2005 ScoutNet production release. Updated literature is announced including the Guide for Officers and Advisers, Field Operations Guide, and the new OA Lodge Finance Manual. It includes clarification on Unit Elections, OA Promotions, 2008 National Quality Lodge requirements, Ordeal Ceremony requirements. Region, Section and Lodge leadership are encouraged to read the latest Operation Update.

2008 Revision of the Guide for Officers and Advisers

The 2008 revision of the Guide for Officers and Advisers is now available. The guide has been updated to include the national chiefs since 2006, the national OA committee structure, past NOAC attendance, and information on the new OA Lodge Finance Manual. The guide also includes updates to the Quality Lodge Petition and clarifications on chapter organization and officers. Lodges and Sections are strongly encouraged to download the revised Guide for Officers and Advisers to have the most up to date information.

Lodge Finance Manual

The Lodge Finance Manual provides ideas and guidelines for budget building and control, the jobs of lodge members related to lodge finances, financial recordkeeping, inventory control, financial reports, and money-earning projects. Using this manual will help the Order of the Arrow lodge develop proper financial procedures that will strengthen its position as a responsible part of the council.s program.

2008 Field Operations Guide

The new FOG contains an updated national OA committee organizational description and a revised Appendix 3 . Ceremony Team Evaluation. The appendix has been revised to require team members to wear their current OA sashes with their American Indian regalia; not to wear wigs or parts of the flag; and to provide guidance on wearing shorts, T-shirts, socks, and appropriate footwear. A statement has also been added that the BSA policy regarding weapons must be followed by ceremonialists.

CTI - Session 7: Living the Legacy

During the National Planning Meeting the Training subcommittee released Session 7 of the Conclave Training Initiative, Living the Legacy - "The Order of the Arrow 2008-2012 Strategic Plan". Session 7 focuses on understanding the purpose of the 2008-2012 Strategic Plan and the importance of the lodge becoming an integral part of the council.

2008-2012 Strategic Plan

As Scouting's National Honor Society and as an integral part of every council, our service, activities, adventures, and training for youth and adults will be models of quality leadership development and programming that enrich the lives of our members and help extend Scouting to America's youth. The 2008-2012 Strategic Plan focuses on these key traits assisting lodges with promoting these ideals and endeavors..