Order of the Arrow

 Brotherhood of Cheerful Service

As Boy Scouting’s national honor society, the Order of the Arrow (OA) seeks to recognize Scouts and Scouters who as campers best exemplify the Scout Oath and Scout Law in their daily lives.  The three principles of the Order are brotherhood, cheerfulness, and service. Foremost, the Order of the Arrow is a service organization which assists Scouting at all levels; nevertheless, an Arrowman’s first duty is always to his own Troop.  Through the Order, the Scout’s unselfish desire to help others is crystallized into a life purpose of leadership in cheerful service to all. “He alone is worthy to wear the Arrow who will continue faithfully to serve his fellow man.”  The Arrowman must always conduct himself in such manner as to cause others to emulate his actions in the high Ideals of Scouting.

The Order of the Arrow, W. W. W., was founded by Dr. E. Urner Goodman and Col. Carroll A. Edson in 1915 at Treasure Island Scout Camp, Philadelphia Council; it became an official program of the Boy Scouts of America in 1948. Besides a dedication to service, the Order promotes, develops, and maintains the Scout camping tradition and spirit, keeping the outing in Scouting.  Like Boy Scouting, it is a youth-run organization with adults acting as advisers.  All members of the Order of the Arrow are equal.

 Tindeuchen Lodge #522

Each council with the Boy Scouts of America is permitted to have on OA Lodge that serves it.  Tindeuchen Lodge #522, Order of the Arrow is Scouting's National Honor Society for the Erie Shores Council.  The Lodge serves Scouts and Scouters of Northwest Ohio in Lucas, Wood, Ottawa, Sandusky and Fulton Counties.  The name Tindeuchen, when translated, means Firemakers.  As such, members of Tindeuchen strive to build a brighter fire, to seek a vision of themselves and of their purpose!

 Candidacy for Membership in the OA

Candidates for membership in the Order of the Arrow are chosen by a vote of their fellow Scouts in the Troop, most of which are not members of the Order.  Therefore, the membership of the Order is controlled by all the Scouts not just the present members.  Adult candidates that were not OA members during their youth can be chosen by the Troop Committee.  The requirements for election eligibility are as follows:

Troop 315 Order of the Arrow Hall of Fame