Order of the Arrow

The Order of the Arrow is Scouting’s national honor society. Since its founding in 1915, the Order of the Arrow has recognized campers – Scouts and Scouters – who best exemplify the Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives. As Scouting’s National Honor Society, our purpose is to:

• Recognize those who best exemplify the Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives and through that recognition cause others to conduct themselves in a way that warrants similar recognition.

• Promote camping, responsible outdoor adventure, and environmental stewardship as essential components of every Scout’s experience, in the unit, year-round, and in summer camp.

• Develop leaders with the willingness, character, spirit, and ability to advance the activities of their units, our Brotherhood, Scouting, and ultimately our nation.

• Crystallize the Scout habit of helpfulness into a life purpose of leadership in cheerful service to others.

Scouts from the National Capital Area Council who are inducted into the Order of the Arrow become members of Amangamek-Wipit Lodge #470, an organization offering outdoor adventure and service opportunities. Amangamek-Wipit, which is part of the Northeast Region and Section NE-6A, serves almost 4,300 Arrowmen from the Council’s 23 chapters.