Purpose of the OA
To recognize those campers-Scouts and Scouters-who best exemplify the Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives and by such recognition cause other campers to conduct themselves in such manner as to warrant recognition.
 
To develop and maintain camping traditions and spirit.
 
To promote Scout camping, which reaches its greatest effectiveness aas a part of the unit's camping program, both year-round and in the summer camp, as directed by the camping committee of the council.
 
To crystallize the Scout habit of helpfulness into a life purpose of leadership in cheerful service to others.

History of the OA
The Order of the Arrow (OA) was founded by Dr. E. Urner Goodman and Carroll A. Edson in 1915 at the Treasure Island Camp of the Philadelphia Council, Boy Scouts of America. It became an official program experiment in 1922 and was approved as part of the Scouting program in 1934. In 1948 the OA, recognized as the BSA's national brotherhood of honor campers, became an official part of the national camping program of the Boy Scouts of America.

Eligibility to become a member of the OA
A youth must be a registered member of a Boy Scout troop or Varsity Scout team
and hold First Class rank. The youth must have experienced 15 days and nights of
camping during the two years before his election. The 15 days and nights must
include six consecutive days (including five nights) of resident camping, approved
and under the auspices and standards of the Boy Scouts of America. The balance of
the camping must be overnight, weekend, or other short-term camps. Scouts are
elected to the Order Of The Arrow by their fellow unit members, following approval
by the Scoutmaster or Varsity team Coach.

For additional information on Troop 801 Order of the Arrow, click here.