Policy Updates
The Order of the Arrow continues to adapt policies and guidelines when necessary. Updates to policies, procedures, and guidelines released after the release of any of the below publications can be found at oa-scouting.org/news/policy-updates.
The Order of the Arrow has several publications available to help Arrowmen in carrying out the OA program. Most publications are available online below, offering valuable guidance and resources. These publications cover a wide range of topics, ensuring that Arrowmen have the tools they need to succeed in their roles. They are revised regularly, so be sure to get the current edition to stay up to date.
Table of Contents
- Operations Handbooks:
- Inductions Publications:
- Supporting Materials:
- Print Publications:
- National Publications:
- Scouting Safely:
Operations Handbooks
Handbook for Officers and Advisers
All lodge, service area, and chapter officers and advisers should have a copy of this handbook. It reflects the current policies concerning the organization and administration of an Order of the Arrow lodge. Topics covered include: lodge organization, program, communications, service, membership requirements, unit elections, OA structure, awards, and more.
Field Operations Handbook
This handbook provides details on national and regional organization, section conclave guidelines, and section rules.
Handbook for Staff Advisers
This handbook provides information on the Order of the Arrow for professional Scouters.
Lodge Finance Manual
This manual provides ideas and guidelines for budget building and control, the jobs of lodge members related to lodge finances, financial record keeping, inventory control, financial reports, and money-earning projects.
Lodge Merger Handbook for Councils
Designed to help lodge leadership work through a merger, this is an easy to follow guide that is a step by step handbook on merging a lodge.
Performance Measurement Program
The Performance Measurement Program (PMP) serves as a tool to understand how lodges have performed in the past, allowing them to look forward and set goals that enable them to thrive.
Inductions Publications
Inductions Handbook
This handbook brings together all aspects of the induction process and provides a suggested structure for a lodge to follow. It provides the current policies and is filled with information about the induction process from the unit election, to call-out, through the Ordeal, and on to Brotherhood.
Unit Elections Handbook
This handbook provides information on Order of the Arrow unit elections to both members and non-members. It can be distributed to unit leaders and others who want to know the policies regarding unit elections and how unit elections are conducted.
Order of the Arrow Ceremonies
Ceremony texts are available for downloading in the Inductions Portal.
Supporting Materials
Guide to Lodge Alumni Groups
This guide is designed to serve as a tool for those who are looking to develop and maintain an active lodge alumni group. This resource offers tools, suggestions, ideas, best practices, and suggested meeting times for new alumni groups.
Lodge History Resource Guide
This guide provides insights and best practices from Scouting historians and contains guidance for tactile and ideological approaches so that you are able to not only do history well, but also, in time, to be able to think like a historian.
Eternal Flame Program
The Eternal Flame Program has been designed to offer Arrowmen the opportunity to practice reverence in the remembering of Arrowmen who have passed away. This program is an official Order of the Arrow program and should be used in lieu of any previous ceremonies or programs to honor the departed.
Branding Resources
The official OA Branding Guide, along with brand assets, can be found on the OA branding page. In addition, the Language of the OA provides information about style, usage, and grammar norms observed by both Scouting America and the Order of the Arrow.
Online Engagement Toolkit
This toolkit provides information and resources for lodges to utilize when engaging Arrowmen online.
Print Publications
Order of the Arrow Handbook
This is the official handbook for Arrowmen. It includes basic information all Arrowmen should know and reflects current policies. The handbook is available from the Scouting America National Supply Division (#661083, 2024 revision) and must be ordered through your local council.
The Brotherhood of Cheerful Service: A History of the Order of the Arrow
This book is an enlightening history of the Order of the Arrow. Since its initial printing, it has been nationally recognized as the authoritative source for Order of the Arrow historical facts. Written by Kenneth P. Davis, Ph.D., a long-time, former member of the National Order of the Arrow Committee, this publication consists of twelve chapters that each focus on a specific phase of Order of the Arrow history, or an aspect of its operations.
A Thing of the Spirit, The Life of E. Urner Goodman
E. Urner Goodman, the founder of the Order of the Arrow, was a trend setting Scouter in the early days of the movement. This biography of the founder, written by Nelson R. Block, is an excellent source of information on the life of Dr. Goodman, and preserves oral history about Dr. Goodman that might have otherwise been lost.
National Publications
Business Plan
The 2025-2027 Business Plan outlines the objectives and specific goals that will guide the national committee’s overall work.
Impact Reports
This report provides a summary of the OA's activities and programs at the national level for the year listed.
National Bulletin
The National Bulletin is one of the Order of the Arrow’s oldest publications, telling the story of the OA.
Silver Arrowhead
The Silver Arrowhead is the newsletter for recipients of the Order of the Arrow's Distinguished Service Award. Our hope is that the newsletter will encourage, inform, and inspire a life of cheerful service.
Scouting Safely
Guide to Safe Scouting
In an effort to ensure a safe environment for all Arrowmen, lodge leaders and advisers should be familiar with and enforce the Guide to Safe Scouting at all Scouting America activities and events.
SAFE Checklist
Scouts and their parents expect all Scouting America activities to be conducted safely. To ensure the safety of participants, Scouting America expects leaders to use the four points of SAFE when delivering the Scouting program.
Additional Safety Resources
Scouting America has additional safety resources available to help ensure a safe environment at all events.