CONGRATULATIONS!

You have been selected by your peers to be a candidate for membership in the Order of the Arrow – Scouting’s National Honor Society. Clearly you must be considered a skilled leader, an exceptional Scout, and someone who lives by the ideals of the Scout Oath and Law every day. 

To be chosen by your fellow Scouts (or Unit/District/Council if an Adult) for membership is a great honor, and you should be proud of your election (or Nomination if an Adult). As a candidate for membership, you more than likely have many questions. 

Hopefully, this page answers them all for you, and prepares you for the next step in your journey!

What is the Order of the Arrow?

The Order of the Arrow is Scouting’s National Honor Society. Each local Scouting America Council has their own group of the Order of the Arrow called a Lodge. Our lodge, Ho-Nan-Ne-Ho-Ont Lodge, was founded in 1973 and serves the Allegheny Highlands Council #382, Falconer, NY.

In 1915, Dr. E. Urner Goodman and Carroll A. Edson began the Order of the Arrow at Treasure Island Camp to recognize those Scouts and Scouters who best exemplified the Scout Oath and Scout Law in their daily life. In 1948, the Order of the Arrow became an official program of the Boy Scouts of America (Now Scouting America).

In 2019, membership in the Order of the Arrow expanded to welcome new members from Scouts BSA troops, Venturing crews, and Sea Scout ships, both male and female participants alike. 

You can learn more about the Order of the Arrow and our Lodge by visiting the About Tab.

What is the purpose of the Order of the Arrow?

As Scouting’s National Honor Society, we forge lifelong bonds among the leaders in Scouting and:

• Recognize those who exemplify the Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives and, through that recognition, cause others to act in the same way.

• Reinforce a life purpose of leadership in cheerful service to others.

• Create and deliver peer-led, adult-guided, advanced leadership experiences for Scouts and Scouters that positively impact their unit, community, and ultimately our nation.

• Be an integral part of Scouting America and encourage participation in all it offers through units, outdoor adventures, and national events to further the Scouting experience.

When can I complete my induction?

As a newly elected candidate, completing your Ordeal and becoming a full member in the Order of the Arrow is the next step in your membership journey. 

From the time of your election, Candidates will have 18 months from the date of election to complete their Ordeal. 

You can learn more about the Order of the Arrow membership journey HERE.

Upcoming Induction Opportunities

Visit our Calendar of Events Page for information on upcoming inductions.

Why is the Induction such a big secret?

Ho-Nan-Ne-Ho-Ont Lodge 165 does not intend to keep any information from its newly elected candidates. However, any secrecy around the Induction is meant for a single purpose: The Experience. Revealing too much information before the Induction (Ordeal Weekend) would hurt the full experience of the membership journey. 

The Ordeal is meant to be a chance for you to reflect on Scouting and grow in your service to others. 

Where can I find more information about my Induction?

To help you be best prepared for your induction, we have put all the important information in one spot, including what to bring, what to expect, and more. Visit our Induction Information Page for all the details.

Have More Questions?

If you have any other questions, please check out our Frequently Asked Questions Page or contact our membership relations team here.