Miami Lodge 495

Youth Eligibility

As of February 1, 2019, unit elections are permitted in Scouts BSA, Venturing, and Sea Scout units. The Order of the Arrow membership requirements are as follows:

To be eligible for candidacy for membership in the Order of the Arrow, a Scout must:

• Be a registered member of the Miami Valley Council.

•  Have the approval of their unit leader of the following prior to the election.  The unit leader must certify his/her Scout spirit (i.e., his/her adherence to the Scout Oath and Law and active participation in unit activities).  The unit leader must also certify that the nominee meets all specified requirements at the time of the annual election.

• Be under 21 years of age.

• Hold one of the following ranks corresponding to the type unit in which they are being considered for election: Scouts BSA First Class rank, the Venturing Discovery Award, or the Sea Scout Ordinary rank or higher, Have experienced 15 days and nights of Scouts BSA camping during the two year period prior to the election. The 15 days and nights must include one, but no more than one, long-term camp consisting of six consecutive days and 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.

Any Scout satisfying these conditions shall be placed on the ballot at their unit's OA Unit Election.  A Scout must receive votes on at least 50% of the ballots submitted to become an elected candidate for the Order of the Arrow.

Adult Eligibility

Adults may be nominated for candidacy in the Order of the Arrow by their unit committee at the time of their unit election.  One adult can be nominated for every 50 registered youth in the unit.  Nominations are submitted to the Lodge's Adult Selection Committee.

To be eligible for membership in the Order of the Arrow, a adult leader must:

• Be a registered member of the Miami Valley Council.
• Be able to perform the necessary functions to help the Order fulfill its purpose.
• Be an asset to the Order because of demonstrated abilities that fulfill the purpose of the Order.
• Meet the same camping requirements set forth for the youth eligibility.
• Provide a positive role model for the growth and development of the youth members of the Lodge.

Other conditions and guidelines for submitting adult nominations:

• The Lodge's Adult Selection Committee must approve of the nomination.
• An adult must not be nominated for the purpose of recognition of service, including current or prior achievement and position.
• Adult nominations must be made at the same time as your Troop, Crew or Ship elections.
• The Lodge Adviser, District Chairman, Council President, or members of the professional staff may recommend adults to the lodge adult selection committee.
• Camping requirements for nominees in Council and District positions may be waived at the discretion of the Lodge Adviser and Scout Executive.