OA Publications

     The Order of the Arrow has several publications available to help Arrowmen in carrying out the OA program. These publications are normally available through your local lodge or council. Contact your lodge adviser or staff adviser if you need a copy. Many publications are available online. Most are revised regularly, so be sure to get the current edition. Some helpful publications include:

Order of the Arrow Handbook   #34996, Revised 2007

This is the main handbook for OA members. It includes basic information all members should know, and reflects current policies.
Available from the BSA National Supply Division, must be ordered through your local council.

Guide for Officers and Advisers   #24-413, Revised 2008

This book provides support for lodge and chapter leaders. It reflects the current policies concerning the organization and administration of the Order of the Arrow Lodge. Topics covered include Lodge Organization and Program, Communications, Camping Promotion, Service, Membership Requirements, Unit Elections, OA Structure, Awards, and more. All lodge and chapter officers and advisers should have a copy. Available online. Download this book.    (1.61 Mbytes, PDF file)

Ceremony for the Ordeal   #34993A, Revised 2000

This book provides the approved Pre-Ordeal and Ordeal ceremonies for lodges to use.
Available from the BSA National Supply Division, must be ordered through your local council.

Ceremony for the Brotherhood   #34994A, Revised 1999

This book provides the approved Brotherhood ceremony for lodges to use.
Available from the BSA National Supply Division, must be ordered through your local council.

Ceremony for the Vigil Honor   #34043A, Revised 1999

This book provides the approved Vigil ceremony for lodges to use.
Available from the BSA National Supply Division, must be ordered through your local council.

Field Operations Guide   2008 Revision

This guide provides details on OA National and Regional Organization, Section Rules, Lodge Assistance Program, and Section Conclave Guidelines. Avialable online. Download this book.    (368 Kbytes, PDF file)

Guide to Inductions   May 2007 Revision

This guide brings together all aspects of the induction process and provides a suggested structure for the inductions committee to follow. It provides the current policies and is filled with information about the inductions process from the Unit Election, to Call-Out, through the Ordeal, and on to Brotherhood. The 2007 revision added a number of new items, and made numerous revisions and updates throughout the document. Available online.    Also available from the OA National Office.

Lodge Finanace Manual   March 2008 printing

The Lodge Finance Manual provides ideas and guidelines for budget building and control, the jobs of lodge members related to lodge finances, financial recordkeeping, inventory control, financial reports, and money-earning projects. Available online. Download this book.    (256 K bytes, PDF file)

Lodge Orientation Guide

This document has now been made an appendix in the Guide for Inductions.

Lodge Leadership Development Planning Guide   June 2005 printing

This book provides information on planning and carrying out a good Lodge Leadership Development program, including the implementation of the Lodge Leadership Development committee. Available online. Download this book.    (130 K bytes, PDF file)

Lodge Community Service Guide   July 2004 printing

This guide provides information on how your lodge can plan, moblize, and deliver a quality community service project. Available online. Download this book.    (409 K bytes, PDF file)

Manual for Producing a "Where to Go Camping Guide"   May 2005 printing

This guide provides information on how your lodge can prepare your own "Where to Go Camping Guide". This manual provides details on the purpose of a guide, typical contents, planning the guide, gathering information, organizing the guide, and much more. Available online. Download this book.    (5809 K bytes, PDF file)

2005 Lodge Program Resource Book   December 2004 printing / Feb 2004 Revision

This book provides program material for lodges. Information is included on region training events, available resource materials, Lodge Leadership Development, Lodge Community Service, Leadership in Service Award, OA Troop/Team Representative, and more. [Revised version includes corrected Leadership in Service requirements on page 16.] Available online. Download this book.    (2.3 M bytes, PDF file)

2004 Lodge Program Resource Book   December 2003 printing

This book provides program material for lodges. Information is included on region training events, available resource materials, Jumpstart, Council Financial Support, Camping Promotion Strategies, OA Scoutreach Mentoring, and more. Available online. Download this book.    (527 K bytes, PDF file)

2003 Lodge Program Resource Book   December 2002 printing

This book provides program material for lodges. Information is included on region training events, available resource materials, Jumpstart, membership retention ideas, Brotherhood conversion ideas, the OA Marketing Matrix and Training Matrix, Scoutreach, and more. Available online. Download this book.    (1.1 M bytes, PDF file)

The Brotherhood of Cheerful Service: A History of the Order of the Arrow   Third Edition.

Out of Print October 2008 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 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  

Out of Print September 2006 E. Urner Goodman, the founder of the Order of the Arrow; was a trend setting Scouter in the 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.

Order of the Arrow 2007 Annual Report

This report provides a summary of the OA's activities and programs at the National level for the year 2007. Available online. Download this report.    (1.03 Mbytes, PDF file, 6/2008) This is a large file that may take a while to download.

Order of the Arrow 2006 Annual Report

This report provides a summary of the OA's activities and programs at the National level for the year 2006. Available online. Download this report.    (1.36 Mbytes, PDF file, 8/2007) This is a large file that may take a while to download.

Order of the Arrow 2005 Annual Report

This report provides a summary of the OA's activities and programs at the National level for the year 2005. Available online. Download this report.    (1.67M bytes, PDF file, 6/2006) This is a large file that may take a while to download.

Order of the Arrow 2004 Annual Report

This report provides a summary of the OA's activities and programs at the National level for the year 2004. Available online. Download this report.    3.09M bytes, PDF file, 5/2005) This is a large file that may take a while to download.

Order of the Arrow 2003 Annual Report

This report provides a summary of the OA's activities and programs at the National level for the year 2003. Available online. Download this report.    (961K bytes, PDF file, 5/2004)

Order of the Arrow 2002 Annual Report

This report provides a summary of the OA's activities and programs at the National level for the year 2002. Available online. Download this report.    (503K bytes, PDF file, 5/2003)

Order of the Arrow 2001 Annual Report

This report provides a summary of the OA's activities and programs at the National level for the year 2001. Available online. Download this report.    (760K bytes, PDF file, 6/2002)

Online Version Format

The online Publications are in "Portable Document Format" (PDF).

Get Information about how to read PDF format.

Revised 10/22/08