Involvement in the District Order of the Arrow Involvement in the District

OA Involvement in the District Introduction

Objectives Realize that districts do need our help Emphasize that our units, districts and councils are interrelated Explore the potential our Lodges or Chapters and Arrowmen have to help our Districts succeed

But even in these groups there are successes Service Clubs But even in these groups there are successes What do they have in common? Declining Membership? Recruitment and Retention Issues? Relevance?

Target Group Who are they? What do they want? Our target group is Gen X and Millennial's or the sons and daughters of these groups What do they want? To do Great Things Instant Communication Instant Reaction to an Issue Instant Gratification

Other Factors Rural vs. Urban Chapter or Lodge Generational and Cultural Changes Increase in single parent families Shift in diversity Changes in Modes of Communication (and the lack of change)

Social Media – Over 65,000 followers

The Order of the Arrow Should be Involved in the District WHY? To Fulfill our Mission

The Mission of the OA “The mission of the Order of the Arrow is to fulfill its purpose as an integral part of the Boy Scouts of America through positive youth leadership under the guidance of selected capable adults”.

90% of all Boy Scouts were Cub Scouts Our Reality 90% of all Boy Scouts were Cub Scouts = = These groups all are interrelated – one group depends on the success of the other groups

Interdependence Units District District Council

What is Our Weakest Link? Our Goal What is Our Weakest Link? Our Units? Our Districts? Our Councils?

The Big Questions What’s in it for the District? What’s in it for me?

What’s in it for the District? Remember our mission; we need to be “an integral part of the Boy Scouts of America”

Message from our founder An Arrowman’s primary responsibility is to the Troop or Team…..your first duty as an Arrowman is to continue to expand your service to your unit! page 31 OA Handbook

Who can Serve the District? Chapter Lodge Individual Arrowmen Youth (below 18) Youth (18 to 20) Young Adults (transitioning) Adults All can, but involvement and the scope of involvement may differ!

District Involvement Gather in groups of 4 Take 3 minutes Obtain a scribe Discuss and write down what you think the Order of the Arrow can do for your district Take 3 minutes Report to the Class your findings

District Involvement District Committee School Night Day Camp Cub-o-ree Camp Promotion Unit Visitations Webelos Woods ASK Program High Adventure Opportunities

District Committee Be An Integral Part of Your District District Chairman District Commissioners Unit Commissioners Program Camping Chapter Advisers - Associate Chapter Advisers Training Advancement Finance Ect.

School Night Chapter or Lodge Individual Train Troop Leadership Be available to help

Day Camp Chapter or Lodge Individual Run a station Organize the campfire Individual Help Organize Walking Den Leader

Cub-o-ree Chapter or Lodge Individual Run a station Help with opening and closing ceremonies Individual Help organize the event Serve as Judges

Webelos Woods Webelos campout where troops run stations to introduce the boys to Boy Scouts Chapter or Lodge Run a station Help with opening and closing ceremonies Individual Help organize the event Serve as Judges

A.S.K. Program Chapter or Lodge Individual Organize the Event Ceremonies Opening Campfire Nondenominational service Individual Run a station Help where needed

Unit Visitation (Pack) Arrow of Light Ceremony Crossover Ceremony Camp Promotion

Camp Promotion Camp Promotional Fliers Camp Slide Show or Video Remember Your Audience One Song Appropriate Content Example

Journey to Excellence

Journey to Excellence (continued) 7 13

Unit Visitation (Troop or Team) Elections if needed (be prepared) Camp Promotion Camp Video or Camp Slide Show Remember Your Audience One Song Appropriate Content Fun and Fellowship

What’s in it for me? Camping Opportunities Encampments Induction Weekends Chapter Activities Access to National High Adventure Camps (not able to accomplish in the unit) OA Trail Crew OAOA Wilderness Voyage

Individuals Leadership Opportunities Leadership Training OATR Chapter, Lodge, Sectional ect. Leadership Training Lodge Leadership Development (LLD) National Order of the Arrow Conference (NOAC) National Leadership Seminar (NLS) National Lodge Adviser Training Seminar (NLATS)

Individuals Fun Leave a legacy Strengthen units Strengthen OA Program Program ownership…buy in

Do You have any other good ideas to share with the group? Questions – Comments Did I answer all your questions about Involving the Order of the Arrow in Your Districts? Do You have any other good ideas to share with the group?