Purpose

The purpose of the Order of the Arrow is:

• To recognize those campers – Scouts and Scouters – who best exemplify the Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives, and by such recognition cause other campers to conduct themselves in such a manner as to warrant similar recognition.
• To develop and maintain camping traditions and spirit.
• To promote Scout camping.
• To crystallize the Scout habit of helpfulness into a life purpose of leadership in cheerful service to others.

Mission

The mission of the lodge is to provide training in cheerful service and in leadership, setting the example of the Order’s guiding virtues.

Structure

Tipisa Lodge is a community of more than 1500 Arrowmen each of whom belong to a smaller community called a “chapter”. Tipisa’s fifteen chapters are formed by the OA members who are registered to the troops within each district. Each chapter elects its own youth leaders.

History

The Tipisa Honor Camper Society was started in 1938 by Central Florida Council’s professional Scout Executive, Mr. Harold Pace. A charter was granted from the National Order of the Arrow and the National Council, Boy Scouts of America, on January 1, 1946. The first Tipisa Ordeal was held on November 23, 1945 and the by-laws of the lodge were approved on January 5, 1946.

OA Troop/Team Representatives

The Troop/Team Representative program was begun in 1999, and is a program of the Order of the Arrow that has been officially adopted by the Boy Scouts of America. The OA Representative is now an official leadership position within the troop or team, and boys can earn time towards their leadership rank requirements, just as with Den Chief, Troop Scribe, or any of the other leadership positions.

An Order of the Arrow Troop Representative is a youth liaison serving between the local OA lodge or chapter and his troop. In his troop, he serves as a communication and programmatic link to the Arrowmen and to the adult leaders and Scouts who are not presently members of the Order. He does this in a fashion that strengthens the mission of the lodge and the purpose of the Order. By setting a good example, he enhances the image of the Order as a service arm to his troop.

Anyone in the unit who is under the age of 18 can serve as the OA Representative for the unit, provided he is a dues-paid member of the Order of the Arrow. He should be appointed by the Senior Patrol Leader or Varsity Team Captain, and will be a member of the Patrol Leaders’ Council and attend lodge and chapter meetings. If you are interested in learning more, ask your Chapter Chief for more information