2.How do I become a member of the Order of the Arrow?
In order to become a member, you must be elected by your Troop or Varsity Team, and even then, only after completing a couple of requirements. You must be at least First Class, and completed 15 days & nights of camping including at least one week-long camp. Then you must be approved by your scoutmaster.
The annual dues period coincides with the Lodge charter year, January 1st thru December 31st of the following year. The membership renewal drive begins in October and lasts thru December. New members inducted into the Order at the Fall Ordeal are automatically extended into the next year.
Wear whichever one you want on your right breast pocket. But also know that the lodge flap is insignia and means current dues paid membership in the lodge. If you have not renewed your membership in the lodge, you should not be wearing the lodge insignia or lodge flap.
The black border lodge flap is the general membership issue flap from 2004 to present. This replaced the grey border that was in use from 1996 to 2004. A red border lodge flap represents a charter member of the lodge when it was formed in 1995. A limited number of red border lodge flaps (two per member) were issued only in the first year of Ohlone Lodge. The gold border lodge flap represents a member of the Lodge Executive Commitee, the governing body of Ohlone Lodge. To qualify, a youth or adult must participate as a lodge officer, lodge committee chairman, or advisor for a full term of office. The lodge advisor may then award those officers, committee chairs, and advisors for having completed their office to the best of their ability. The gold bordered flap is a sign of demonstrated leadership. In addition, a silver border lodge flap is issued to village chiefs and advisers. Gold and silver lodge flaps can only be issued once a lifetime per person.
"News from the Otter Side" or "The Otterside" is the lodge publication. Published quarterly it contains information on upcoming lodge events, functions, and news from the national office and our OA section for the annual conclave.
If you have provided the lodge secretary with your e-mail address, you may recieve a occasional promotionalal material to further enhance the information dissemination.
