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Order of the Arrow High Adventure Programs

Wilderness Voyage | Trail Crew | Ocean Adventure | Philbreak

The National Order of the Arrow is offering you an opportunity to join Arrowmen from across the country in cheerful service and the formation of lasting brotherhood on the pristine US/Canadian Boundary Waters. Under the direction of the United States Forest Service, experienced Charles L. Sommers staff members with strong Order of the Arrow backgrounds will lead participants on a two week voyage into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW).

The program is a fourteen-day experience inspired by the traditions of the French and Canadian Voyageurs who ventured the northern wilderness during the 1700-1800's. Traveling thousands of miles by water and portage, these Voyageurs were hired to haul goods and furs to trade with Native Americans and Europeans. In the spirit of these adventurers, Arrowmen will embark on a voyage that is twofold. One-half of the OA Northern Tier Wilderness Voyage focuses on portage trail and campsite maintenance within the Boundary Waters. The remaining expedition is spent on a canoeing adventure that is planned and chosen by the participants in the program. In other words, each crew plans their own voyage! However, the program is not simply portage trail work, camping, and canoeing. The OA Northern Tier Wilderness Voyage is ultimately a journey that challenges Scouts mentally, physically, and spiritually.

Portage trail work is tough and serious. The worksite experience is full of long, strenuous days requiring a great deal of physical effort. Participants are expected to work with great diligence as the tasks being accomplished are designed to benefit generations of Scouts and non-Scouts in the Boundary Waters Wilderness. In addition to mastering portage trail maintenance techniques, Scouts will strengthen their leadership skills, learn advanced wilderness and low-impact camping skills, learn wilderness safety techniques, participate in many motivational activities, and receive special OA instruction. The project's mission is to maintain, reinforce, and intensify the purpose of the Order of the Arrow through Scout camping traditions. Camping enhances and builds stronger programs and people. Participants are expected to use their experience to benefit their troop, chapter, lodge, and council programs.

Requirements:

• Be at least 16 years old the day your program begins, but not yet 21 by its conclusion.
• Be strong and robust (Charles L. Sommers height and weight guidelines will be strictly enforced.)
• Be a registered member of both the BSA and a local OA lodge.
• No exceptions can be made to these requirements. Selection for this program is competitive and is both an honor and a privilege.

Flash Presentation
OA Voyage

NOAC Videos
QuickTime Format

2008 Application
OA Voyage Application

The Order of the Arrow is offering you an opportunity to join other Arrowmen in cheerful service and the formation of lasting brotherhood on the trails of Philmont Scout Ranch. Under the direction of the Philmont Conservation Department, experienced Philmont staff members with strong Order of the Arrow backgrounds will lead participants on the two week trail crew and trek.

The program is a fourteen day experience. The first week focuses on trail construction and maintenance under the guidance of Philmont trail crew foremen. The second week is a seven day backpacking trek that is designed by the participants. The program is not simply building trail and hiking though, the OA Trail Crew is ultimately a journey that challenges Scouts mentally, physically, and spiritually.

Trail building is tough. The worksite experience is full of long, strenuous days requiring a great deal of physical effort. Participants are expected to work with great diligence as the trail that is being built is designed to last over 75 years and protect the beautiful landscape of Philmont Scout Ranch. Other than trail building techniques, Scouts will strengthen their leadership skills, learn advanced wilderness and low-impact camping skills, observe and participate in group wilderness safety, good judgment, and motivation activities, and receive special OA instruction.

The project's mission is to maintain, reinforce, and enhance the purpose of the Order of the Arrow by using Scout camping traditions. Participants are expected to use their experience to benefit their troop, chapter, lodge and council programs. Camping is a method of Scouting that enhances and builds stronger programs and people.

Requirements:

• Be at least 16 years old the day your program begins, but not yet 21 by its conclusion.
• Be physically fit, able to lift and handle materials up to 50 pounds. (Philmont height and weight guidelines will be strictly enforced.)
• Be a registered member of both the BSA and a local OA lodge.
• Scouts from the same unit, or otherwise acquainted, will be placed in separate crews. No Exceptions!

Flash Presentation
OA Trail Crew

NOAC Videos
QuickTime Format

2005 Application
OA Trail Crew Application

The Order of the Arrow, in cooperation with the Florida Sea Base, is offering Arrowmen an opportunity to cheerfully serve the greatest ecosystem on our planet--the ocean. Under the direction of the National Marine Sanctuary and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), experienced Florida Sea Base staff with strong Order of the Arrow backgrounds will lead participants on a two week scuba diving adventure in the beautiful waters of the Florida Keys.

The program is a 13 day experience in which participants will have the opportunity to explore and serve the undersea world. One-half of the Ocean Adventure program will be PADI SCUBA training and certification, which will be held at the Florida Sea Base. The remaining portion of the program will focus on rendering cheerful service to the ocean marine life and coral reefs of the Florida Keys.

PADI SCUBA certification requires a significant amount of independent study, which will need to be completed prior to arrival at the Florida Sea Base. The service will consist of a variety of projects, as defined by the National Marine Sanctuary and NOAA, some of which will be underwater cleaning or monitoring projects. In addition to SCUBA certification and undersea service, participants will strengthen leadership skills, learn more about marine environments, strengthen understanding of the Order of the Arrow, and explore the history of the beautiful Florida Keys.

Requirements:

• Be at least 16 years old the day your program begins, but not yet 21 by its conclusion.
• Be physically fit, and able to comfortably pass the B.S.A. swim test.
• Must be in good health evidenced by a Sea Base Class III medical form filled out and signed by your doctor within the past 12 months. People weighing 300 pounds or over are not allowed to participate in Sea Base High Adventure.
• Be a registered member of both the B.S.A. and a local OA lodge.

Flash Presentation
Coming Soon!

NOAC Videos
Windows Media Format
QuickTime Format

2005 Application
OA Ocean Adventure Application

Philmont Scout Ranch is offering you an opportunity to join other Scouts in giving meaningful service, the formation of lasting friendship, and development of your leadership skills in the beautiful mountains of Philmont Scout Ranch. Under the direction of experienced Philmont staff members, you will take part in a week-long service-based program.

The work will be strenuous but fun. You will be expected to work eight or nine hour days in all types of conditions. It will be imperative that you work with great diligence, as your time to make a positive impact on Philmont will be limited.

This seven day program will provide you a chance to not only give service to the Ranch, but a chance to build friendships across the country. It will challenge you mentally, physically, and spiritually.

Requirements:

• Be 18 years by the day your program begins, but not yet 26 years old by its conclusion.
• Be physically fit, able to lift and handle materials up to 50 lbs. (Philmont height and weight guidelines will be strictly enforced.)
• Be registered with Boy Scouts of America with BSA membership and approved by your council's Scout Executive.

NOAC Videos
Windows Media Format
QuickTime Format

2005 Application
Philbreak Application