Scouting's Honor Society
Order of the Arrow
The Order of the Arrow (OA) is Scouting America’s National Honor Society, recognizing Scouts and Scouters who best live the Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives. As a peer‑elected, youth‑led organization, the OA emphasizes leadership, service, and fellowship, bringing members together to strengthen Scouting and serve their communities. Through meaningful service and shared experiences, the Order of the Arrow challenges its members to lead with character and purpose.
Jaccos Towne Lodge
Jaccos Towne Lodge is the local lodge of the Order of the Arrow serving the Crossroads of America Council in central Indiana. As part of Scouting America’s National Honor Society, the lodge brings together Scouts and Scouters who exemplify the Scout Oath and Law to provide cheerful service, develop leadership, and strengthen Scouting across the council. Through lodge events, service projects, and fellowship, Jaccos Towne Lodge supports local units and camps while fostering a strong sense of brotherhood among its members.
Kickapoo Chapter
The Kickapoo (KPO) Chapter is a chapter of Jaccos Towne Lodge within the Order of the Arrow, serving the Wabash Valley District of the Crossroads of America Council. The chapter supports Scouts and units across Vigo, Vermillion, Clay, Parke, Sullivan, and Putnam counties by promoting leadership, fellowship, and cheerful service at the local level. As part of Jaccos Towne Lodge, the Kickapoo Chapter helps connect Arrowmen in western Indiana through regular meetings and service to Scouting and the community.
Election to the Order of the Arrow
A Scout becomes a member of the Order of the Arrow by first meeting eligibility requirements, including holding at least the First Class rank, completing 15 nights of Scout camping within the previous two years, and receiving approval from their unit leader. Eligible Scouts are then elected by the youth members of their unit, recognizing those who best exemplify the Scout Oath and Law. After election, candidates complete the Ordeal, an induction experience focused on service, reflection, and personal growth, which officially welcomes them into the Order of the Arrow.
Membership Levels
The Order of the Arrow has three membership levels, called honors, and all members are considered equal regardless of level. Ordeal membership is the initial stage, marking a Scout’s induction into the Order through an experience centered on service and reflection. Brotherhood membership follows, allowing members to seal their commitment to the ideals of the OA and Scouting after a period of service. The Vigil Honor is the highest recognition, bestowed upon a limited number of Arrowmen who have provided exceptional and selfless service to their lodge, summer camp, Scouting, and their communities
Upcoming Events
Three Ordeal and Brotherhood Gatherings
Ordeal Ceremony (Induction)
The Ordeal ceremony is the first step into membership
The Ordeal ceremony is the first step into membership in the Order of the Arrow. It formally welcomes candidates who have been elected by their peers and successfully completed the Ordeal experience. Publicly available OA information explains that the Ordeal is designed to emphasize selflessness, reflection, and service, and to encourage candidates to look inward at how they live the Scout Oath and Law in daily life.
The experience is intentionally challenging and symbolic, reinforcing the idea that OA membership is earned through cheerful service, not given automatically. Those who complete the Ordeal are recognized as Ordeal members of the Order of the Arrow.
Brotherhood Ceremony
The Brotherhood ceremony represents the completion of a member’s induction into the Order of the Arrow. After a period of service as an Ordeal member (at least six months), a member may choose to seal their membership through the Brotherhood ceremony.
Public OA resources describe the Brotherhood ceremony as placing greater emphasis on understanding and commitment, deepening the meaning of the Obligation, reaffirming dedication to service, and recognizing continued participation in Scouting and the lodge. Completion of this ceremony signifies full membership in the Order of the Arrow and a renewed pledge to live out the ideals of brotherhood and cheerful service
There will be three ceremonies over the next several months:
Spring Ordeal
May 15, 2026
Camp Kikthawenund — Frankton, Indiana
Summer Ordeal
August 21, 2026
Camp Krietenstein — Center Point, Indiana
Fall Ordeal
September 18, 2026
Ransburg Scout Reservation — Bloomington, Indiana
