ORDER OF THE ARROW 

The Order of the Arrow is a service organization of the Boy Scouts of America made up of honor campers dedicated to promoting quality Scout camping.  Founded in 1915, the Order is almost as old as the Scouting movement in America.  Since its inception at Treasure Island Scout Camp near Philadelphia, the Order has had an influence on the lives of millions of Scouts.

This influence is realized in the experiences that mold young men into leaders of the Scouting movement by providing them with additional leadership and service opportunities that they can use to guide their units.  As a "Brotherhood of Cheerful Service", the Order recognizes Scout campers, develops and maintains camping traditions and spirit, promotes year-round Scout camping, and strives to crystallize the Scout habit of helpfulness and cheerful service.

The Aina Topa Hutsi Lodge was formed in 1931 becoming the sixtieth lodge of the Order of the Arrow and adopting its name which translated from the Sioux language means "Arrowhead Lodge".  The totem or symbol of our lodge is the Perpetual Burning Fire.

Arrowmen in the Aina Topa Hutsi Lodge meet the purposes of the Order of the Arrow through its various lodge committees:  Activities, Membership, Food Service, Indian Heritage, Ordeal, Brotherhood, Vigil Honor, Conference Affairs, Publications, Camping Promotion, Ceremonies, Service and Unit Elections.  Members of our Lodge can be distinguished by the lodge pocket flap worn above the right pocket of their Scout uniform and by the distinctive white sash emblazoned with a red arrow which is worn over the right shoulder during times of service to their lodge.

Every camping unit should hold an election for membership in the Order of the Arrow during the fall of each year.  A candidate for membership must be of at least First Class rank, must have completed a minimum of fifteen days and nights of camping within the last two years including at least one long term camp of six days duration and should exemplify the Scout Oath and Law in his daily life.

The members of the Aina Topa Hutsi Lodge of the Order of the Arrow continue to give back to Scouting through their service and leadership the excitement that they have experienced in hopes that the younger Scouts who follow will find Scouting and Scout camping a rewarding experience.