The History of the Order of the Arrow

The Order of the Arrow was founded during the summer of 1915 at Treasure Island, the Philadelphia Council Scout Camp, by Dr. E. Urner Goodman and Carroll A. Edson. Goodman and Edson wanted some definite form of recognition for those Scouts in their camp who best exemplified the spirit of the Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives. Since the Valley of the Delaware was rich in Indian tradition and the site was an island used in bygone days as a camping ground of the Indians, it seemed only natural to base this brotherhood of honor campers on the legend and traditions of the Lenni Lenape or Delaware Indians.

In preparation for summer camp, Goodman read several books on camp. One book impressed him with its description of a camp of brotherhood which has been used to continue the traditions and ideals of the camp from season to season. Goodman and Edson agreed that they would try to establish a program of this type in their camp. As a result, they prepared a simple yet effective ceremony that, in turn, led to the organization of what later to become known as the Order of the Arrow.

In the first year, 25 members were inducted into the Brotherhood. Many of the members wore a black sash with a white arrow on it. The black sash was used because it offered an excellent contract to the white arrow.

By 1917, news of the organization, Wimachtendienk, Wingolauchsik, Witahemui, spread to other Scout camps and inquires began. Goodman spoke to many interested Scouts and Scouters, and as a result, lodges were established in New Jersey, Maryland, New York, and Illinois.

From 1915 until 1921 the Order grew slowly. In 1921, steps were taken to establish the Order on a national basis. The first national convention was held on October 7, 1921, in Philadelphia, at which a national lodge was formed, composed of four delegates from each of the local lodges. Following the convention there was a steady growth in lodges and membership. At the suggestion of the national lodge, the Order of the Arrow became an official program experiment of the Boy Scouts of America in 1922. In May 1948, the National Executive Board, upon recommendation of its Committee on Camping, officially integrated the Order of the Arrow into the Scouting movement.

The growth of the Order of the Arrow through the years has never been based on an aggressive promotion plan. It came because councils believed in the ideals expressed by the Order and voluntarily requested that lodges be formed. The soundness of providing a single workable honor campers' brotherhood, rather than many is evident. Over 1 million Boy Scouts and Scouters have been inducted into the Order over the last 91 years. There are now over 183,000 active members. Today, the Order of the Arrow is recognized as Scouting's National Honor Society.