In 2017, the Order of the Arrow will continue its tradition of providing cheerful service to the National Scout Jamboree. More than 750 youth Arrowmen will answer the call to serve in Operation Arrow by staffing one of the OA’s program areas, which include the Service Corps, Trek Guides, and Indian Village.
Each program component of Operation Arrow carries a unique legacy of jamboree service and caters to various types of Arrowmen. The OA Service Corps, a tradition dating back to 1950, provides reliable manpower support to other essential jamboree programs. Service Corps staffers work to accomplish projects, both big and small, and exemplify the OA’s commitment to “service with a smile.”
The OA Trek Guides lead units on their day-long jamboree trek to the summit of Garden Ground Mountain, where participants spend a day enjoying unique programming. Trek Guides enjoy rugged, outdoor adventures and help their crews find fulfillment in their jamboree experience.
The OA Indian Village serves as the hub for American Indian programming. Indian Village staffers educate Scouts on American Indian life by teaching dance, craft, song and drumming.
In addition to these teams, the OA will have a small exhibit, shows, recreation, program, administrative services and non-emergency medical transportation staffs.
The 2017 National Scout Jamboree staff experience promises to be even more rewarding than previous years, based on improvements made in response to feedback received in 2013. Among other improvements, staff members will have greater access to onsite transportation to shorten the commute between staff lodging and workstations. Additionally, the jamboree leadership is committed to ensuring that all staff members receive at least one full day off to explore other jamboree areas. Finally, staff dining will be improved to include stronger lunchtime offerings and the incorporation of retail food stands in the design of staff villages. These changes are welcome news for new and returning OA staffers who work in intense, highly active programs.
The Operation Arrow team has been accepting applications to join our staff since October 2015, and our quota is filling quickly. Interested Arrowmen can find more information on our program areas and a link to apply by visiting the Operation Arrow website or by following @OperationArrow on Twitter. Prospective staff members should be able to commit to Session 1 (the full two week period), must be at least 16 years old by the start of the jamboree and must meet current BSA membership, training, and fitness requirements.
If you are unsure if you are able to commit just yet, but interested in staffing in 2017, you can fill out our interest form and a member of our Operation Arrow leadership team will reach out in the upcoming months with more information.
Furthermore, there are several opportunities for highly qualified youth Arrowmen, including Project 2013 alumni, to join our promotional efforts through the Operation Arrow Street Team, our grassroots promotional group, and the Ambassadors Program, a recruitment program for section and lodge leadership. Current and prospective youth Operation Arrow staff members are strongly encouraged to participate in these initiatives.
The summer of 2017 seems like a long time away, but planning for the next national Scout jamboree at the Summit Bechtel Reserve is already well underway. The Order of the Arrow will continue to release information about Operation Arrow staff opportunities and how to become involved in the coming months. We look forward to serving alongside you at the Summit Bechtel Reserve in 2017!
General questions about Operation Arrow staff and the OA’s role at the 2017 National Scout Jamboree can be directed to operationarrow@oa-bsa.org.
