My name is Jessica Fleming, I am a Brotherhood member from Eluwak Chapter. I am currently Vice Chief of Communications for Eluwak and hold the position of OA Troop Representative Chairman for Occoneechee Lodge.  I’m very excited to be working with everyone! If you have any questions my email is trooprep@lodge104.net.

 

Position Overview

The Order of the Arrow Troop Representative is a youth serving their troop as the primary liaison to the troop’s lodge or chapter. The Troop Rep meets the unit’s needs by providing a communication and programmatic link to and from all Arrowmen, Scouts who are not presently members of the Order, and adult leaders. These efforts are meant to assist the unit and its members in achieving the mission of Scouts BSA, and at the same time fulfilling the lodge’s role in the Strategic Plan of the Order of the Arrow of being an integral part of the council. By setting a good example, they will enhance the image of the Order as a service arm to their unit.

OA Troop Representative Duties:

  • Attends troop and chapter or lodge meetings regularly as a youth representative of the troop and Order.
  • Serves as a two-way communication link between the troop and the lodge or chapter.
  • Arranges with the lodge or chapter election team to conduct an annual Order of the Arrow election for the troop at a time approved by the Patrol Leaders Council.
  • Arranges with the lodge or chapter for at least one camp promotion visit to the unit annually.
  • Makes at least one high adventure presentation to the troop, to include the OA programs, annually.
  • As requested by the SPL, participates in Troop Courts of Honor by recognizing: high adventure participation of troop members, induction of new OA members, changes in OA honors of troop members, leadership of troop members, and other appropriate activities.
  • Coordinates the Ordeal Induction process for newly elected candidates by: ensuring they know the time and location of the Ordeal, providing information of what to bring to the Ordeal, assisting (as needed) in arranging transportation to the Ordeal, and offering assistance (as needed) to the lodge in the Ordeal process.
  • Assists current Ordeal members in the troop in sealing their membership by becoming Brotherhood members by: ensuring they know the time and location of Brotherhood opportunities, assisting (as needed) in arranging transportation to the Brotherhood opportunities, and offering assistance to the lodge (as needed) in the Brotherhood process. They may also, at the discretion of the PLC, offer periodic training and discussions of OA principles, symbolism, and the Legend as needed by and appropriate for the troop members of the Order.
  • Leads at least one troop service project for the community or charter partner during the year. May also serve, at the discretion of the PLC, as the troop’s service chairman.
  • Assists the troop (as appropriate) as a trainer of leadership and outdoor skills.
  • In all cases, advocates environmental stewardship and Leave No Trace camping.
  • Sets a good example by: wearing the Scout uniform correctly, showing Scout spirit, and living by the Scout Oath, the Scout law and the OA Obligation.

Qualifications:

  • Under 18 years old
  • Appointed by SPL with SM approval
  • OA Member in good standing

Reports To:

  • Senior Patrol Leader
  • May be included as a member of the PLC at the discretion of the troop leadership.

Term:

  • Serves for a 12 month period
  • Appointed 60 days before the unit election to facilitate election procedures and fulfill follow-up duties
  • May continue to coordinate with Ordeal candidates elected during his term as they progress to Brotherhood membership even after his term has expired.

Flow of Information

The following is a list of information that needs to flow between the OA Troop Representative and the Lodge or Chapter:

Lodge/Chapter to Unit:

  • Lodge/Chapter Calendars
  • Unit Elections visit
  • Camp Promotions visit
  • Community service project opportunities
  • Invitations to Ordeal members to obtain Brotherhood membership
  • Invitations to candidates to attend their Ordeal
  • Resource lists
  • OA Representative Registration Forms
  • Encourages OA members to be active in their Lodge and Chapter

Unit to Lodge/Chapter:

  • Does the unit conduct monthly campouts?
  • Does the unit attend a long-term camp?
  • Do the unit’s older scouts participate in high adventure programs?
  • Does the unit need assistance with its outdoor program?
  • Does the unit need assistance with community service projects?
  • Does the unit need assistance with training?
  • Do the unit’s OA members participate in Lodge and Chapter functions?
  • Name of the new OA Troop Representative
  • Reaction of the Troop members to the Lodge and Chapter program