Welcome Candidates

Congratulations on your election into the Order of the Arrow!

Becoming a member of the Order of the Arrow (OA) is an esteemed recognition. To be chosen by your fellow Scouts to become a part of our brotherhood is one of the greatest compliments a Scout can receive, and your election shows your commitment to Scouting’s ideals. Through the OA, you will have the opportunity to meet many people who share your passion for Scouting, many of whom may become your great friends. And, of course, OA events are some of the most fun you’ll have in Scouting! After you complete your Ordeal, a new world of fellowship is opened up to you, with opportunities to meet Arrowmen from the Middle Tennessee Council and the nation!

The Order of the Arrow provides many opportunities as an extension of Scouting. There are various leadership opportunities, ranging in scope from serving as an OA unit representative to serving as the National Chief! There are also opportunities for you to learn new skills, both for the outdoors and life, and to attend BSA National High Adventure bases — like Philmont Scout Ranch and the Florida Sea Base — at a reduced cost. Finally, the OA gives you the opportunity to attend many events and meet new people in your district, our council, the region, and around the nation. All that is required to take advantage of these opportunities is to be inducted as an OA member by completing your Induction Weekend.

June Induction Weekend: May 31 – June 2, 2024 @ Boxwell Reservation

August Induction Weekend: August 9 – 11, 2024 @ Boxwell Reservation

Information About the Induction Weekend

The Wa-Hi-Nasa Lodge offers two Induction Weekends each year, one at the beginning of June and the other at the beginning of August. The Induction Weekends are held at Boxwell Scout Reservation at Camp Stahlman. Candidates should plan on arriving between 5:00-7:00 PM on Friday and should expect to leave at about 10:00 AM on Sunday morning. Parents are asked to arrive Sunday morning at 9:00 AM for a parent orientation. Candidates should arrive with a full stomach on Friday because dinner is not provided Friday evening. Any arrivals after 7:30 PM will be turned away due to having missed crucial elements of the Induction.

Any concerns about allergies should be addressed to our registration chair and adviser at registration@wa-hi-nasa.org. Any questions about the event should be addressed to our Induction Weekend chair and adviser at induction@wa-hi-nasa.org. 

Parents, if you have any questions, please see our parent’s information page.

A Suggested Packing List is Below:

• BSA Medical Form Parts A and B
• A pack to carry all your personal equipment
• For the June Induction Weekend only, candidates will NOT need a tent or hammock
• For the August Induction Weekend only, candidates WILL need a tent or hammock
• Class A uniform (no merit badge sash)
• Sleeping Bag
• Ground cloth (such as a tarp)
• Toiletry items such as soap, towel, etc.
• Rain gear
• Work clothes you don’t mind getting dirty
• A pair of work gloves
• Pocket knife
• A full water bottle (1 liter)
• Cash for the Trading Post, as desired
• A good Scout attitude

Please do not bring:

• Any food or drinks (other than water)
• Radios, TVs, sheath knives, hunting knives, or computers
• Garbage bags or totes to carry items
• Items that violate BSA policies
• Valuables that you do not want lost/broken