How many Eagle Scouts :)

[Ian Curtis]

Originally Posted by compboy07

Myself, I am a huge proponent of the OA, being current chapter chief and very good friends with the lodge chief. While it may seem mysterious or confunded to some, in practice it makes perfect sense and helps the older scouts with leadership, staying active, and service in general. It has helped me make connections throughout my state, lifelong friends, and think more about my philosophy on life. What's more, it takes boy-led ideas to the extreme; the only adult acting in more than an advisory leadership position is the council chief executive.

Couple that with the outstanding outreach and programs (NLS, NOAC, camp chiefs, trail crew, et al.) and that's a major highlight of my life.

TLDR: OA is good for the bones. Also, patches.

I was never that active in the OA, but I also thought it was very worthwhile. I mostly just did the service events, but I thought even just the initiation process was really good at pushing Scouting ideals and getting you to reflect upon them.

And let's be honest, the sash with the stripes is waaaaay cooler than the one with just the arrows.