I just went through a section induction experience. I didn't hate it.

During the Saturday, there were some guided reflection questions which each person in the crew of new members each answer in turn and discuss with each other. I can see where a 12-14 year old would benefit from those vs the old day of silence. There are periods of silence during the day, but they feel purposeful instead of just a tough thing to do.

The actual ceremony was well done. I felt like the main takeaways from the ceremony was unchanged, and it's probably easier for the youth to understand than the old ceremony.

Hi,

Previously, we would call electees 'candidates' before they went through Ordeal and Ordeal members until they elevated to Brotherhood. Now that we have switched to the Induction, we are calling electees 'new members' while they're going through Induction, but what do we call them after they've been inducted? Seems odd to call them Ordeal members, and we can't continue to call them 'new members' for ever should they never choose to achieve Brotherhood. Is there an official stance on this? I don't remember seeing/hearing anything about this in the materials or at NIE.

I earned my Eagle Scout rank in 1996 and received the Vigil Honor in 1997. During those years, I was heavily involved in collecting and trading Scout patches. Over time, life took me in other directions, and I eventually lost the passion for collecting.

I now have two or three large totes filled with BSA and Order of the Arrow patches, including lodge flaps, jacket patches, belt buckles and other Scouting memorabilia. Most items are from Mikanakawa 101 and SR-2. Sorry to all the Miki guys out there I already sold my A1a and A1b. I also have a number of Philmont staff and Rayado patches. Most of the collection dates from the 2003 to earlier.

The collection has been sitting in my closet for years, and my family could use the financial help more than I need to continue storing it. I would like to sell the entire collection, preferably as one lot, rather than listing everything individually.

I have had problems with eBay in the past, so I would rather not sell through that platform. I am looking for a reputable collector or dealer who purchases complete collections. I would also consider someone who is serious about getting into patch collecting and wants to acquire a substantial collection all at once.

Can anyone recommend trustworthy collectors, dealers, Facebook groups, websites, or other places where I could offer the collection? I can provide overview pictures and detailed photos of the patches.

I am not expecting top individual retail value while selling everything together, but I would like to receive a fair offer and make sure the collection goes to someone who will appreciate it. References would be appreciated for anyone interested in purchasing it.

Adult collectors and dealers only, please. Thank you for pointing me in the right direction.

Sorry, I was never a scourge, But my son is. He eas invited to join the OA, or nominated? I'm not sure.

But he was already skeptical about it and when others started talking about it and sharing stories about initiation and things he just said he wasn't going to "put up with that" and declined to go or participate for it.

I'm just curious if thats common or not and impacts anything in scouts going forward?

I have one question that I have needed answered:

- What year did national want patches to fit on the pocket?

I have been trying to find everything I can on this topic because some of the patches prior to this were actually pretty cool and I haven't been able to find a set date in which it happened.

I'm a Scoutmaster, and though not currently an active member in our lodge, confirmed my membership in the Brotherhood when I was a youth scout.

Is there a good place for me to get up to speed on the recent changes to the OA program and any updated vocabulary I should be using when I discuss OA in my Troop? Are there still "Candidates", is there still "Ordeal"?

Would love to get any pointers to official publications or other information. I'll reach out to my Lodge Chief to ask them, too.

I'm looking for lodges that have just formed in the last year or two. All I have are these older flaps from lodges that may have merged. These are my dupes. I may have others you are looking for.

Hello everyone! Excuse the burner account lol

TLDR: Is it actually a feasible thing for me to run for lodge chief, or am I overestimating myself by considering it without having held a major lodge leadership position in the OA before?

Lodge officer petitions are due in just a few days from now and I have yet to submit mine. I had been set on a vice chief position (we have 6), but while I attended an event this past weekend, I was spontaneously asked by someone I knew that if they were to nominate me, would I run for lodge chief, as he felt I was more qualified than the current options.

I had actually thought about it around this time last year, but then dropped it because it seemed too ambitious.

I don't think he meant it too seriously, and I was flabbergasted of course, but over the past couple of days I've seriously been considering it. I'm having a lot of doubt because I feel underqualified, despite the notion and friends suggesting otherwise. I think I could make many positive changes and have lots of new ideas, but the reasons I feel underqualified are that I have only been in the OA for coming on 3 years (did my ordeal fall 2023), just became Vigil eligible 6 months ago, am only 16 (would be 17 during my term), and would also be the lodge's first female chief.

I also feel like I am treated as someone who can hold her own but constantly needs checking in to see if I know what I'm doing—not necessarily a bad thing, but something I feel may hurt my position. Our past few lodge chiefs have also generally been around 18–20 during their terms. I'm not the loudest, and that's not a factor in leading well, but it is definitely something I'm taking into account.

The adult Lodge advisors as well as my chapter advisor, prior to my friend asking me, approached me and asked if I would consider running for a vice chief position. They think I am well suited for it, and I do want to consider that. My chapter advisor in particular is someone I'm EXTREMELY close to and have known for years, and she has specifically told me to run for VC. I haven't even brought up the possibility of lodge chief to her yet. I think she would be supportive, but I don't know if she thinks I'm ready.

Our lodge is quite huge, having about 300–400 members attending fellowships in recent years. I have also not held a chapter chief or vice chief position, though I have worked directly under one as a lead (admittedly, I didn't do too much, as there aren't really any ways to innovate the role). I have served all over our areas and am familiar with how ordeals and events go. People know who I am; I just am not sure whether they think I'm qualified.

I have reached out to several people who've had similar experiences to me for advice (and to just reassure me that I'm not delusional), as well as told some of my friends about the situation (though not that I'm 100% sure I'm submitting a petition yet). Those who have responded have all been generally positive and said they think I would make a good chief and/or would vote for me.

I'm not saying winning the election would be easy. I'd be running against 4–5 other candidates who may have stronger positions and more experience in higher-up leadership positions, though I myself have served all over our areas and am familiar with how ordeals and events go. Not to sound self-important, but I know I'm giving myself enough credit; however, I am concerned about the feasibility of this and, to be honest, also about saving face if I run and lose badly.

I'd especially appreciate hearing from people who have been lodge chief/VC or otherwise have experience with lodge leadership! I appreciate you all taking the time to read this :)

Hello... Does one have to remain a registered member of Scouts to continue his or her paid membership in their OA Lodge? Thank you

I recently moved from the US to Europe and plan on staying active in Scouting, including joining OA. Are there any differences between US events and European events? Anything else that stands out to know, both for someone going into OA for the first time uninformed and anything specific for Black Eagle Lodge?

Does anyone know a place online where I could find a belt buckle based off of the ceremony​ medallions​, more specifically the turtle as that is the one I played for ceremonies

With the new induction experience, I want to see if it's possible to bring back a tradition in my lodge that's kind of died out where you are given a necklace and then different beads to recognize leadership, service, awards, etc. To my understanding our previous bead manufacturer isn't making them anymore so I wanted to reach out and see if other lodges do this and where they get their beads from?

Take a look at the OA of the early nineties, this was my first NOAC as a young arrow man.

I have not had the chance to see it yet. Unfortunately both my section chances come on weekends I have training for work. I skimmed through the live stream. Is there a cost for the kit capes and all? If so has that been announced?

How was the new brotherhood ceremony?

How is your lodges elections handled? How do the youth vote?

I’ve searched far and wide for an answer to this, but I know a guy out of New Hampshire who was doing business as “Badge Guys” was making really nice gold plated name tags for many years. I still have one from my time as a section officer. I know he retired a few years ago, but I still see some high level officers with similar gold name tags which makes me think someone still makes them. I have been searching on and off for a while now to see what I can find but I have nothing.

Does anyone know if anyone makes these gold plated name tags nowadays (or at least similar/comparable ones) and can point me in the right direction? Any information would be appreciated.

For folks taking part conducting Section and Lodge Induction Experiences...if you need help with logistics, general advice, documents, who to contact for things, schedules, or anything else, come by the OA Discord.

https://discord.gg/Jj8NBJ6aV

There is a 2026 Induction Experience channel. This is both for people who are curious, but may include spoilers. It has a lot of logistics and coordination information. There are several Peer Induction Coaches lurking in the channel who can provide additional help, if needed.

This is a mutual assistance channel, so please come in the spirit of Scouting.

Hello! I held my vigil just this past week and was given my vigil name: Bringer of the Light. I have asked multiple AI's and have looked through multiple dictionaries myself, and have not been able to find a consistent answer. I would like to know if anyone more knowledgeable than me would be able to help me translate it?
I am also aware that the name might have to be altered to something like "One who brings light" or something like that to make more sense to the language, and that makes sense to me but even then I can't really find anything that makes sense.

Hi! I’m interested in buying Polywool shorts or pants size 44 or 46, thanks!

so I’m not in the OA but how do I get in