2012 National Order of the Arrow Conference

by Devin Boyer 

As most already know, at the age of 21 you become an adult member of the Order of the Arrow. For many who have been active youth Arrowmen for several years, this can sometimes be a bumpy transition. –I would know. I celebrated my 21^st birthday on Tuesday.

Turning 21 years old has certainly marked the start of a remarkable period in my life. The Order of the Arrow has provided me with so many amazing opportunities while growing up. From trips to Alpine, NJ for NLS and Bloomington, IN to attend NOAC 2009, to watching my lodge celebrate our 90^th anniversary by watching a fireworks display over my Scout camp, it has been an amazing experience so far.

Being an Arrowman is not simply about enjoying the opportunities available in the Order of the Arrow. It’s about leadership and service. If you’re still a youth member of the Order of the Arrow, take advantage of any opportunity to serve and to lead others – other Scouts, other Arrowmen, other Americans. You need not serve in some flashy manner, but can serve in a way that counts. In that way, when you do age out, you are able to look back and trust that you have changed the world for the better.

However, knowing that opportunity in the Order of the Arrow extends past youth membership and into adviser-hood is integral. Experience pays off, especially when you can share it with others. Your knowledge is valuable in working with younger Arrowmen to shape the future of whatever program you are involved in. Perhaps becoming an adult in the Order of the Arrow means you keep helping out with the same committees and programs you served as youth. It also provides an ideal chance to examine new opportunities. Take the insight from your role as a youth and use it to guide other youth members forward, even if it is in a completely different part of the OA.

The transition from youth to adult in the Order of the Arrow is often one met with confusion. While I know that my transition will take some time, my experience leads me to two closing pieces of advice. If you’re still a youth member, take advantage of every opportunity to serve. When your time as a youth comes to a close, you will be able to walk away confidently, knowing that you have left your mark. If you just transitioned to adult membership, or are about to, stop to consider new opportunities. A long but interesting journey lies ahead. It’s up to all Arrowmen, young and old, to help our fellow Brothers through this journey.