National Programs:
Philbreak
Philmont Scout
Ranch is offering you an opportunity to join other Scouts in giving
meaningful service, the formation of lasting friendship, and development of
your leadership skills in the beautiful mountains of Philmont Scout Ranch.
Under the direction of experienced Philmont staff members, you will take part
in a week-long service-based program.
The work will be strenuous but fun. You will be
expected to work eight or nine hour days in all types of conditions. It will be
imperative that you work with great diligence, as your time to make a positive
impact on Philmont will be limited.
This seven day program will provide you a chance to
not only give service to the Ranch, but a chance to build friendships across
the country. It will challenge you mentally, physically, and spiritually.
• Be 18 years by the day your program begins, but not
yet 26 years old by its conclusion.
• Be physically fit, able to lift and handle materials up to 50 lbs. (Philmont
height and weight guidelines will be strictly enforced.)
• Be registered with Boy Scouts of America with BSA membership and approved by
your council's Scout Executive.
*No exceptions will be make
to these requirements. Selection for this program is competitive and is both an
honor and a privilege.
OA Wilderness Voyage
The National Order of the Arrow is offering you an
opportunity to join Arrowmen from across the country in cheerful service and
the formation of lasting brotherhood on the pristine US/Canadian Boundary
Waters. Under the direction of the United States Forest Service, experienced
Charles L. Sommers staff
members with strong Order of the Arrow backgrounds will lead participants on a
two week voyage into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW).
The program is a fourteen-day experience inspired by
the traditions of the French and Canadian Voyageurs who ventured the northern
wilderness during the 1700-1800's. Traveling thousands of miles by water and
portage, these Voyageurs were hired to haul goods and furs to trade with Native
Americans and Europeans. In the spirit of these adventurers, Arrowmen will
embark on a voyage that is twofold. One-half of the OA Northern Tier Wilderness
Voyage focuses on portage trail and campsite maintenance within the Boundary
Waters. The remaining expedition is spent on a canoeing adventure that is
planned and chosen by the participants in the program. In other words, each
crew plans their own voyage! However, the program is not simply portage trail
work, camping, and canoeing. The OA Northern Tier Wilderness Voyage is
ultimately a journey that challenges Scouts mentally, physically, and
spiritually.
• Be at least 16 years old the day your program
begins, but not yet 21 by its conclusion.
• Be strong and robust (Charles L. Sommers height and
weight guidelines will be strictly enforced.)
• Be a registered member of both the BSA and a local OA lodge.
*No exceptions can be made to these requirements. This
program is voluntary and selection for the Order of the Arrow Northern Tier
Wilderness Voyage is both an honor and a privilege.
OA Wilderness
Voyage Application Form
OA Trail Crew
The Order of the Arrow is offering you an opportunity
to join other Arrowmen in cheerful service and the formation of lasting
brotherhood on the trails of Philmont Scout Ranch. Under the direction of the
Philmont Conservation Department, experienced Philmont staff members with
strong Order of the Arrow backgrounds will lead participants on the two week
trail crew and trek.
The program is a fourteen day experience. The first week
focuses on trail construction and maintenance under the guidance of Philmont
trail crew foremen. The second week is a seven day backpacking trek that is
designed by the participants. The program is not simply building trail and
hiking though, the OA Trail Crew is ultimately a journey that challenges Scouts
mentally, physically, and spiritually.
Trail building is tough. The worksite experience is
full of long, strenuous days requiring a great deal of physical effort.
Participants are expected to work with great diligence as the trail that is
being built is designed to last over 75 years and protect the beautiful
landscape of Philmont Scout Ranch. Other than trail building techniques, Scouts
will strengthen their leadership skills, learn advanced wilderness and
low-impact camping skills, observe and participate in group wilderness safety,
good judgment, and motivation activities, and receive special OA instruction.
The project's mission is to maintain, reinforce, and
enhance the purpose of the Order of the Arrow by using Scout camping
traditions. Participants are expected to use their experience to benefit their
troop, chapter, lodge and council programs. Camping is a method of Scouting
that enhances and builds stronger programs and people.
• Be at least 16 years old the day your program
begins, but not 21 by its conclusion.
• Be physically fit, able to lift and handle materials up to 50 pounds.
(Philmont height and weight guidelines will be strictly enforced.)
• Be a registered member of both the BSA and a local OA lodge.
• Scouts from the same unit, or otherwise acquainted, will be placed in
separate crews. No Exceptions!
*No exceptions can be made to these requirements.
Selection for this program is competitive and is both an honor and a priviledge.
OA Trail Crew
Application Form
OA Scoutreach Mentoring Program
The goals of this program are:
• To act as a positive influence in the midst of
dramatic social, political, economic, and demographic forces affecting urban
and rural communities.
• To increase advancement and camping opportunities for Scouts in urban and
rural troops whose programs, leadership, and resources are limited.
• To provide additional, positive youth and adult role models for disadvantaged
urban and rural Scouts and adult leaders.
• To create a "guided discovery" for Order of the Arrow members to
reflect on the ideal of "He alone is worthy to wear the arrow who will
continue faithfully to serve his fellow man."
• To fulfill the Order of the Arrow Strategic Plan.
• To create the opportunity for more urban and rural Scouts to become eligible
for membership in the Order of the Arrow.
Scoutreach
Mentor Application Form
More information about any national program not seen here is available on the National Order of the Arrow Website.