Unit Representative

An opporunity to serve your Unit

If you are an arrowman who regularly attends both your unit and village meetings, then approach your SPL and tell them that you want to be the Unit OA Rep! The main responsibility of the Unit Rep is to carry information between the OA and the units; if you already go to both meetings, then the job shouldn't be very hard! The Unit Rep is a regular BSA leadership position, so it counts towards the leadership requirements for rank advancement if you need it. And, you can buy the Unit Rep patch to wear on your uniform!

From the National OA Website

What Is the OA Troop/Team Representative?

The Troop/Team Representative program was begun in 1999, and is a program of the Order of the Arrow that has been officially adopted by the Boy Scouts of America. The OA Representative is now an official leadership position within the troop or team, and boys can earn time towards their leadership rank requirements, just as with Den Chief, Troop Scribe, or any of the other leadership positions.

What Are the Responsibilities of the Troop/Team Representative?

There are numerous possibilities for the job description of the OA Representative. The beauty is that it is flexible enough to allow your unit to fine-tune the exact responsibilities. However, the most basic tasks of the Representative will be to coordinate service opportunities within the unit, to coordinate unit involvement with the Order of the Arrow, including Unit Elections, Camp Promotions, and Inductions, and request lodge and chapter resources to help meet unit needs.

Who Can Serve as a Troop/Team Representative?

Anyone in the unit who is under the age of 18 can serve as the OA Representative for the unit, provided he is a dues-paid member of the Order of the Arrow. He should be appointed by the Senior Patrol Leader or Varsity Team Captain, and will be a member of the Patrol Leaders' Council and attend lodge and chapter meetings.

Will There Be an Adviser for the Troop/Team Representative?

As with all positions in the Order, the OA Representative should have an adult as his Adviser. This adult needs to be 21 years of age or older, a dues-paid member of the Order of the Arrow, and be appointed by the Scoutmaster.

Does This Position Count for Rank Advancement?

Scouts may use the Order of the Arrow Troop/Team Representative position to meet the leadership position requirements for the Star, Life, and Eagle ranks. As BSA publications are revised and updated, they will include this new position.

How can 18 to 20 Year-olds be Involved?

Youth Arrowmen who are 18 or older can serve as a lodge or chapter chair or as a liaison for the Order of the Arrow Troop/Team Representative program. They can play a critical role in the Lodge Structure for the program.

How can I get the Badge of Office?

The OA Troop Representative and OA Team Representative badges of office are available from BSA National Supply, or the SFBAC Scout Shop. Interested Arrowmen should ask for:
"OA Troop Representative badge", BSA item #00237
"OA Team Representative badge", BSA item #00236

OA Troop Representative Job Description

An Order of the Arrow Troop Representative is a youth liaison serving between the local OA lodge or village and his troop. In his troop, he serves as a communication and programmatic link to the Arrowman and adult leaders and Scouts who are not presently members of the Order. He does this in a fashion that strengthens the mission of the lodge and purpose of the Order. By setting a good example, he enhances the image of the Order as a service arm to his troop.

OA Troop Representative Duties

• Serves as a communication link between the lodge or village and the troop.
• Encourages year round and resident camping in the troop.
• Encourages older Scout participation in high adventure programs.
• Encourages Scouts to actively participate in community service projects.
• Assists with leadership skills training in the troop.
• Encourages Arrowmen to assume leadership positions in the troop.
• Encourages Arrowmen in the troop to be active participants in the lodge and/or village activities and to seal their membership in the Order by becoming Brotherhood members.
• Sets a good example
• Enthusiastically wears the Scout uniform correctly.
• Lives by the Scout Oath, Scout Law and OA Obligation
• Shows Scout spirit

OA Troop Representative Qualifications

• Under 18 years old
• Appointed by SPL with SM approval
• OA Member in good standing

OA Team Representative Job Description

An Order of the Arrow Team Representative is a youth liaison serving between the local OA lodge or village and his Varsity Team. In his team, he serves as a communication and programmatic link to the Arrowman and adult leaders and Varsity Scouts who are not presently members of the Order. He does this in a fashion that strengthens the mission of the lodge and purpose of the Order. By setting a good example, he enhances the image of the Order as a service arm to his team.

OA Team Representative Duties

• Serves as a communication link between the lodge or village and the team.
• Encourages year round and resident camping in the team.
• Encourages Varsity Scout participation in high adventure programs.
• Encourages Varsity Scouts to actively participate in community service projects.
• Assists with leadership skills training in the team.
• Encourages Arrowmen to assume leadership positions in the team.
• Encourages Arrowmen in the team to be active participants in the lodge and/or village activities and to seal their membership in the Order by becoming Brotherhood members.
• Sets a good example
• Enthusiastically wears the Varsity Scout uniform correctly.
• Lives by the Scout Oath, Scout Law and OA Obligation
• Shows Team spirit

OA Team Representative Qualifications

• Under 18 years old
• Appointed by Varsity Team Captain with Varsity Scout Coach approval
• OA Member in good standing