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Basic Information
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.
Interested Arrowmen can get them at the Cornhusker Council Scout Shop. Ask for:
- "OA Troop Representative badge", BSA item #00237
- "OA Team Representative badge", BSA item #00236
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