For nearly 100 years, the Order of the Arrow has purposefully recognized Scouts and Scouters who best exemplify the Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives. Therefore, our organization’s centennial provides a unique opportunity to commemorate those among us who are exemplars of the “high ideals and purpose of the Order of the Arrow.” The Centurion Award aims to highlight “Hometown Heroes,” or Arrowmen who have meaningfully contributed to the forming, maturing and ongoing operational excellence of their local council’s lodge, and who, in doing so, inspired others to follow in their footsteps.

This award is a one-time recognition associated with the centennial anniversary of the OA that is bestowed by the national Order of the Arrow committee. It is modeled after a similar program in the BSA’s 100th anniversary celebration, the 2010 National Hall of Leadership. Accordingly, this recognition is an opportunity to highlight lodge development over the last century and the many individuals, both youth and adult, who were instrumental to this success. These honorees will serve as exemplars of leadership, modeling to others a commitment to cheerful service as the Order of the Arrow enters its second century.

Each Lodge will have the opportunity to recognize people from their history as “hometown heroes.” Every lodge will be able to award 1 Centurion awards for each 100 people on its 2013 recharter. Nominations can be made for individuals for both youth and/or adult service. The youth service must have been no less than 3 years, while adult service must have been no less than 6 years. Therefore and adult who is 27 years old or younger is ineligible to be nominated for the centurion as an adult as they did not complete 6 years of service. Lodges will recognize a ratio of youth and adult members which the ratio will always be in favor of the youth or 50:50. Deceased members are also eligible to receive this award. Your lodge may have a different nomination period, but all nominations are due to the national office prior to February 28, 2015.

Please forward any questions that you have to you Lodge’s Key 3 who will be able to assist you further.

If you would like to read more about the award, please refer to the national website. http://www.oa-bsa.org/pages/content/centurion-award

If you would like to view the nomination form, please see http://www.oa-bsa.org/uploads/events/100th/Centurion_Award_Petition.pdf