The Order has changed its mission and purpose several times in the past 109 years, including this past summer… revealed at NOAC.
For more information about this update, see the related National OA post.
There are four meaningful changes from the current mission and purpose.
A specific commitment to retention in Scouting America. Our vision now explicitly commits us to keeping all young people in Scouting—not just Arrowmen.
Broader service to all of Scouting America. The revised mission and purpose challenges the whole Order to serve non-members.
Emphasis on peer leadership. The refined purpose calls on us go beyond fellowship and service to emphasize developing leaders.
Recognition for Scouts and Scouters. The revised purpose calls on us to build our brand so the honor of membership is known both inside and outside of Scouting.
It’s also important to note what’s not changing: we remain Scouting’s National Honor Society; fellowship, cheerfulness and service remain at the core of who we are; the program is youth-led and adult-guided; among many other things that will not change.